While many of my articles will be for all international students, this is particularly for those who wish to study law. As you’ve probably heard multiple times before, law is not an easy course to pursue. But it is also probably one of the most interesting and intellectually stimulating pathways. Not only do you explore different areas of the law and potentially laws of different countries, but you explore perception. There is no right or wrong answer in law as long as you’ve backed up your argument with evidence such as case law and statues.
It is worth noting that the first year is not graded and will not be counted towards your final score. The second-year counts for 35% of your final grade while the final year counts for 65%. Even though the first year is not graded, you must pass all your modules. In the event of failure, you will be given the chance to re-sit the module at the end of the year. Your academic year will consist of 2 terms and 4 modules per term. Lecturers will provide module handbooks that contain all necessary information such as office hours, breaks, timetables, module and assessment information. Considering most law modules are graded through either one exam or one coursework (aka summative), you will be given a formative exam (an exam that is not graded) during week 7. Lecturers and tutorial teachers will provide individual and group feedback.
The first year of law school is probably the hardest for international students. Not only are you directly going to core modules, but you’re also being introduced to a completely different education system. Essentially, your main priority in first year should be to master the IRAC technique which is identifying the issue and the rule, applying the scenario to the rule, and providing a conclusion. You will not be given the option to choose any elective in the first year. However, during your second year, you are given the option to choose one elective per term. Your second-year counts for 35%, you must master the IRAC technique and researching skills. While the modules you undertake in second year may be a bit confusing, lecturers and tutorial teachers will always be one email away. If you feel confused, do not hesitate to get in touch with them. Finally, you are given the opportunity to choose all 8 of your modules during your third year. if you have chosen to complete a dissertation, which is to be submitted by the end of year, you will undertake 6 modules instead of 8 as a dissertation counts for 30 credits (in contrast to modules that count for 15 credits). My advice to any international student that wishes to pursue law is the following:
- Join Law groups (e.g whatsapp, facebook)
- Make a study group and meet weekly
- Do not hesitate to ask for help
- Attend all lectures and tutorials even if they are recorded
- Most importantly, do your readings
On that note, I am also always happy to help and provide any assistance.
