Hi. I'm currently applying for a law degree (undergraduate) and my options are between Durham University for Law, Nottingham for Law with German, and Exeter University for Law European Magister. The latter two both have a year abroad in Germany and would allow me to study German as a foreign language to a higher level.

My problem is whether to focus on straight law and therefore take more options in it and develop a greater understanding or study a language and foreign legal system as well as law but have less optional law modules. I know this is a postgraduate website but I would be very grateful for any advice. Thanks.

Hi there,

I did an exchange during my undergraduate studies (to Nottingham, actually!) and I highly, highly recommend it. I don't know if I got any direct academic benefit out of the experience, but it certainly forced me to stand on my own two feet and it makes for good small talk fodder in job interviews. On the non-academic side, it's brilliant fun and you'll never regret going on exchange!

I also studied Japanese alongside my Law degree and, again, I don't know if it directly impacts on my work as a lawyer, but I'm still glad that I studied it. I've travelled to Japan a few times now and still get a kick out of speaking Japanese.

I'm not sure what the system is like in the UK, but in Australia the modules that you've studied don't really matter (provided that you have the modules that are compulsory for admission). You'll learn much more in your first year on the job than in all of your years at university, so don't worry too much about losing out on some law modules.

I say go for the exchange. You've got the rest of your life to be a crusty, boring lawyer... don't waste the chance to spend a year living in another country!

Thanks for your advice. I do think I'd be missing out if I didn't go abroad and develop the language.

That's the spirit! I should put a plug in for Notts too. It's a great university and a great city in which to be a student. I'm always looking for an audience for my Nottingham anecdotes, so if you need/want any further info, feel free to get in contact!

I would also recommend that you opt for the exchange. Next year (2011-2012) alone, eighty-five of our undergraduate students at Trinity College Dublin are heading off to foreign countries for the third year of their degree programmes (ranging from University of Paris II and Humboldt University in Berlin to the University of Helsinki and Osgoode Hall in York University in Toronto). Go for it!

Hi
Thanks for your advice.

Yes, do that. In depth knowledge of a foreign language will certainly be an asset on the job market and you will most definitely have a blast during your exchange!
I have some friends who did similar programs and have very high opinions of them

Thank you very much for your reply.

I agree with previous posters, I did Law with a language and spent a year in France. It was a really good experience and it does develop your independence and self-confidence as well as help your CV stand out. I highly recommend doing it!