Aliyah

Former A Level Law, Sociology and English Literature student Aliyah talks about her experience at Callywith and studying Law at London South Bank University.

Previous school: Penrice Academy

Courses studied: A Level Law, Sociology and English Literature

Progression: Law - London South Bank University (LSBU)

How did Callywith support you in your application to university?

Callywith is full of genuine and supportive teachers who want to see their students do well, the process of actually applying for uni and the realisation of moving away was really stressful for me but my lecturers Tracey, Jen and Charlotte supported my journey which made things feel less scary.

How have your A Level studies helped you in your degree?

My Sociology A Level has played a massive role in helping me understanding law. I think it’s really important to consider all sociological theories such as feminism, crime and deviance to be able to have a wider view of the law, as well as teaching how to write critically! A Level Law obviously helped as well because I started uni knowing the basics of what I was learning, so this helped a lot with my confidence. It’s scary moving away from home and my mum and the country side to an unfamiliar busy city where I’m just off to get on with life, so the fact that I already had a basic understanding of what I was learning in first year was very reassuring – definitely not necessary though, I am the only person I have met on my course that has studied law previously and they’ve all been fine! Literature helped enable me to get used to writing essay’s minus the waffle. Being able to formulate an answer coherently is really important not only for exams but for effective notes as well.

How are you finding your course / experience at university?

I am really enjoying my time at uni. My course lecturers all really want their students to be the best they can and that shows through their teaching and support. I found myself loving contract law because of the lecturer, which is something I hated before getting to uni.

LSBU is one of the only universities in the country that has a legal advice clinic as part of the uni, it’s free to access by the public and it’s run by the students – I am awaiting an interview to be part of the advice team in my second year. It is recognised by the England and Wales Law Society and some leading solicitors also make up part of the team! LSBU is also in the heart of London, from my lecture room I can see the shard, the London eye and parliament, all within walking distance of the uni! Being so close to parliament and the supreme court felt like a good choice and I also felt like this city could offer me some good work experience opportunities. LSBU have loads of links to people established in the legal world who often come and do talks and networking activities at the uni.

What are you hoping to do in the future?

I have recently started thinking about doing a masters and a PHD degree because I love the idea of becoming a doctor, but that would be much later in my journey!