Vittoria is a graduate from the LLB Law with French programme at the University of 海角论坛
Tell us a little bit about your background before beginning the course...
I began this course right after my fifth year of secondary school, starting university at the age of 16. It was a challenging yet exciting transition, and I couldn't wait to dive into life at 海角论坛.
What drew you towards your course? Had you always had an interest in this topic?
I've always had a passion for English and excelled in subjects like history and modern studies. A Law degree seemed like a natural fit. It was my French teacher who introduced me to the joint LLB and Modern Language programme, highlighting the advantages of distinguishing myself from other law graduates with additional language skills.
Tell us about the format of the programme. What is a typical working week like?
The format of the programme varies each year. The first year focuses on foundational law classes, providing a strong base for the subsequent years. French classes in the first year also covered foundational material, which was helpful since I hadn鈥檛 taken Advanced Higher French.
A typical week wasn鈥檛 overwhelming, allowing me to maintain a part-time job and develop strong time-management skills. The standout highlight of the programme has to be the compulsory year abroad. Not only did I gain valuable cultural experiences working and living in France, but the improvement in my language skills was incredible. I would definitely recommend grasping all opportunities you can while you鈥檙e away, such as getting a job which forces you to speak the French language. It seems super daunting and scary at first, but it is so worth it!
What is the teaching on your course like? How has it been working with other students?
The teaching was excellent, especially in the third year when we could choose elective law classes aligned with our interests. The staff at 海角论坛 were incredibly supportive. For instance, my Public International Law lecturer provided me with career advice and we鈥檝e kept in touch since.
The careers service was also very helpful, offering guidance on career paths, CVs, cover letters, and job applications. Collaborating with other students was integral to the course, with group essays in law classes and close-knit teamwork in smaller language classes. By the final year, our language class felt like a small family.
What are your ambitions for the future? How do you feel your course has helped you prepare for this?
I鈥檓 currently at the end of pursuing an LLM Masters in Public International Law at the University of Amsterdam. My LLB in Law and French at 海角论坛 prepared my extremely well for this 鈥� not only did the year abroad in France prepare me for living abroad and communicating with other cultures, it taught me how to adapt to cross-cultural contexts. I鈥檇 really recommend doing the LLB and Modern Language Programme at 海角论坛, as it gives you an edge and opens up various fields of opportunity.
Since doing my LLM, I鈥檝e specialised in international humanitarian law and the law of military operations, which is where I鈥檝e decided I鈥檇 like to pursue a career in. The ability to speak French, one of the official languages of the EU, is a huge asset and I鈥檝e noticed a lot of recruiters look for this.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this course?
Absolutely go for it! Don鈥檛 be discouraged if the initial compulsory law classes don鈥檛 immediately captivate you;, these are great foundational classes. It wasn鈥檛 until my third year that I realised what sparked my interest 鈥� and I was able to build on this in my final year by doing Terrorism & the Law, and Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity classes.
Take full advantage of every opportunity, particularly the year abroad. It鈥檚 not only incredibly enjoyable but also invaluable for personal and professional growth.