FIVE islanders have started the first ever on-island law degree course.
Three women and two men signed up to the course being offered by the GTA University Centre, in partnership with the Institute of Law Jersey. The three year course enables students to obtain the University of London’s LLB Law Degree without having to leave the island.
‘Many people are put off by the cost of going to university to get a law degree and also some mature students, who may have families, can’t afford the time needed to go away and study. This course allows those people to pursue a degree at a fraction of the cost and complete it around work and family commitments,’ said Kate Lenfestey, GTA University Centre programmes manager.
‘The course has started extremely well. The weekend teaching sessions are delivered by the University of London tutors, and the local tutorial sessions are delivered by a local legal practitioner. We have five mature students enrolled onto the course, all of whom are in full-time employment so it’s a huge commitment for them.’
Matt Brehaut, law enforcement officer at the Guernsey Border Agency, is one of those in full-time employment who has started the course. He works in the major investigations team and part of his duties includes liaising with the Law Officers of the Crown in Royal Court cases.
‘This is an aspect of my job which I thoroughly enjoy, especially the case debates when they arise in court, as they can be extremely interesting. My job is all about following the law and interpreting current legislations,’ he said.
‘Through the knowledge I gain, not only will I improve my own skills, but this experience will also be of benefit to my employer as the degree covers all aspects of law including criminal, public and European Law. These topics will provide me with a better understanding of legislation to fully understand the interpretation of the laws we work to on a daily basis.’
After leaving La Mare de Carteret High School, Mr Brehaut worked in finance before going travelling. He said the chance to study for a degree on-island was ideal for mature students.
‘When the GTA advertised the LLB law degree on Facebook I wanted to take the course as I knew this was the first opportunity to do so on-island. I went along to the open day to get more information, received support in filling in my application and was delighted when I was told I had been successful.’
The degree, which encourages students to research, put together strong arguments and to think independently, will be comparable with any law degree in the UK and consists of eight hours tutor teaching time and 16-20 hours of self-study recommended per week.
‘The degree can be used as a stepping-stone to qualifying as a barrister or solicitor and is recognised across the world. The University of London is one of the UK’s top collegiate universities and so our students are receiving tuition from experienced UK academics as well as on-island mentoring and tutorials from local lawyers and advocates,’ said Ms Lenfestey.