The Are you interested in studying law? Don't you know if you want to study law French or the right English Why not study both Discover the experience from a first-year student on the English and French law dual degree in London!
There is currently six universities in the United Kingdom that offer the joint degree in French law and English law. King’s College London, Queen Mary University London, University of Exeter and University of Leicester also allow the student to obtain the «Master 1» level from their partner French university, Students at UCL and University of Essex obtain a French «Licence» with their double degree.
Other universities, such as Warwick, offer a bachelor's degree in English law with French law, but with no possibility of obtaining a double degree.
Claire, a former Expat Student pupil, is studying for a double degree in law English and French at university Queen Mary She is from London. complete the first year of her four-year course and really enjoys her studies.
Claire confided in Expat Student: « It is an extraordinary experience, the subject is very interesting. I knew very little about English law and the common law, so it was fascinating to discover the differences between the English and French legal systems.
Studying in the first year of a dual Bachelor of Laws in English and French law
Despite the challenges and the intensity of the classes, Claire claims that she never had any trouble getting used to the English university system and praises the support of his tutors, who respond quickly to all his questions. His tutors are dedicated to his training and are still available to help him.
With only 30 English and French law students in Claire's year, she developed close relations with his professors and the other students. His classmates mostly come from international backgrounds, including students of French nationality who have lived abroad, and students who have lived and studied in France.
A typical day in the life of a female law student in Great Britain
University students enjoy increased freedom and independence, there is no two days are ever the same doing a joint degree in English and French law! However, Claire gave Expat Student a glimpse into her lTypical day.
There are a lot of self-employment in law studies. Claire works at the house or at the library. Her typical day might include two hours of lectures or seminars on the London campus, followed by an hour of tutorials. As part of her classes, Claire benefits from an hour of tutoring by subject and by week. After lunch, Claire goes to the university gym on campus, as she likes that everything is on campus and that it's cheap to join. In the afternoon, she likes to go to the library «We have a large library, it's nice to be able to work with your friends and discuss things that you don't understand. Our library is open 24 hours a day, but the afternoon is when I prefer to go.”.
«A joint honours degree in English and French law involves a lot of individual reading and essay-writing work. Even when we are not in class, my friends and I meet at the library to discuss our projects and essays.
After dinner, Claire spends time with her friends or studies in her room.
Learn English
Claire acknowledges that her university degree enabled her to improve When I was living abroad, I only knew spoken English, but this year I am learning how to write an essay, to do a formal presentation and to improve my specific vocabulary.
Her future legal career
Studying a joint honours degree in English and French law has given Claire a advantage in the job market, all the more so since few law students study two legal systems. Claire has not yet decided whether she wants to make a career in the English or the French legal system, but the dual degree allows her to keep her two open options. She explains: «I am currently interested in international law and I think that this dual degree will open up many more opportunities for me than simply doing a French law degree in France. When looking for internships during a Master's or in the final year, a joint honours in English law will be very useful and one will be able to value in the cover letter.
Internships and placements
Claire is currently doing an internship at Allen & Overy, an international law firm headquartered in London. Claire works in the Paris office in mergers and acquisitions. Claire told Expat Student: «It is fascinating, I'm learning a lot. I mostly do French law, which is really great because I haven't had the chance to study much French law this year.
Claire’s summer internship will enable her to acquire a work experience in the field of French company law and will help him with his studies next year.
Working while studying
Claire manages to juggle her studies and her work by using the app Host, which allows her to sign up for specific events and shifts rather than committing to a fixed work schedule. Being able to choose her working days allows her to prioritise her university studies while still earning a bit of money to live as a student.
For students who are more interested in a stable income and fixed hours, there are numerous part-time jobs for students in London, and indeed across the UK. From retail to tutoring, there is always something available, whatever your skills.
Living in London
Originally from Paris, Claire loved moving to a big city: «It's an extraordinary city, there are so many Neighbourhoods to discover. What I really love about London is that, whatever your interests, you'll find something for you always something to do or somewhere to go. There are so many restaurants and delicious dishes to eat, and the number of museums in the city is incredible. The National Gallery is very famous, and I recently saw that there is a Jack the Ripper museum that I would really like to visit. The city is a bit expensive, but you will always find something to do, whatever your budget.
Claire's tips for a successful first year studying abroad
Moving to a new country and studying a new subject can be intimidating, but Claire has one key piece of advice for any students thinking about studying abroad: «Don't be afraid, you'll have a great time!"
Claire also encourages first-year students to to get involved in as many as possible of associations and of activities If a student society interests you, go for it, you will have time to fit it into your studies. The first year is the ideal opportunity to get as involved as possible, meet new people and discover a new city. Don't be nervous about introducing yourself to people, everyone is new and they will all be friendly!
Do you want to study a joint English and French law degree? Or more generally study abroad? Expat Student can help you.
If you wish to study in the UK, Expat-Student can give you tailored advice and support you throughout the application process. Queen Mary University of London is just one of the universities offering a dual English and French law degree, alongside King’s College London, University College London, the University of Essex and the University of Exeter. Make the most of expertise and advice from Expat Student and realise your ambitions. Expat Student knows well the top British universities and can provide you with personalised support throughout the application process, whatever subject you wish to study.
Read more student and parent testimonials by clicking here.
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