RfCF Student Insight: Deciding whether to pursue postgraduate study
Whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, our Research for Change forums aim to engage with students of all levels of study and degree specialisation. With many of the attendees of our forums considering whether to pursue further study, the first of our Summer series of articles is an insight from our Vice-Chair Karolina Smolicz, a current postgraduate student on the Health, Law and Society LLM Programme.
The Application Process
1. Why did you apply for a Masters?
Although some students may admit to applying for a Masters as a back-up plan or last minute decision, during my Law LLB I decided relatively early on that I wanted to pursue a Law Masters (LLM). Although the LLM provides the opportunity to expand one’s knowledge beyond the scope of the Law LLB, my primary reason for deciding to study towards an LLM was the opportunity to delve deeper into legal issues within the taught modules. Moreover, with a keen interest in both health law and legal history, I found the prospect of researching less explored areas of law particularly exciting. With the opportunity to devise one’s own research project, engage with issues and topics which remain underdeveloped in the legal domain and determine one’s own direction of study, there are many opportunities for legal research.
2. How did you decide on your specialised LLM?
Prior to University, my initial interest in the intersection between law and the medical domain arose during the exploration of assisted dying as part of the Extended Project Qualification during my A-level studies. Following this, by opting for the optional Medical Law module offered during my second year of studies at University, my interest in this area of law continued to grow. Thereby resulting in my final year research project focusing upon clinical trials and medical testing in emergency scenarios. Upon completing my final year research project, by critically engaging with the protection of patient rights, regulatory guidelines and the role of ethics and law across the healthcare domain, I realised that I wanted to expand my knowledge even further and obtain a deeper understanding into the law’s intersection across multiple domains.
As opposed to Medical Law specialisations, I instead searched for an LLM programme which would enable the exploration of systematic issues and the interaction between clinical, managerial, economic and governmental components of our healthcare system. Having explored the various institutions and courses available for further study, I opted for the Health, Law and Society LLM at the University of Bristol. Offering a substantive understanding of health law across jurisdictions globally, as well as balanced considerations of legal, governmental and regulatory issues, it was these central course components which drew me towards this course.
Many students have asked me whether opting for a specialised LLM is detrimental to employability in the future. Whether specialising in a health LLM as opposed to a commercially focused LLM could impede one’s chances for employment at a firm or for a job not directly related to the course at hand. Indeed, this is a difficult question to answer. Drawing from personal experience, I think that this is largely at the discretion of the employer. However, what I would advise students to consider is that even if the course is not directly compatible with the job role, prove the skills you have learnt from it. By explaining the skills you have been able to develop such as; research, critical analysis, problem solving and time management with deadlines, all of these components are still compatible with a workplace environment. In addition, by specialising in a subject you are truly engaged with and enjoy, this demonstrates determination and commitment to pursuing one’s interests. Therefore, for those considering specialising in a specific LLM strand as opposed to a general LLM, I would advise students not to be afraid of specialising. At the heart of my decision was opting for a course which I would enjoy and fully engage with. As I reach the end of my course, I can honestly state that the course has enabled me to greatly develop both my skill set and understandings of relationships between health, law and society.
3. How to decide on a University?
Fortunately, having the advantage of studying for the Law LLB Programme at the University of Bristol I was familiar with my surroundings and had experienced the highly engaging and supportive learning environment across specialities within the Law School. However, when deciding upon a University there are various other factors to consider. Whether fees, funding, accommodation, scholarships, location or course content, there is an array of factors which have different weights of importance to individual students. Therefore, I would ultimately recommend attending the University Open Days where possible, asking questions on the virtual chat room platforms organised by Universities and exploring the University websites to obtain as much information as possible. By doing this, you are likely to obtain much more clarity and decide on the right University for you, through comparing the information gathered from all institutions and weighing the pros and cons of each place.
4. Deciding between a taught or research Masters?
There are two core types of Masters programmes available, taught and research, the availability which may vary across institutions. The taught Masters retains a similar structure to one’s undergraduate degree, where there are both module and dissertation components for completion. However, as stated in the name, the research Masters relies on more independent study and a greater focus upon independent research projects under the supervision of an advisor.
I decided to pursue the taught Health, Law and Society LLM because of the course structure. With the examined components for my chosen modules being coursework as opposed to exams, this enabled me to develop my research across various modules, as well as retaining significant levels of independent study when working towards seminar preparation. I would therefore note that when deciding between a taught or research Masters, it is important to consider how one works best as a student and whether the course will provide the best chance of achieving your full potential in one’s subject area and institution of choice.
5. What advice would you give to students currently applying for postgraduate programmes?
Perhaps an obvious answer, I would emphasise the importance of fully researching the course. By exploring the course modules available, flexibility of module choices and examination methods, this will ensure that one is fully prepared when beginning the course and has a clear idea of what to expect.
During the process of applying, whilst I was clear on my area of specialisation from the beginning, I still explored all the different course modules. Whilst there was a strong choice of health law modules available, I also found myself drawn towards the Maritime Security module. By appropriately researching the website and determining the permitted ratio of health modules to non-health modules in order to specialise in this area of law, this provided a clear idea of my course structure when I began studying. In addition, when approaching the application stage and writing one’s personal statement, I personally found it much easier to display one’s passion for the course after thoroughly researching the areas of study, suggested reading lists and even exploring the work of lecturers teaching the course.
Personal Experiences
6. Why postgraduate study over other routes?
Often, during the second and third year of undergraduate studies it is common for all students to begin thinking about future prospects. With many vacation schemes on offer and training contract applications to apply for years in advance, there are various options to consider and routes to explore. On the one hand, by opting for the Masters before a legal career in a firm such postgraduate qualifications could greatly aid a job application and expand one’s skill set for the working environment. On the other hand, even if one decides upon a legal career outside of academia instead of a postgraduate degree, there is still the opportunity to return to study afterwards.
I decided to pursue postgraduate study over these other routes ultimately because I enjoy learning! I felt that there was still so much to explore and learn within the academic environment that I did not want to leave just yet. If one is currently balancing the decision between transitioning towards a set career in law and pursuing postgraduate study, I would definitely advise them that there is no right or wrong decision
7. What have you enjoyed most about your course?
Academically, I have most enjoyed the opportunity to produce a law reform proposal as a coursework component within my course. Aside from the frequent opportunity to produce critical essays on health law, the law reform proposal enabled the combined application of legal research and regulatory considerations to produce a hypothetical yet practical solution to current problematic health issues. Whether opting to propose reform to address the response to COVID-19 or even environmental laws on carbon emissions, there are endless opportunities with this project to apply the law creatively.
Aside from the academic basis of the course however, I have also enjoyed meeting and studying alongside the fellow students on my course. Coming from a range of educational and professional backgrounds, the discussions and debates during our seminars provided a truly stimulating learning environment which provided many different perspectives on the specific topics at hand.
Looking forward, I now enjoy preparing for my dissertation. Whilst it presents a long process and is a hefty project to face, the freedom of research attached to this project and the opportunity to explore legal issues with a fresh outlook is highly motivating. I therefore greatly look forward to conducting research on a dissertation which combines comparative, legal and historical methodologies on a health law matter.
8. How has the RfCF helped you during your studies?
My involvement in the Research for Change Forum Committee during my undergraduate and postgraduate studies has greatly contributed to my continued intrigue in legal research and engagement with issues yet to be explored and analysed. Having attended postgraduate presentations on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to human rights to the legal dimensions of genetics, the forums have allowed me to explore the law from various perspectives. Both in terms of topic choice and the legal methodologies applied by researchers. I can therefore firmly state that by going beyond the scope of conventional areas of law and beyond the scope of one’s course requirements, being offered the opportunity to discuss legal issues in an informal environment and question the law through these forums has further ignited my passion for legal research.
In summary, deciding whether to pursue postgraduate study is certainly a big decision to make. So long as one is committed to learning and enjoys their chosen subject, I would highly recommend pursuing further study. Whether seeking to explore one’s chosen area of study in greater depth, develop one’s academic skill set or even to strengthen one’s employability, there are endless prospects and opportunities which may arise from completing a postgraduate degree.
