Nathan is a current Strathclyde student on the LLB Law with Spanish programme
Tell us a little bit about your background...
Since primary school, where I participated in a ‘Mock Court’ programme, I always knew I wanted to study law. This influenced my subject choices moving forward. Before beginning the course, I studied essay-based subjects at Higher such as English, Modern Studies and History, as well as Spanish, which served me well moving into an essay intensive degree programme.
What drew you towards your course?
I always have had an interest in the law, and throughout school I fell in love with learning languages, particularly Spanish. I applied for both normal LLB Law programmes, and the LLB LML Law with Spanish programme, and was drawn to the latter due to its unique nature as a joint honours programme, and the fact it would give me a chance to spend a year abroad.
What is a typical working week like on your programme?
A typical working week in the first 3 years involves law lectures, law tutorials, Spanish tutorials, Spanish oral classes, and Spanish lectures. At first, it is a lot to juggle, however once you get into the swing of things and into a routine, it becomes a positive to have two differing subjects to focus on, each of which activates different parts of your brain. One can often serve as a helpful distraction from the other, and vice versa. In third year, Spanish classes involved 2 language classes and one oral class a week, as well as one Spanish culture class per semester. Fourth year involves a period of study abroad at an approved Spanish partner university. Fifth year involves honours Spanish and Law classes, as well as a dissertation in Law. I am currently completing my compulsory year abroad at the University of Málaga, in southern Spain, which has been the highlight of the course so far.
Tell us a little bit about your experience on the year abroad...
I am currently completing my year abroad in Málaga, Spain. This has, thus far, been the most fulfilling and excellent experience of my life, allowing me to expand on and develop my knowledge and my language skills, as well as to form inter-personal relationships with other people from across the globe. Studying abroad is truly a life-altering experience, in the very best way possible.
What is the teaching on your course like?
The teaching on the LML programme is varied and interesting. Some classes, particularly those in the languages programme, take a more practical approach, and others involve more self-study and independent research. This variety keeps things fresh, meaning the course has never felt boring. Working with other students has been a pleasure.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I would like to continue into the field of Law, as well as maintain my language skills, not only for my personal use on holiday, but perhaps to be able to teach languages to others in the future too, to allow them to share in the joy of being able to communicate in more than one language. My course will help prepare me for this through both providing the necessary classes to proceed onto a diploma in legal practice, as well as enough language practice to have a sufficient proficiency in Spanish.
What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this course?
The advice I would give to someone considering applying for this course is to do it and don’t think twice! Choosing to study law with a language has been truly the best decision of my life, allowing me to study and live abroad, and to broaden my horizons much further. This course is truly excellent.