City University LLB students prepare for the world of work with new employability module
updated on 23 April 2014
First-year law students at City University London will learn about the reality of working in the legal profession through the introduction of a compulsory graduate market and employability module.
The addition to the undergraduate curriculum is designed to encourage career planning at an early stage, as well as promote independent learning. The module includes panel sessions with alumni and presentations from practitioners; Macfarlanes LLP, Linklaters LLP and Barclays have also participated in delivering workshops to the students. Developed in conjunction with the law school and members of the careers and employability team, the introduction of the module has already been of interest to other academics. Margaret Carran, director of the LLB programme, presented a paper at the 2014 Social-Legal Studies Association conference in April. Her report highlighted the positive impact of the work on students’ behaviour and career management planning, as well as satisfaction with the overall LLB programme.
Carran commented: "It is necessary for law degrees to equip students, not only with the skills required for the legal sector, but also for alternative professional careers. A strong academic qualification is now a pre-requisite for a successful job application; employers expect self-aware applicants who demonstrate the flexibility and resourcefulness needed for the continually changing global market."
