11 June 2014
University of London LLM Newsletter
In this issue
From the Director
News, Events & Reminders ... Page 3
Welcome to the June 2014 edition of the University of London LLM Newsletter. In this issue we feature:
Meet the Director ... Page 5 Congratulations to our 2014 Graduates ... Page 6 Advisor: Royal Roads University, Canada ... Page 10 Academic profile: Professor Rebecca Wallace ... Page 13 Staff profile: nterview with Emma Price ... Page 16 The University of London International Programmes Global Symposium 2014 ... Page 18 Graduate student: Mark Sammut, from Malta ... Page 20 Current student: Jo French from the Channel Islands ... Page 23
The 2014 Graduation Ceremony which took place on March 5 at the Barbican Centre. Students Sandra Simić, John Kehoe, Jane Arum, Jeremiah Patrick, Mai Mattar, Anamarija Stancic Petrovic, Srimurugan Alagan, Anastasia Nadezhdina, Stefan Bodenburg and Uduak Udofia tell us about their experiences of studying on the Programme. Advisor: Royal Roads University, Victoria, Canada. We speak to Erich Schellhammer and Shelley Langille about Royal Roads and their plans for the future. We interview Professor Rebecca Wallace, author of three study guides, International Refugee Law, UN Protection of Human Rights and EC Convention on Human Rights. Our staff profile this edition is Emma Price, Head of Quality, in the Corporate Performance and Quality Department of the University of London International Programmes, who tells us about the management of the Programme from a quality assurance point of view. We report on the very successful University of London’s Global Symposium 2014. Our Graduate this editon is Mark Sammut, a notary from Malta, who tells us about his important role working as a translator for the European Union in Luxembourg. Our current student is Jo French, who lives in Jersey where she is the director of Education at the Jersey International Business School.
The University of London LLM facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/University.of.London.LLM
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University of London LLM Newsletter
News, Events and Reminders Following the eighth full year of the Postgraduate Laws Programme, and sixteen exam sessions, we would like to congratulate those students who passed exams and those who were eligible to receive awards. In 2013, a total of 4,878 modules were examined. 1,946 candidates entered for exams in 2013. In 2013, the pass rate for modules examined was 89.2%, the highest ever. Following the 2013 exams, 203 persons were awarded the Master of Laws (LLM), 149 the Postgraduate Diploma in Laws, and 210 the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws, making a total of 562 awards. At the Graduation Ceremonies held at the Barbican Centre in London on 5 March 2014, 1 graduate received the Postgraduate Certificate in Laws and 206 graduates received the Master of Laws (LLM). This impressive ceremony was presided over by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, and was streamed live over the internet.
Stavros Brekoulakis, Professor in International Arbitration and Commercial Law
at Queen Mary University of London, has been awarded the inaugural Rusty Park Prize in International Arbitration. Professor Brekoulakis’s article titled “Systemic Bias and the Institution of International Arbitration: A New Approach to Arbitral Decision-Making” was awarded the prize as it tackles a major problem of long-term interest, made significant contributions to that problem, and is written in a lucid and convincing manner. The Rusty Park Prize is awarded by the Journal of International Dispute Settlement (JIDS) to reward articles of outstanding quality on international arbitration published in the journal. The Prize is awarded not more than once per year for articles of exceptionally high standard.
Online Registration Process We have received news from the University of London International Programmes that students are now able to begin the registration process on line for all Postgraduate Law programmes. In a letter from Pamela Roberts (Associate Director: Admissions, Registration & Learning Resources) we have been formally advised that students may now complete module selection and make payments as appropriate using the online system, fully accessible via their student portal. Full instructions and guidelines are also provided, although UOLIA staff will be available via the helpdesk to assist students having difficulties.
Don’t forget to join our forums on the eCampus to chat with other students about your studies. Login to the eCampus by following the link: https://my.londonexternal.ac.uk/london/portal Page 3
University of London LLM Newsletter
Campaign launches to end sexual violence in war zones Leading female campaigners, human rights lawyers – including Queen Mary University of London’s Professor Geraldine Van Bueren QC – and UNICEF UK joined the Foreign Secretary William Hague on May 28, to discuss how to drive forward international action to end the rape and abuse of children in war zones. The group, which also included Mumset Campaign manager Rowan Davies, UNICEF UK Deputy Executive Director Anita Tiessen and human rights barrister Amal Alamuddin, visited the Foreign Office for talks on how to deliver change for children ahead of the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London in June. Professor Geraldine Van Bueren QC comments: “Sexual violence is destroying childhoods across the world. Unless there are coordinated efforts to protect children and help them seek justice, children will continue to endure vicious cycles of violence and poverty. The culture of impunity surrounding sexual crimes against children must be tackled – both in international law and at community level. Furthermore, children who have suffered acts of abuse must be supported to report the crimes and hold their abusers to account.”
l-r: Professor Geraldine Van Bueren QC, Rowan Davies, William Hague, Anita Tiessen, Amal Alamuddin
Arbitration Award for top lecture of 2013
An international commercial law professor at Queen Mary University of London has won best arbitration lecture of 2013, as judged by the industry’s top publication. Global Arbitration Review (GAR) presented Professor Loukas Mistelis with his accolade during a ceremony held at the George V Hotel, Paris on February 12. Professor Mistelis is the Clive M Schmitthoff Professor of Transnational Commercial Law and Arbitration and Director of the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary. His award-winning lecture, “Is there a Transnational Arbitration?”, was delivered on 23 August 2013 at the National University of Singapore Law School as the 4th Kwa Geok Choo Distinguished Visiting Professor’s Lecture. The award is in recognition of the lecture’s quality, academic research and relevance for practice. The decision was made by a combination of public vote and judging panel. The announcement comes shortly after Professor Mistelis was also selected to join the ICSID panel of arbitrators and concilators, following recent designations by Greece. ICSID, within the World Bank Group, provides institutional and procedural framework for concilation and arbitration of investment disputes arising between member countries and investors that qualify as nationals of other member countries. This is the first time Greece has added three of its nationals to the panel since 1998. The designations took effect in January and will last for six year
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Meet the Director The University of London held an Open Day in Colombo, Sri Lanka in March 2014.
The Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme was a member of the Institution Periodic Review by the University of London International Academy of the University of Nicosia in February 2014.
Nations University in Georgetown, Guyana, which has been supporting the UoL LLB for many years, asked the Postgraduate Laws Director to explain the opportunities for postgraduate studies.
Advisors’ Dinner: Global Symposium 2014
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University of London LLM Newsletter
Congratulations!
to all our 2014 Graduates
Graduates, left to right: Evelyn Asimiea, Sandra Simić, Mai Mattar, John Kehoe and Jane Arum
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University of London LLM Newsletter “I
enjoyed freedom to explore new ideas at my own pace and express myself creatively. It makes me happy to be a member of this unique global community, which inspires me to see our shared values so clearly and appreciate beauty in diversity. I’m looking forward to remaining in contact through the Alumni Association.” Sandra Simić Croatia “I am pleased to have attained an LLM in Human Rights Law and it suited me very well as I could study whilst practising as a lawyer in Dublin.” John Kehoe Republic of Ireland
“I am very happy with my LLM from the University of London.” Jane Arum Nigeria
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“It has been an exciting and enriching experience which has challenged me intellectually and stimulated my thinking.” Jeremiah Patrick Singapore
“I have enjoyed every moment in this programme of study - even the hard moments! Everything has been so worthwhile.” Mai Mattar Bahrain
“What a great day - I have enjoyed my Graduation so much.” Anamarija Stancic Petrovic Belgium
“With an already heavy commitment of work and my family, the University of London gave me the flexibility to study at my own pace.” Srimurugun Alagan Malaysia
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University of London LLM Newsletter “At the Graduation Ceremony you feel like you are part of something big, something important. The Postgraduate Laws Programme was the right choice for me, for my career and personal development.” Anastasia Nadezhdina Russia
“My parents and I very much enjoyed the graduation and your great city! Many thanks to you and your team for supporting me so much as an external student.” Stefan Bodenburg Germany
“The Programme was challenging yet very interesting and illuminating because I was exposed to lots of areas of law that were glossed over when I was studying for my LLB. I am happy I decided to study with the University of London because in that time I was able to have two children and work in my own private law practice. I would recommend the Programme to anybody.” Uduak Udofia, Nigeria
The Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme, Dr James J. Busuttil, with Administrator Linda Cox
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University of London LLM Newsletter Mountains, is the exciting world of opportunities that Advisor profile: Royal Roads appear when they apply knowledge learned at Royal Roads.
In February 2013 and April 2014, the Director of the University of London International Programmes Postgraduate Laws Programme met with senior staff from Royal Roads University, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Among others he met Dr Allan Cahoon, President & Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Steve Grundy, Vice-President Academic & Provost, Prof Pedro Marquez, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Prof. Matthew Heinz, Dean of the Faculty of Social & Applied Sciences, and Prof. Erich Schellhammer, Co-program Head of the BA in Justice Studies. In addition to a well-attended information session on the LLM, meetings with the above attendees and other stakeholders included discussions on potential areas of collaboration. After successful acceptance of the RRU BA Justice Studies to be recognized for direct entry to the University of London’s LLM, additional discussions are progressing around dual degree and 2+2 opportunities, cross-institutional course recognition and faculty exchange programs as well as the potential for RRU to become an Affiliate Centre.
The setting of Royal Roads University is memorable: an oceanfront 230-hectare campus with historic formal gardens, a bird sanctuary, forested wilderness and a centrepiece stone castle built in the early 1900s by coal magnate James Dunsmuir. Even more impressive for students than a rejuvenating stroll on the grounds or the stunning views across the strait to the snowy Olympic
Royal Roads has a history of leadership and learning excellence that goes back to 1940, when it first became a military college to train Canadian officers. RRU was created as a public university in 1995 and it pioneered the concept of blended learning. Students take a combination of online courses and short, intensive on-campus instruction residencies. Now the university welcomes doctoral, masters and undergrad students from all over Canada, as well as a strong and growing international body of students.
It offers a variety of learning options to suit both new students to Canada and mid-career learners. Faculty are practitioners with expertise in many areas including ethical business leadership, global management, international and intercultural communications, the changing needs of human resources professionals and disaster and emergency management response. The alumni, 20,500 and growing, are active in 60 countries. With knowledge and skills attained at Royal Roads, they are making an impact. Recent grads have helped improve small businesses in Mongolia and improved educational opportunities for young women in Afghanistan. Others are building resiliency and human security in countries around the world.
We spoke to Associate Professor Erich Schellhammer, Co-program Head in the BA in Justice Studies and Shelley Langille, Director, Military & Security Relations and Business Development.
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University of London LLM Newsletter How did your relationship with the University of London International Programmes Postgraduate Law Programme begin?
Shelley: In 2012 Dr James Busuttil first came to Royal Roads University to present an information session on the International Programmes Postgraduate Laws Programme. The session was mainly attended by Royal Roads BA Justice Studies students and alumni, which led to meetings with Erich around the BA program. We took advantage of the visit to introduce Dr. Busuttil to our President, VP Academic and Deans in order to explore other collaborative potential. Meetings during 2013 and 2014 visits expanded on the initial discussions for partnerships and we are now actively involved in establishing collaborations in a couple of areas.
Erich: Because our Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies is an applied program, it educates and trains people for a broad range of justice careers. To accomplish this, we have a unique combination of classes in law, philosophy, social work and political science.
We offer the program as a degree completion program, so our students come to the program with two years of university education or some university education and professional experience. We have the students on campus for short period of time - three weeks - and then they take classes online. That helps students to study part-time and maintain their jobs and they don’t have to move to Victoria. As a result, we attract a lot of mature students, who consider it a good pre-law school program. Our BA in Justice Studies is the only non-bachelor of laws program whose graduates are recognized for immediate entry into the University of London’s Master of Laws degree for international students. An agreement with the University of London was signed on February 5th last year.
“Because our Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies is an applied program, it educates and trains people for a broad range of justice careers.” Which of the Postgraduate Laws Programme courses would be most popular with your students? Erich: That is hard to judge. It all depends on a student’s interests. I think the big advantage is having so many LLM programs available. The Justice Studies program at Royal Roads is a foundational program, thus, the freedom to choose is important. Our Programme provides students with the flexibility to pursue their studies whilst attending to their other commitments. What are your views on postgraduate education by way of distance learning?
Shelley: Royal Roads pioneered the blended oncampus/on-line learning model and we strongly believe the format meets the needs of the mid-career student who wishes to advance their knowledge and skill sets without putting their career on hold.
Erich: The University of London’s post-graduate education model is very similar to our blended learning model. Consequently, our alumni are well-prepared to continue with on-line learning at the post-graduate level. As mentioned previously, distance learning makes it easier for students to study part-time and maintain their jobs.
James Busuttil, Erich Schellhammer, Matt Heinz and Shelley Langille
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University of London LLM Newsletter
“distance learning makes it easier for students to study part-time and maintain their jobs.”
We are also interested in continuing to work with other post-secondary organizations in a complementary rather than competitive way. In addition to our degree programs we also offer many six-month graduate certificates in topics that are not only relevant, but are recognized by industry certification bodies. Areas of study include Inter-cultural Communication and Leadership, Executive Coaching, Professional Communication, Business Development in International Education, Instructional Design, Online Learning Facilitation, Systems Leadership in Higher Education, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Environmental Education and Communication and Sustainable Community Development.
To find out more, click here Shelley Langille, Royal Roads, James Busuttil, Zoé MacLeod, Royal Roads and Lesley Hayman, University of London International Programmes.
http://www.royalroads.ca/ prospective-students/programs
What advice does Royal Roads offer distance students regarding optimising their studies?
Shelley: We encourage students to apply their new skills to the workplace right away, thereby solidifying the learning experience and relevance.
Erich: My main advice to our students is “charitable interpretation.” It is so easy to misunderstand written messages. Thus, I encourage our students to always interpret a message in the best light possible. If there are questions about the intention of the written comment remaining I recommend that the student gets in touch with the author to probe the true intention behind the message. Finally, what is on the horizon for Royal Roads?
Shelley: Royal Roads University is a rather unique institution, offering a selection of programs that are applied, professional and responsive to market demand and we are developing many new and interesting degree programs, several with an international focus.
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Academic Profile: Professor Rebecca Wallace
Professor Rebecca Wallace was appointed
Research Professor in International Human Rights and Justice in December 2012, although she been associated with Robert Gordon University Law School since 2003 when she joined the department as Professor of International Human Rights Law. From April 2009 – November 2012 Professor Wallace was Director of the Centre for Rural Childhood, University of the Highlands and Islands, based at Perth College. During this time she remained as a Visiting Professor at RGU. Prior to joining RGU in 2003 she was Head of Napier University Law School in Edinburgh and Director of its Masters Programme in International Law. Professor Wallace has also been Visiting Scholar to the School of Advanced International Studies, John Hopkins University, Washington DC and the Ariel Sallows Professor in Human Rights at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada. She is a member of Lincoln’s Inn as a nonpracticing barrister a part-time judge of the First tier Tribunal (asylum and immigration).
She also has membership of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Strategic Reviewers Group 2011, of AHRC Peer College 2009-2012 (reappointed for further term 2013-2016), is Director of Research International Law Association (British Branch) and membership of the Research Advisory Group Scottish Human Rights Commission. She is a member of Advisory Council for Scotland’s National Action Plan for Human Rights, a member of the Advisory Board British Institute of Human Rights, a consultee on Values and Code of Ethics for Policing in Scotland, and a mentor on Women in International Law Interest Group (WILIG) Mentoring Programme. Professor Wallace is also the author of three of the Programme’s study guides, International Refugee Law, UN Protection of Human Rights and European Convention on Human Rights, all of which appear in our Human Rights Law specialisation group.
We asked Professor Wallace how she came to specialise in Human Rights?
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“I can’t say that I chose Human Rights – rather my focus evolved and developed but really human rights chose me. My initial degree at the University of Aberdeen was in history and it was only as I thought
University of London LLM Newsletter about what I could do with a history degree that I came upon law. In all honesty I was attracted about the possibilities for travel that international law and EEC law as it was then would provide. The University of Dundee offered an exciting law degree which accorded credit for my undergraduate degree and enabled me to do the LLB in two years. There I also had wonderful lecturers who demonstrated enthusiasm is a vital ingredient for engaging students. It was there I had a particular lecturer who ignited my interest in international law and who remained a constant mentor and friend over the years. On graduating I had the opportunity to study for a postgraduate diploma at the University of Amsterdam where in a course of some twenty three persons sixteen nationalities were represented. This highlighted how drawn from different economic, social and political backgrounds we have aspirations, goals and ideals that transcend such boundaries but we are held together by our humanity. I then assumed my teaching position at the University of Hull and after two years then I began my journey north of the border and came to the University of Strathclyde where I remained for nineteen years. My discipline throughout has always been international law and increasingly my focus fell on the protection that law could afford to vulnerable persons. I have always been interested in people but interest does not in itself provide the way out for those who suffer discrimination for whatever reason, poverty or exploitation. Law on the other hand can provide such a platform. It can provide goals, standards, aspirations and facilitate the framework for the realisation and monitoring of such rights, providing a pathway for people to participate, become
empowered and in the event of denial of such rights, there is accountability and the opportunity to seek redress. As an immigration judge (a Judge of the First–tier Tribunal) I am fortunate that human rights informs that jurisdiction and I can see them rolled out and reflected in practice.” How did your relationship with the University of London International Programmes Postgraduate Law Programme begin? “My initial dealings with the University of London go back some twenty five years. A senior colleague at the University of the Strathclyde encouraged me to become involved in the Univeristy of London undergraduate LLB degree. It was not until some years later I met Dr Busuttil, initially in Washington DC at a meeting of the American Society of International Law and then later at the UK rounds of the UK Jessup International Law Moot Court competition.” Our study guides are written specifically to give step-by-step guidance to students, and yours in particular are very informative with ‘aims and objectives’ ‘learning options’ and ‘approaches to study’. Given the challenges of independent study, do you have any further advice for our students? “Other than to read everything carefully in the study guides, especially the ‘Approaching your Studies’ section, the rest is down to hard work and discipline. Students should dedicate time to study (preferably timetabled) and do as much reading as Page 14
University of London LLM Newsletter possible. I imagine it is also useful to post queries onto the discussion forums and exchange views and study tips with other students studying the same course.”
aim is to identify the crucial components of preparation for release package, the development of employability skills but also tackling the attitudes of prospective employers, appropriate housing.”
“Students should dedicate time to study (preferably timetabled) and do as much reading as possible.” You kindly travelled down from Scotland and spent a day filming vidcasts of your three study guides (these appear on the Programme’s Youtube channel – www. youtube.LondonLLM) How important do you think these vidcasts are to the students, bearing in mind there is no academic interaction or tuition on the Programme? “Possibly they show that the authors are human – not anonymous and the vidcasts provide some insight, albeit limited, into what makes the author tick as a person. The vidcasts are ideal in that they provide the opportunity for an author to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for his/her particular subject and that can be all it takes to ignite a student’s interest and encourage them to pursue their studies.”
“I can’t say that I chose Human Rights – rather my focus evolved and developed but really human rights chose me.”
Finally, what projects are you involved in at the moment? “2013 has seen the publication of the seventh edition of International Law which made its first appearance in 1986. 2014 promises to be exciting, involving working with offenders twelve weeks prior to their release. The Page 15
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Staff profile: Emma Price, Head of Quality, Corporate Performance & Quality
Emma Price is Head of Quality and has worked for the University for one and a half years and is responsible for the recruitment of External Examiners and the consideration of their reports, Periodic Programme Review processes, Programme Approval processes, and administrative results checks. She is also Secretary to the Quality Assurance and Student Lifecycle sub-committee and covers the administration of arrangements for governance and allocation and delivery of committee secretarial services.
Also under her jurisdiction are thematic reviews, the overall alignment of the International Academy’s processes with the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education, maintenance of the quality schedules – which set out the arrangements for quality assurance between the International Academy and the Lead Colleges, and production of reports for the central university.
Every programme administered by the University of London International Programmes has its own Regulations and mode of governance, all of which have to be strictly managed by the Quality, Corporate Performance & Quality team, headed by Dr Stephanie Wilson, the Director. The Department contains four teams; Institutions, Programme Management, Student Affairs and Quality.
She leads and manages the quality team and works across all the Lead Colleges and programmes of the International Programmes – her main role being to ensure that the academic standards and the quality of the student learning experience are secure.
Your job comes with a huge responsibility and workload! What was your previous job Emma and what attracted you to your present one?
“I was previously a Quality Manager at the University of Greenwich, and I was attracted to this role as it enabled me to develop my knowledge of quality assurance in a unique
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University of London LLM Newsletter in detailed discussions about how our policies and procedures align with the code.”
environment within the federation of the University of London.”
What do you like best about your job?
“What I like best is the challenge and satisfaction of negotiating with no less than twelve Lead Colleges.”
What are your career plans for the future?
Does the Postgraduate Laws Programme present you with more or different issues to resolve in its governance, than any other?
“As the postgraduate laws programme is a consortium programme this presents some challenges as we work with two Lead Colleges. This means that we need to reach agreement with representatives from both Lead Colleges when we are discussing the programme. Fortunately we have excellent working relationships with the Director, Dean and Administrator of the Programme and the staff at QMUL and UCL so we are able to resolve most issues fairly easily.”
“To gain more experience at the colleges of the University of London and carry on enjoying the job that I do.”
“We need to reach agreement with representatives from both Lead Colleges when we are discussing the programme.“
What is your typical day?
“There is no typical day! Normally I check my emails when I first come into the office. I may then spend the day in a programme review event which will then mean writing the report from the meeting the next day. Recently my team have been mapping chapters of the UK Quality Code for HE so we have been involved Page 17 Page 17
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University of London International Programmes Global Symposium 2014: Aiming Higher Together
The University of London International Programmes held its 3rd Global Institutions Symposium: Aiming Higher Together on 3rd and 4th March in London. Seventy-five delegates attended and the 46 institutions represented spanned 25 countries from across the Globe – Europe, Asia, US, South American, Australia and Africa - a truly global network. Among key speakers were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Adrian Smith, the CEO and PVC International Programmes, Dr Mary Stiasny and Chief Operating Officer Craig O’Callahan. The title of the Symposium, Aiming Higher Together, reflected the aim of both our institutions and the University of London International Programme, to raise their performance in an increasingly competitive world. The two days, which were immediately prior to the 2014 Graduation Ceremony at the Barbican Centre, London, were filled with presentations, workshops and discussions to maximise the opportunities for learning and networking, the sessions covering a wide range of topics. There were providers sessions led by all the Lead College Directors working with institutions – Undergraduate Laws, LSE, Postgraduate Laws, Business Administration from Royal Holloway and Computing. Other sessions focused on areas as diverse as new programmes under development, how to develop the employability and leadership skills of our students, how to market our programmes effectively and how to increase collaboration across the network. The Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme, Dr James J. Busuttil, was delighted to meet up with representatives from so many of our current institutions – Charles Theuma from St Martin’s Institute in Malta, Marcel Hinain from AUT Beirut, Sylvia Garea from the Asociacion Internacional de Estudios in Argentina, Elena Kataeva and Alexander Page 18
University of London LLM Newsletter Pushinskiye from the Russian Academy of Justice, and many more, as well as new contact David Marrani from the Institute of Law, Jersey. The highlight of the Symposium was the Vice-Chancellor’s reception attended by 150 delegates, International Programmes staff, Lead College academics and external contacts who enjoyed a lively evening of networking in the splendid art-deco Chancellor’s Hall in Senate House.
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Graduate: Mark A. Sammut the Faculty of Laws of the University of Malta), former ECtHR Judge Giovanni Bonello and Dr. Therese Comodini Cachia. Mark is a Maltese Notary and has two previous Masters degrees, one in translation and one in consular studies. He has been working for the European Union in Luxembourg in their Translation Division, doing English-Maltese, Italian-Maltese and French-Maltese, for 5 1/2 years.
Dr Mark A. Sammut graduated in 2012 attaining an LLM in Legal Theory and Legal History, studying Regulation & Infrastructure of International Commercial Arbitration, Medical Law & Ethics, Jurisprudence and Western European Legal History. The elder son of the late Maltese writer Frans Sammut, Mark has written A Short History of Latvia (Malta, 2004) and co-written, with Professor Guiseppe Mifsud Bonnici, former European Court of Human Rights Judge and former Chief Justice of Malta, Law, Morality and Reason (Malta, 2008). He has contributed to The Mediterranean Region: Different Perspectives, Common Objectives (Ministry of Defence, Italy, 2010) and has also written The Law of Consular Relations[ (XPL, UK, 2010) and on the Codice Municpale di Malta of 1784. He has edited and co-authored Malta at the European Court of Human Rights 1987-2012, with Patrick Cuignet and David A. Borg, with contributions by Prof. Kevin Aquilina (Dean of
Mark is now the Adviser for Postgraduate Laws students in Luxembourg, where he is available to help prospective and current students. We caught up with Mark and asked him about his studies with the University of London International Programmes Postgraduate Laws Programme. How did you hear about the Programme and what made you decide to study with us? “I read an advert on the newspaper and immediately understood that this was a golden opportunity not to be missed. I could graduate from one of the best Universities in the world without having to stop working or move to another country. The advantages obviously outweighed the disadvantages. The main disadvantage is that you have to be a bit strict with yourself and keep motivated. But for me, since I am especially enamoured of History of Law, there was really no problem! Indeed, I think that if you’re in love with your pet subject but can’t put your life on hold, then the Programme has nothing but advantages to offer!”
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University of London LLM Newsletter which require Your choice of courses was quite diverse, Commercial Arbitration, Medical Law and Ethics, as well as Jurisprudence and Western European Legal History. What was the reason behind your choice of courses? “Initially I wanted to get immersed in Western European Legal History. It is my pet subject, as I find that it explains the world around me. So it was not a career-related decision but a philosophical choice wedded to emotional reasons. Jurisprudence then came as the natural second step - legal theory and legal history do go hand in hand. Needless to say, those subjects were not enough to obtain the LLM. in Medical law and Ethics I chose because they are a logical continuation of jurisprudence, whereas commercial arbitration because of its potential practical usefulness.”
“I could graduate from one of the best Universities in the world without having to stop working or move to another country.” Tell us about your work, your typical day, etc. “I work at the European Parliament, where I translate all sorts of documents, either from English or Italian to Maltese, sometimes from French too. Legal documents are usually the more interesting for me. There were occasions when I had to do a comparative exercise, particularly between French law and Maltese law, to try and find the correct equivalent term. But I have to admit that it is not always such fun! Sometimes, I have more mundane documents,
less skill but more speed! After work, I go home and either read or work on my writings. Luckily my better half is an understanding person ... she actually comes from a country in which intellectuals are admired ... so I have tried to convince her that I am an intellectual!”
You obviously were in employment whilst studying for your LLM. How did you fit your studying in with your career? “Self-discipline. That’s the secret to it. Plus love for the subjects you’re studying. I think that if you choose wisely, you’ll find yourself craving for the moment when you can open your book or study guide to read the materials. It happened to me with history of law: I was spending my lunch breaks eating and reading. Then I would pester my colleagues with my discoveries! Then of course, you have to study in the evening and during weekends. You have to have the self-employed mentality to succeed - you are your own boss. Once you understand that, then you’re half-way there.”
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University of London LLM Newsletter How would you say your University of London LLM has helped you in your career? “As you can see from my previous answers, my profile is not that of the typical student who wants to read for a Master’s degree in order to advance in his career. Mine is the profile of the graduate who wants to have an intellectual affair - if I may use such flowery language! - with a subject. I have discovered that the LLM also offers even such intellectual adventures ... Having said that, however, studying for the LLM even for purely intellectual reasons does help you in your career. It helps you to hone one pretty important skill: how to answer in brief and to the point. That skill imposes so much discipline on your brain that, even if you do like I did and study only for your cultural accretion, you still find that the training required to pass the exams has a huge impact on your career. You start approaching issues with a new mindset, sleek, focussed and sharp. It gives you a veritable edge.” What are you working on at the moment Mark? “I’m translating a couple of books. The first, on the Medieval legal order, from Italian to English, whereas the second, on the Maltese legal system, from English to Maltese. When I’m done with these two projects, I have in mind of translating a fantastic book on the history of human rights from French to English - you cannot imagine the joy this activity brings me - mostly because suddenly all my studies, my readings, my thinking, my conversations acquire a new sense and a new purpose.”
“I think that if you choose [courses]wisely, you’ll find yourself craving for the moment when you can open your book or study guide to read the materials.”
Finally, what advice would you give students on studying generally and in particularly with the University of London International Programmes? “Enjoy it while it lasts! Studying is probably the most beautiful activity in life. Because it is the most honest. If you do your best and if you’re good, then chances are you’ll get a good result. In his The Prince, Machiavelli teaches us that life is a mixture of Fortune and Virtue. I find that if you’re a conscientious student studying involves more Virtue than Fortune, and therefore you’ll experience nothing as fair during your entire life. Studying with the UoL International Programmes then is a thrilling experience, both because the materials are extraordinarily wellprepared and because the preparation you need for the exams will make you grow mentally. It’s a great experience!”
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Current student profile:
“I had originally studied Art and Design at Edinburgh but was finding it difficult to make a career for myself. In Jersey I was given an opportunity to work in the finance industry and was supported by my employers to qualify as a Chartered Secretary. Using these skills and my industry experience, I worked at the local FE College teaching a night class in Trusts and Company administration and this revealed to me that my true vocation lay in education.
Jo French
In this issue we talk to student Jo French. Jo lives in Jersey in the Channel Islands where she is the director of Education at the Jersey International Business School. She is studying Private Law Aspects of the Law of Finance, Corporate Finance and Management Issues in Company Law, Law of Financial Crime and International & Comparative Trust Law.
I got a job as a full-time lecturer at BPP professional education, where I went on to run their ICSA programme. I wanted to broaden my legal knowledge so I undertook a LLB with the Open University. I enjoyed the flexibility of distance learning, and more importantly really enjoyed the law, especially criminal law. I had always had a passing interest in financial crime and money laundering and now I wanted to specialise in these areas. I was given a fantastic opportunity to work with a local law firm whose focus was financial crime and compliance, and my job was to develop and deliver anti money laundering training to the business community. As the training arm of the practice grew, the decision was taken that it should become a distinct entity, which is now the Jersey International Business School. I have always promoted the virtues of lifelong learning so moving onto a Masters was the next logical step. As well as the academic gravitas it provides it also fits with the philosophy of the school.”
Are you a native Jersey person or did you move there from the mainland?
“No I had been working in Scotland and wanted a short break of three months having never taken a gap year. That was in 1987, I just never went back!”
Could you tell us about your current position Jo, and why you decided to pursue a Masters of Law degree course with the University of London International Programmes.
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“I had always had a passing interest in financial crime and money laundering and now I wanted to specialise in these areas.”
University of London LLM Newsletter What do you like about studying with the Programme?
How do you allocate study time?
“I appreciate the fact that I can work in traditional “down time”, like whilst waiting in airports or on planes. I work away from home a lot so I can take advantage of lots of quiet time when staying in a hotel. I also enjoy the discipline of the research and keeping up to date with the latest thinking as this has an immediate impact on the quality of the programmes I deliver. In fact, there is a healthy cross-over between material that is utilised to build programmes to that which informs the critiques in the Masters and vice versa!”
Anything you dislike?
“Although the distance learning allows me to work full time and in a time-frame which suits me, I would have liked the opportunity for some face time with the tutors and other students.
I know there are podcasts and student web forums but these are no substitute, or as satisfactory in my opinion, as a real time face to face debate.
Again the exam format has allowed me to choose my times of study instead of having to continually meet assignment deadlines. However, I think, with hindsight, the rigor of a dissertation would have enabled me to demonstrate in depth real critical thinking to be more reflective of the issues.”
“As mentioned earlier I use my travel time: it is much easier to commit to an hour on a train journey than to be distracted at home! That said I will usually work on for a few hours on a Saturday, leaving Sunday free. I also, particularly nearer the exam, will get up early and work for an hour or so before the day takes over. Given the nature of my job I very rarely have any head space left at the end of the day for effective study.”
“I use my travel time: it is much easier to commit to an hour on a train journey than to be distracted at home!” Once you have your LLM what are your future career plans?
“As JIBS is now recruiting for the third intake of its BA Hons International Finance Degree, I am looking to work more closely with the University limb of the school in a more formal, traditional academic role. But I also still really enjoy writing and presenting in company training solutions for the finance sector and the intellectual capital of having a Masters certainly enhances and supports these programmes, so I am keen to continually build and improve the business here too.”
Do you make use of the library databases?
“Occasionally. This has been the most frustrating element of the course. I find it difficult to find the articles in the first instance and then I need to ensure I have access to a printer. Given that I am often away, both internet and printing access can be difficult.”
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University of London LLM Newsletter
Call for current student profiles Would you like to be featured in a forthcoming edition of the newsletter? We are currently accepting students to be profiled, to provide other students with an insight into your interesting and varied backgrounds. Please email us at l.e.cox@qmul.ac.uk if you are interested in taking part. Contact Us We welcome your feedback and comments on the newsletter. Please email us at: l.e.cox@qmul.ac.uk Editorial: Linda Cox Design: Linda Cox
Published by Queen Mary University of London and University College London (the Lead Colleges). Š Copyright Queen Mary University of London and University College London 2014.
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