The University of West London

Dr Yaliang Xu - PhD Graduate
Bruno Perroni Vita - LLM Graduate
Faizeh Pourvastegar - LLB Graduate
Anne Johnson - Criminology Graduate
Peter Olszewski - LPC Graduate
Andrew Rampersad - LPC student
Lloyd Odain - Criminology student
Melanie Berry - LLM student
Natalie A.Dwomoh - LLB student



Dr Yaliang Xu
PhD Graduate
'I have found that Ealing Law School, University of West London is a very professional institute in developing student’s skills in research and relevant legal knowledge. The teaching in Ealing Law School is very focused and efficient. When I began my studies here, my knowledge relating to Criminal Justice was effectively at ground zero. After nearly four years studying at Ealing Law School I have gained incredible amounts of knowledge in my field.

From a professional perspective, Ealing Law School is the first institute where I have felt as though study can be a happy and enjoyable experience.

One of the greatest experiences I have had at University of West London (UWL) is that people here respect and care for others. UWL is one of the largest institutes, with a highly mixed group of people from many different backgrounds. Studying at UWL can sometimes make you feel as though you are at the United Nations! Hundreds of different cultures are present here, and there is a great chance to meet and get to know a wide range of very different people. UWL is located in a very cosmopolitan area in West London. It excellent transport links and areas for shopping.

I feel that overseas students are encouraged to come to Ealing Law School, UWL, and once you are here it will always feel like home. I would like to thank Professor Malcolm Davies and Mr Kwame Akuffo again, for all their support during the past four years and for the new chapter in my life that has now begun.'


Bruno Perroni Vita
LLM Graduate
'As an LLM International Law student at University of West London, I have the opportunity to gather both theory and practice in the same environment. Excellent Lecturers provide me with the required theory and a very well organised structure allows me to be part of a prestigious Institution, recognised by potential employers. In summer, I have been most fortunate to be given the opportunity to do some marshalling with a high court judge in London something that was solely organised by University of West London staff.'
 
Faizeh Pourvastegar
LLB Graduate
'The three years I spent at University of West London studying law (LL.B) HONS was my biggest dream coming true. I really enjoyed my time at University of West London, mainly because of the support network that the Law Staff offered me at all times. I felt that hard work at University of West London was reflected in my marks and appreciated by my tutors, particularly I felt this as I was continuously encouraged to do what I believed in and I wanted to do.

Despite the knowledge of how much competition there is in this field, I feel honoured to have studied at a University with diversity and a great support network. I always say even if I was offered a place at Oxford, University of West London would be my first choice. I know that my tutors contributed a great part in my success studying at the Bar Professional Training Course (formerly the Bar Vocational Course) at the College of Law in Bloomsbury, London. I never felt disadvantaged, despite competitors from Cambridge and Oxford.
 
Today I am a lawyer, thanks to University of West London, because they believed in me, and gave me a chance to prove what I am capable of and my potential. This has made me confident in what I do and proved that there is always hope and opportunities in life.

 For this I will always be grateful and proud of the fact that I am a University of West London graduate.'

Anne Johnson
Criminology Graduate
'Studying Criminology with Sociology at University of West London has been a fantastic experience. The lecturers on the criminology team are very knowledgeable and have always been able to answer any questions put to them, no matter how complex.

The modules available give you a great understanding of criminal law, the criminal justice system and criminological theories. Completing my degree has given me a number of skills that I will take forward into my career. The nature of the degree, involving work based learning modules, allows you to obtain valuable work experience which will set you apart from other criminology graduates.

Alongside my course I have also been an active member of the Students' Union and captained the netball team. I have had a brilliant time at University of West London and I would recommend the criminology course to all.'

Peter Olszewski
Full-time LPC graduate
The LPC course is rigorous and demanding and a lot of work is expected of the students. Most of the teaching is done through small group workshop sessions, where you learn by doing the kind of tasks that a trainee solicitor would be expected to do in practice.

It is a very different kind of approach to the academic stage of education and it takes a while to get used to it, but once you realise that you are expected to apply your legal knowledge to practical legal situations and learn how to use legal procedures and process on behalf of your client, then you can see yourself make progress, which is very satisfying. Because it is a small course the tutors get to know you very well and they can give you very targeted advice and feedback on how you could improve and further develop your skills.

I started to get some very good results in exams and assessments and that helped me apply myself even more enthusiastically to the course. I finished by gaining the top commendation in my year and was awarded a prize by the local Middlesex Law Society with which Ealing Law School has close links.

The LPC at the University of West London gives you the opportunity to have a short work experience placement in a local solicitors’ firm or in one of the local courts. I was particularly interested in personal injury law and was matched to a local firm specialising in this area. Unbeknown to me at the time, they had a vacancy for a training contract and they informally screened me for my aptitude for this post and subsequently offered it to me.

I have had a very worthwhile legal educational experience at the University of West London from the very basics to being made ready for professional practice as a trainee solicitor. I am now a qualified solicitor.

Andrew Rampersad
Part-time LPC student
'As a part-time class representative, I have thoroughly enjoyed my first year on the LPC at the University of West London. My success to date is primarily due to the excellent teaching I have received from my LPC tutors. The tutors make even the most complex of legal modules interesting and enjoyable.

Studying at the University is a pleasant and enjoyable experience given the wide range of resources and facilities available on the course. Also, I have found UWL’s legal career opportunities and strong networking opportunities extremely beneficial for my career in law.
The LPC operates a special student mentoring scheme dedicated to helping students gain vital legal work experience. The mentoring scheme has given me the opportunity to work at various firms of solicitors.

The overall structure of the LPC and the practical knowledge one gains at UWL have given me that greater sense of self-belief and confidence to become a solicitor.  Accordingly I would recommend UWL as an excellent institution to study the LPC.'

Lloyd Odain
BA Criminology, Policing and Forensic Science Student
'I am currently a student representative in my second year of a Criminology Policing and Forensics Science degree. Since my attendance I have found the university a joy to be part of. This is due to the quality and professionalism of lecturers at Ealing Law School. They have helped me to understand the theoretical background of criminology and also aided my development for better critical analysis of criminal matters. The modules available give you a great understanding of criminal law, the criminal justice system and criminological theories. The amalgamation of the theoretical aspects and my life experiences so far has truly enhanced my confidence, ability and skills in this profession. This I am sure will assist me in this field of work for many years to come. Thank you University of West London.'

Melanie Berry
LLM Student
In reflecting on my time at the University of West London, I have had a truly valuable experience. I have always aspired to do my Masters in Law and after specialising in the LLM International Business and Commercial Law programme, it has certainly equipped me with the knowledge and skill to offer a distinct edge in the workplace.

During my studies I have also gained work placement in a prestigious international law firm, working in the commercial litigation department. My LLM studies have had a direct impact and my ability to provide a specialised skill has been invaluable.

Arriving in London as an Australian qualified Lawyer to further my breadth and depth of knowledge, travel, culture, work and life experience with my husband has been the most fruitful and beneficial experience to date. I would definitely recommend the LLM course at the University of West London as a step toward a further fulfilling and rewarding legal career.

Natalie A.Dwomoh
LLB Student
'I am currently a law student at the University of West London and to sum up my experience so far one word would suffice, 'fantastic'. The course is simply well structured and tailored to meet your expectations, it is well equipped with learning materials and aids to enhance your learning. Most importantly the tutor's are so warm, accessible and always ready help. Not to mention, the great events and networking opportunities provided. I was able to secure a mini-pupillage within minutes of engaging with a Barrister at such events. What more can one want in a university!

Last year I was honoured in becoming the recipient of the Mike Molyneux Award for best achieving LLB Law student, I would not have achieved so much without the support I received throughout the academic year. They have exceeded all my expectations and much more.'