Kym Freedman – LLB Law

'I’m currently in my second year of LLB Law at the University of Portsmouth’s Business School. I chose this course because it offered me not only the foundation needed so I can pursue my career as a barrister but also because the law degree at Portsmouth offers new and exciting modules currently being tested by the Law Society that no other university offers.

Unlike other law degrees in other universities, Portsmouth’s law degree has practical learning units where the students learn by doing; for example, in the first year we conducted an employment tribunal which went towards part of our coursework mark. In the second and third years there are opportunities to work with local law charities offering legal advice to the public, providing us with valuable experience.

I find the practical element particularly helpful as I am dyslexic and benefit from this style of learning. The staff at the Portsmouth Business School have been very supportive of my learning needs.

Most of the staff teaching on the law degree have worked in the law profession and use their experiences to help us to make the most of our time at university.

I would recommend this degree to anyone who likes a challenge and enjoys hard work.'

Pete Galvin - LLB Law and International Relations

'Choosing to study at Portsmouth proved to be an easy decision for me. Having visited the University a number of times when completing my UCAS application, Portsmouth stood out amongst the crowd. The University's fresh and friendly approach to potential students really impressed me. The general atmosphere around the Business School and the University as a whole was also markedly different from other city-based universities.

I’m pleased to say I wasn’t disappointed by my choice. Studying law and international relations has been challenging at times, but extremely interesting. I believe I have gained more from taking a combined honours degree than, say, studying straight law. Studying international relations has widened my whole academic perspective.

As for my choice of university, Portsmouth has more than lived up to expectations. My first impressions upon applying haven’t changed. All the staff at the Business School will go out of their way whenever you have an academic or personal problem.

I hope the varied skills I have developed throughout my university career will help me to fulfil my ambition of working for a law firm abroad.'

Ayisha Hajamaideen - LLB Law with Business

'The LLB Law with Business Degree consists of core law and business units required for a good understanding of the fundamentals of each subject. The course enables the student to pursue a career in either law or business. This also allows progression to study the Legal Practice Course (LPC) or Bar Vocational Course (BVC) for a professional qualification as a solicitor or barrister. I chose this combined honours degree because I enjoyed studying the subjects at A Level and had ideas of entering a profession which utilised both areas.

The course has provided me with a valuable insight into law and business at an in-depth level and equipped me with useful research and analysis skills which are of practical importance to the world of work. It also enables me to study the LPC after I graduate and pursue my aspiration of being a solicitor.

I've always liked studying at the Business School, particularly because the lecture halls and seminar rooms are equipped with the latest technology to aid efficient learning. The design and decor of the building present a professional and lively atmosphere. Furthermore, the computer suites and sections allocated for studying are calm, relaxed and convenient areas for group work or just to meet a friend.'

Matthew Champ- LLM Law

Matthew completed his LLB Law and Criminology undergraduate degree and his LLM Law Master's at the University of Portsmouth School of Law. He now has a place at Bristol to study the Bar professional training course, the next step to becoming a barrister.

'I’ve just won an Inns of Court Scholarship beating over 400 applicants from universities across the UK, including Oxford and Cambridge, which will help me financially when studying for the Bar professional training course next year.

The Harmsworth Scholarship is provided by the Middle Temple, one of the four Inns of Court which have the exclusive right to call men and women to the Bar. I’m really proud to be the first ever Portsmouth student to win.

The barristers who interviewed me were impressed by the amount of work experience I had arranged while at university. I was heavily involved in the University’s employment law clinic, a free service offering employment advice to members of the public.

The amount of support I’ve had at Portsmouth has been superb; my tutors have been fantastic and have helped me to build confidence. They also endorsed a practical approach to learning and if it wasn’t for their endless encouragement I can safely say that I wouldn’t have won the £7,000 scholarship, which will be a huge help to me next year.'