Legal Studies MA: What our students say

"My interest in law stems from the bizarre and very frightening experience of being held up and robbed whilst working in an off-licence. Instead of letting this experience undermine me I decided to put it to use, and with the encouragement of the Victim Support Team, I set off on a journey into the legal profession and higher education. It started with my working for the Citizens Advice Bureau whilst still looking after my young family of three children. Their help and encouragement, and that of a tutor in my local college, planted the idea of a career at the Bar. The first step was my LLB at Kingston Law School, a hugely enjoyable experience which encouraged me to move on to the Bar Vocational Course.

"At Bar School I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did some students already hold masters degrees, but that we were being actively encouraged to gain a further degree as a means of distinguishing ourselves for our future practice. My contact with senior members of the profession convinced me that a postgraduate qualification was of increasing importance. The potential for research into a field I was fascinated by was tremendously appealing to me, as was the freedom of choice of an MA by thesis.

"The great thing about Kingston's Legal Studies MA is that it lets you work completely independently on your thesis, allowing you to continue in practice as you study. The supervision and the support is first class as is the quality of the teaching and supervision staff at the Law School. But then I would say that wouldn't I, now that I am a full time member of staff myself, and enrolled for my PhD!

"For me, the lure of the academic life was too strong to resist. My children are nearly all grown up now, with one at university herself, but the MA opened yet another door for me. For the moment I am very happy to continue to explore my research before considering practice again."