LLB Law student — Lilian Tum

After studying the BTEC National Extended Certificate in Applied Law at college, Lilian decided to pursue the LLB Law with Criminology at the University of Salford

Why did you decide to study law?

Before I embarked on my undergraduate journey, I never thought about studying law. I didn't know what I wanted to study in sixth form either. Even now, I am still not fully set on my career plans.

My mother helped me decide what to do after leaving school. I was so confused about what would be best for me. She advised me to pick subjects that I was good at.

Law was a good option because it wasn't focused on numbers, and I've always been interested in criminal justice and the police.

When the time came to pick my degree options, I felt like the cycle was repeating itself as I found it hard to decide which course to choose. Again, my mother came to the rescue and said that as I'd studied law in sixth form and enjoyed it, why not just carry on with it at university? I then looked into studying a joint degree, which led to the LLB Law with Criminology.

Why did you choose this particular course and institution?

The University of Salford was actually my insurance (second) choice. The University of Manchester was my firm (first) option, and I'd always dreamt of going there. Both institutions offered the same course, but there was something about The University of Manchester that really appealed to me.

I needed to get AAA grades to get in though, so I worked hard and revised, praying and hoping that I would meet these requirements. However, on A-level results day things didn't turn out the way I expected, and I didn't get the grades I'd hoped for.

At this point my emotions were mixed, but at least I was able to get into university when many students didn't even receive offers. I'm now so grateful that I got in to the University of Salford as I'm very happy studying here.

How is the course structured and assessed?

My course is 100% delivered on campus. The lectures are typically two hours long, while seminars tend to take one to two hours. I have six lessons per week, so I don't need to go in to university every day.

I am assessed in a number of ways, including exams, essays, problem solving questions and compiling portfolios of work. Over the next year, I'll study modules in 'Media Law', 'Theoretical Criminology' and 'Public Law'.

What do you enjoy about your course?

Prior to studying law, I saw it as perfect - but it has opened my eyes to the fact that areas of law need urgent reform. For example, in criminal law it has been argued that the courts need to redefine words in homicide laws, so that any linguistic ambiguity is removed. This aspect of the course is something I enjoy delving into.

Furthermore, what I like about criminology is that there are no right or wrong answers, and you have the freedom to decide how you'd like to approach essay questions.

What are the challenges?

The main challenge for me is answering the problem questions. This is because they are in a specific format - ILAC (Issue, Law, Application and Conclusion) - which is sometimes tricky to follow. The questions may also have some ambiguity.

How have you managed your finances as a student?

I've done this by living with my parents, spending my money wisely, buying only what I need and looking for student discounts and offers.

What are your career ambitions and how will the course help you to achieve these?

I aim to work either in the legal sector or explore criminology. I have an interest in becoming a barrister. However, I'm planning on doing a Masters and PhD after my undergraduate degree.

My course will help me to achieve this by guiding me to the different options out there. Also, many of the assignments are similar to what I would need to do in a work environment, providing us with real-world scenarios. For instance, the problem questions in law relate to the work that solicitors and barristers have to do.

The university also informs us about work experience opportunities, placements and vacation schemes, which is a great help when planning your career.

Find out more

• Discover what to do on A-level results day.
• Read more about studying an undergraduate law degree (LLB).
• Consider the LLB Law with Criminology at Salford.