Daniel Fox, UCL Laws Dean’s Scholarship
Where you are from: UK
Scholarship received: Dean’s Scholarship
Why did you choose to apply to study at UCL Laws?
I chose to apply to study at UCL Laws for three reasons. First, I had heard that the teaching was excellent. Given the complexity of the subjects discussed on a master’s programme, this is vitally important. Second, UCL Laws has a particular expertise in private law (as well as other subjects). I studied the GDL rather than an LLB and felt that the depth of my understanding of the law was too shallow. This was the impetus for my decision to undertake an LLM. The fact that UCL is one of the best places in the world to study private law, which is one of the areas in which I wish to practise, cemented my decision to study at UCL. Third, UCL Laws’ scholarship programme looked the most likely to enable me to undertake an LLM.
What are your favourite things about studying at UCL Laws?
I have three favourite things about studying at UCL Laws. First, the course has a great mix of people from different backgrounds, nationalities and cultures. This diversity has made getting to know people on the course fascinating. Second, the quality of the teaching is excellent. There is a focus on depth of understanding as well as breadth. The work-load is demanding but manageable which is good because it forces you to push yourself. Third, UCL Laws is a friendly environment. The module leaders are academics at the top of their fields but there is a real feeling that they care about teaching. They often stay behind at the end of class to answer questions and have responded promptly and in detail to any questions I have asked via email. They also try to engage students in debate and appear to really be interested in what we have to say.
What do you hope to do once your studies are complete?
I will commence pupillage at Essex Court Chambers in September before (hopefully!) pursuing a career at the English Bar.
How did you hear about the UCL Laws scholarships:
One of the factors I was looking for when applying for LLM programmes was the availability of scholarships. So I will have heard about the UCL Laws scholarships when I was conducting my research into different programmes.
What impact has receiving this scholarship had for you?
The impact which receiving this scholarship has had on me cannot be overstated. It would have been very difficult for me to pursue an LLM without receiving it.
If you hadn’t received this scholarship what do you think your plans would be , if not studying at UCL Laws?
I would have applied for scholarships at other universities in the hope that I would be successful there. If I didn’t receive any offers of scholarships, I would probably have decided to go straight into pupillage without undertaking an LLM.
If someone was thinking of applying for a scholarship what would you say to them?
Go for it. The hardest part of any application is deciding to apply. Sit down and respond to the questions as though your friend has asked you them. You can then shuffle and refine your words later.
If someone was thinking of funding or sponsoring a scholarship what would you say to them?
If you fund or sponsor a scholarship then you will be the difference between someone being able to undertake an LLM and them not being able to do so. This could have a fundamental impact on their life. The world needs lawyers and academics to come from diverse backgrounds. Providing the means for students to study LLMs helps to achieve this.