9 October 2013
University of London LLM Newsletter
In this issue News, Events and Reminders ... Page 3
Meet the Director ... Page 5
From the Director Welcome to the October 2013 edition of the University of London LLM Newsletter. In this issue we feature: Adviser Marcel Hinain, Vice-President for External Relations and Development, at the American University of Technology in the Lebanon, brings us up to date with the latest developments at AUT.
We take you behind the scenes of the Annual Annual Programme Planning Review ... Page 7 Programme Planning Review which monitors and reports on the quality of provision of the International Programmes.
Adviser: American University of Technology ... Page 9
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators ... Page 11
Graduate: Toshio Rahman ... Page 12
What Happens Next? ... Page 14
Peter Quinn & Toni Bailey, Design, Editorial & Production team ... Page 15
Current Student: Tselane Mokuena ... Page 17
We report on the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and why membership of this Institute can be advantageous to Commercial Arbitration students.
Our graduate this issue is Toshio Rahman, now working as Interim coordinator at Peace Brigades International Canada. Having successfully completed his LLM, he has now applied for the LLB. In the ‘What Happens Next’ feature, we find out from Registry and Learning Resources about the logistics of processing your course orders, and despatching the materials to you.
We introduce you to Peter Quinn and Toni Bailey from the Design, Editorial and Production team who describe the work they do, both for the Programme, and for the University of London International Programmes generally.
Lastly, we introduce you to a current student, Tselane Mokuena, an extremely busy lady, who somehow finds time to fit into a very busy work schedule indeed, the opportunity to study with the Postgraduate Laws Programme. Page 2
University of London LLM Newsletter
News, Events and Reminders
Professor Geraldine Van Bueren QC is to take part in a debate at the Oxford Union with the motion:
“This House Believes University Education is a Right, Not a Privilege” to be held on 31 October 2013. Geraldine Van Bueren is Professor of International Human Rights Law at Queen Mary, University of London and Co-Director of the Human Rights Collegium at Queen Mary.
October 2014 Examination dates
Date Section Tuesday 22 October Wednesday 23 October Thursday 24 October Friday 25 October Monday 28 October
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Section A examinations Section B examinations Section C examinations Section D examinations Double sections (Jurisprudence)
Time From 10.00am From 10.00am From 10.00am From 10.00am From 10.00am
University of London LLM Newsletter
UCL Current Legal Problems Lectures Thursday 14 November 2013, 6pm
Regulating Terms in Insurance Contracts: Should and Can Anything be Done? • • • •
Speaker: Prof. Robert Merkin, University of Exeter Venue: UCL Faculty of Laws Admission: Free of charge Accreditation: 1 CPD hour (SRA and BSB (pending))
The English and Scottish Law Commissions have for the past three or four years been struggling with the question of whether the common law as it applies to insurance policy terms remains appropriate in modern times and, if not, how to tackle perceived unfairness. This lecture will analyse the issues and ask whether there are any lessons to be learned from reforms adopted in other common law jurisdictions and from the approach taken by the civil law. Register for this talk: http://clp-merkin-13.eventbrite.co.uk
UCL Current Legal Problems Lectures Thursday 10 October 2013 at 6pm
The Implied Term of Honesty and Fair Dealing • • • • •
Speaker: Prof. Hugh Collins, LSE Chair: The Rt Hon Lady Justice Arden DBE Venue: UCL Faculty of Laws Admission: Free of charge Accreditation: 1 CPD hour (SRA and BSB (pending))
The subject concerns the introduction of implied obligations with respect to the performance of contracts, particularly with respect to types of contracts that are sometimes described as relational contracts (such as agency, distributorship, and employment). This lecture, in particular, will consider the nature of these implied obligations and their relation to the idea of good faith, whether these obligations are terms implied in fact or in law, which in turn raises questions about the category of relational contracts itself. Register for this talk: http://clp-collins-13.eventbrite.co.uk
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University of London LLM Newsletter
MEET THE DIRECTOR The Programme Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme visited Aberdeen on 27 June 2013.
Old Chapel in Kirk of St Nicholas, Aberdeen
On 22 August 2013, the Director of the Programme met with Charles Theuma, Principal of St Martin’s Institute, Malta. They discussed the introduction of new courses which would be useful to lawyers and others in Malta.
The President of the College of the Bahamas, Dr Betsy V. Boze, and the Director of the University of London LLM Programme, symbolically signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the College on 13 September 2013. The CoB will start to offer support to persons in The Bahamas who wish to study for the Postgraduate Laws Programme. In addition, the Programme will assist the College in its transition to university status. On 13 September 2013, The College of the Bahamas hosted an Information Session about the University of London LLM. Speakers included Dudley Martinborough, Bahamas Maritime Authority, Justice Rubie Nottage, CoB Faculty of Law, Dr Keithley Woolward, CoB Director Graduate Programmes, and the Director of the LLM programme.
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University of London LLM Newsletter
On 14 September 2013, The College of The Bahamas hosted a Graduate Programmes Open House in the Henry C. Moore Library and Information Center. The Open House was organised by the CoB Office of Graduate Programmes. The Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme participated.
The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce hosted a Stakeholders Meeting concerning the London LLM, organised by The College of The Bahamas, on 16 September 2013. Among others, newly appointed head of the CoB Law Faculty, Peter Maynard, attended
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University of London LLM Newsletter pass rate was 86.7% and the LLM was awarded to 261, Annual Programme Planning and students, with 110 students attaining the Postgraduate Diploma and 104 the Postgraduate Certificate. Review (APPR) The Student Advice Centre reported it has received a total of 5,433 enquiries regarding the Programme since ESD launched on 22 February (7% of all enquiries). 1,606 enquiries came from first enquirers and 3,827 from current students. The UK provides the most enquiriers, followed by USA and then Germany. 514 prospectuses have been requested.
Each year, in Stewart House, the Headquarters of the University of London International Programmes, the Postgraduate Laws Programme undergoes an Annual Programme Planning and Review, which is an essential mechanism established to monitor and report on the quality of provision of the International Programmes. The two key elements in this process are the Annual Programme Planning Review (APPR) meeting and the A report from the marketing team giving an overview of the marketing strategy was presented, outlining various Annual Programme Report (APR). Open Days and seminars and Graduation Ceremonies throughout the world. The APPR meeting offers an opportunity for colleagues in the Lead Colleges and at the International Academy to monitor the effectiveness of a programme in achieving its stated aims and the success of students in attaining the intended learning outcomes. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on issues that have arisen during the course of the preceding year, particularly where these impact on the student experience. Also, the meeting seeks to identify good practice and provides an opportunity to initiate planning or changes to programmes and to consider issues that potentially affect all of the International Programmes. While the APPR is, of course annual, it deals with recommendations made in the Periodic Programme Review, whose aim is to ensure that all major aspects of International Programmes provision are reviewed over a four to six-year period, and that a centralised monitoring and reporting tool captures and keeps track of such activity. The Periodic Programme Review (PPR) is a shared responsibility between the International Academy and the Lead Colleges. In the case of the Postgraduate Laws Programme, the PPR is conducted by the International Academy’s Corporate Performance and Quality (CPQ) directorate. Panel membership includes academic representatives from the Lead Colleges, an International Academy representative, external academic membership and an International Programmes student or alumnus, to provide a student experience perspective to the review process. The last full PPR for the Programme was held in 2010, with a Follow-Up PPR held in 2012. At the last meeting on May 7, representatives from key operational departments such as Registration and Learning Resources, the Library, Admissions, Exams, Marketting, Publications etc., were present to offer valuable feedback and make suggestions for possible improvements and to report on on-going issues. Items of discussion included examination matters, principal points raised by External Examiners in their twice-yearly examiner reports with the Chair and/or Deputy Chair of Examiners being present. The Exams team reported that for the 2012 exam diet the
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One particular example of good practice was identified, that of the filming of course authors, with videos of over 20 courses to be released on the LLM YouTube channel. Publications reported that there are 53 courses offered to students, including 4 courses launched since the last APPR, with 5 courses for launch in 2013/14, and in the past 12 months, 5 courses have been revised. It was also noted that to allow students prompt access to up-to-date readings, and to keep up with the demands of copyright law, new and revised study guides are now published on the VLE rather than in hard copy. Some new readings for existing courses have also been introduced online as part of the annual update and some optional readings have also been published online to enhance the student learning experience. The subject of the low student response to the annual Student Survey was discussed, with ideas to incentivise students into participating as it is important to the Programme, as a means to receive comments from students on what they like about the programme and what suggestions they have for improvements.
The Library reported that it continues to develop the support it offers to students, with the recent acquisition of Trusts and Trustees Journal and Jordan’s Family Law Online. A series of database log in video demonstrations were launched shortly afterwards. These crucial meetings ensure that year upon year, the Programme is monitored for quality assurance, important issues discussed and that our students are given the best possible service at all times.
University of London LLM Newsletter
“In terms of the University’s work with independent teaching institutions, the APPR marks an important point in the year. We are able to consider how a programme interacts with teaching institutions and to plan initiatives and activities for the next academic year. As attendees at the meeting come from a wide range of departments, the APPR provides an opportunity for knowledge about teaching institutions to be exchanged and ideas to be generated for the next academic year.” Olivier Chapman, Head of Institutions Assurance, Corporate Performance and Quality
“‘The APPR is an invaluable opportunity to identify issues affecting the programme and discuss them with colleagues. In the Publications team, we work very closely throughout the year with the academic programme management team as well as very different administrative teams here, but normally we’re dealing with small groups of people to resolve particular issues. The great thing about the APPR is that everyone is there so it’s an unrivalled opportunity to get everyone’s input and deal with issues across the board.’ Toby Boyd, Deputy Publishing Manager, Publications Department.
“The APPR allows the Online Library to review, plan and monitor it’s collections and services in order to ensure that they meet curriculum requirements. The APPR process is essential in informing the library of any changes in teaching strategy and resource requirements, and in understanding students and faculty resource needs.” Angela Boots, Law Librarian, Online Library
“The Programme Team is thanked for its continuing hard work, dedication and support to students and the Programme. I would like to thank all those at the International Academy involved with the Programme for their superb contribution. The Programme is nearing its tenth anniversary since launch and this will be marked accordingly in 2014.” Dr James J. Busuttil, Director, Postgraduate Laws Programme
Rebecca Strachan, Senior Admissions Manager
“Queen Mary University of London, University College London and the University of London work collaboratively to offer the Postgraduate Laws Programme to students across the world. At Queen Mary we are proud of the international reach of the programme and its high standards. As a member of Queen Mary working to support the quality of programmes offered by our academic departments and through our collaborative partnerships, the Annual Programme Planning and Review meeting provides an excellent opportunity to discuss all aspects of the programme with colleagues from the partner institutions. The meeting is an effective mechanism to monitor applications and admissions, student comments, student performance and comments from external examiners. These are all essential aspects of the quality assurance of academic programmes and help us to identify good practice and any issues that need to be resolved to be able to enhance and develop the programme for current and future students. “ Mary Childs, Assistant Academic Registrar, Queen Mary University of London
“The usefulness of the APPR process lies in its dual purposes. Review: - which allows the department to assure itself that assessment matters have been conducted accurately and appropriately; to pinpoint any difficulties whilst highlighting innovations and good practice; to capture elements where our procedures and the student experience have been enhanced. Planning:- instead of just looking behind, APPR allows us to look directly ahead, and the wider group of those involved with the delivery of the International Programmes can map, formulate and develop ideas to refine and improve the assessment process.” TimWade, Associate Director: Assessment & Awards
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University of London LLM Newsletter Adviser Profile: American University of Technology (AUT) Beirut
The University of London LLM has a strong student base in Lebanon. In the wake of interest by lawyers, current and prospective students alike, we recognised that our LLM students would benefit from additional student support within the country. On August 11, 2008, discussions commenced between the American University of Technology (AUT) and the LLM Programme Director, leading to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding designating the American University of Technology as a Supporting Institution for the University of London LLM Programme. A formal signature ceremony was held on March 11, 2009 in the presence of the then British Ambassador to UK to Lebanon, and the legal and political community in Beirut.
What is AUT’s current role as LLM adviser in the Lebanon? “AUT has detected a definite need from Lebanese lawyers trained in civil law to acquire a strong foundation in common law, so it proposed creating opportunities for an LLM program to the Beirut Bar Association. AUT offers a support role to lawyers enrolled in the LLM program by organizing lectures given by local academics specialising in common law and by visiting academics from the University of London. AUT also offers assistance in the application process.”
How does AUT serve the interests of both the Beirut Bar Association and the Postgraduate Laws Programme, in areas such as preparing lawyers for the LLM exams?
“Lebanese lawyers who enrol for the LLM Programme with University of London are all working full-time and most of them need some back up before the LLM exams. For the BBA, it was seen as necessary that AUT provide support before examinations are held and AUT were happy to undertake this task. Inviting lecturers from the University of London to help Lebanese lawyers prepare for the examinations has been really very valuable. AUT also promotes the LLM Programme, overseeing the applications process and organizing groups for the examinations.”
We understand AUT offer two LLM Scholarships to Lebanese attorneys. Have these been chosen for 2013?
“ Yes. A draw was organized to select recipients of the two scholarships and the BBA past President, Ms Amal Haddad (who was president in office at the time the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of London and AUT was signed) drew out two names. The recipient of the LLM Following an expression of interest by the Beirut Bar scholarship was Ms Nathalie Freyha Hayek, while lawyerAssociation (BBA), discussions began with respect to in-training Mr Rami Serhal won the scholarship for the hosting the Programme at the BBA with their support. A Certificate.” tripartite agreement was signed at a ceremony in Beirut at the BBA, offering the Postgraduate Laws Programme to members of the BBA.
We spoke to Marcel Hinain, Vice-President for External Relations & Development, to find out how things have progressed since the signing of the MOU in 2009.
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University of London LLM Newsletter Do your LLM students appreciate lecturers from the Are there any future plans or developments on the horizon University of London, coming to the Lebanon to teach for AUT? them? “Besides developing an understanding with London School “Yes, very much. So far three professors have come and all of Economics for a programme in Banking and Finance of them received enthusiastic responses from the lawyers at an undergraduate level leading to two degrees, there enrolled in the Programme. Below is a testimonial by one is a plan for extending the LLM to several organizations of the lawyers who attended classes with professors from and companies. Talks have begun with the Association the University of London.” of Lebanese Industrialists and with two major industrial groups, as well as with the Ministry of Energy and Water, to attract staff that need a good understanding of common law applicable to their domains of work. We expect to recruit ‘I had the pleasure to attend the a good number, mostly for the Certificate programme. plan is to establish an LLB programme that lectures given by Dr Barnali Choudhury Another would be linked to University of London. The plan has in Beirut. In short, she was great. She been finalized and will be sent to the Lebanese Ministry of Higher Education very soon.”
gave a general and comprehensive overview of Arbitration courses. But what really interested me was the depth of academic discussions I had with her during her lectures. She is knowledgeable, explains very well, and finally she is very patient. I would certainly recommend that she comes back for lecturing.’ Which courses do you find are the most popular and why?
“It seems so far, those in the International Business Law specialisation group are the most popular, together with those in the Commercial and Corporate Law group, and this is explained by the fact that Lebanon has always been a centre for international trade and business and a link between East and West. Lebanese lawyers work for local and multi-national firms that handle international trade issues and these LLM specializations have proven to be the most in demand.”
On 6 June 2013, the Minister of Justice of Lebanon, His Excellency Shakeeb Kortbawi, received the Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme, Marcel Hinain, Vice-President for External Relations and Development of the American University of Technology, and Sossi Iknadiossian, Head of the LLM Support Office at AUT and the Beirut Bar Association. The group discussed the Minister's recommendations of courses from the University of London's Postgraduate Laws Programme which can be offered in Lebanon.
Ali Mawla and Judge Mohamed Fawaz, who provide local classes to lawyers to support the course in Corporate Finance and Management Issues
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University of London LLM Newsletter The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)
CIArb is a global network, with over 12,000 members working in sectors as diverse as finance, construction, oil and gas and agriculture in over 110 countries worldwide. Many are active ADR professionals, while others become members for their own personal development or to enhance their careers in a range of areas including quantity surveying, civil engineering, architecture, law, academia, HR and projects management.
CIArb provides professional guidance to their members through world-renowned training, conferences, events, research and publications. With nearly 40 branches worldwide, they ensure that all of their members have access to CIArb training and benefits, wherever they are Students taking the two Postgraduate Laws Programmes in the world. Applicable Laws and Procedures in International Commercial Arbitration and Regulation and Infrastructure of International Commercial Arbitration, will be aware that, since August 2008, this Programme has satisfied the To find out more visit the website, www.ciarb.org or email requirements under the terms of the Recognised Course memberservices@ciarb.org Provider Scheme and that CIArb have agreed to grant exemption from their Module II (The Law of International Arbitration), subject to the following conditions.
That students who hold a law degree and have completed BOTH courses are entitled to apply to CIArb at Member level, and those who do not hold a law degree, but have completed both courses, qualify for Associate membership.
Member level: If you already have some alternative dispute resolution (ADR) experience and are looking to gain an internationally recognised qualification, CIArb’s Advanced Certificate qualification may suit you.
Associate level: This is an entry-level Introductory Certificate qualification, ideal for people with some knowledge of ADR who are keen to take the first step in a dispute resolution career, or to enhance their own personal and professional development.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) is the professional home of dispute resolvers. As an international not-for-profit organisation, they aim to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution as the preferred means of resolving disputes throughout the world. Page 11
University of London LLM Newsletter Graduate profile: Toshio Rahman
my studies in 2008 and ended last year in October 2012. It took four years to finish, but I took my time and went at a speed I was comfortable with. During my time with the University of London, I took International Rights of the Child, Human Rights of Women, UN Protection of Human Rights and Medical Law & Ethics (as my fourth course) and I cannot tell you how many times the course material overlapped with the work I was doing. I really enjoyed these courses and took them because I knew it could help with my work and they have.
Toshio Rahman graduated this year with an LLM with Merit. He is 27 years old and lives in Ottawa, Canada (though he came originally from Vancouver). Toshio completed a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science from Carleton University in Ottawa in 2007, after which he began an internship with Amnesty International Canada. Working for Amnesty International made Toshio realize that working in a human rights field was what he wanted to do. After his internship, he began working for a Canadian politician – Senator Mobina Jaffer – at the federal political level. Senator Jaffer was very keen on promoting issues of human rights in her work, and Toshio decided, with his desire to excel this field, he would need to gain further knowledge and skills and thus decided to study law, specialising in Human Rights Law.
Ever since I began the LLM, every employment post I have held has been connected with human rights and honestly, I could not have done it without the courses I studied. Currently, I am the Interim Coordinator at a human rights organization called Peace Brigades International Canada. I actually just took this post recently and I believe my LLM definitely contributed to me getting the position. My job requires me to work with supporters, volunteers and the general public to promote our human rights campaigns and encourage people to get involved in our work.” Did you find it beneficial being able to fit your studying in with your work, and taking exams when you wished?
We asked Toshio what made him decide on the Postgraduate Laws Programme. “After looking at a number of programmes and schools, I settled with the LLM program that the University of London International Programmes offered because it gave me the flexibility to study and work at the same time, and it had a great specialization in Human Rights law. I began
“One of the things I was really worried about when beginning the program was if I would be able to study and work at the same time. It ended up being very beneficial as I worked in the exact field I was studying in. I can’t tell you how many times I was able to apply what I was reading in course texts to my work. It almost felt like I had a special insight. I have to add that I really enjoyed the fact that there were two exam sessions in the year as well. The timing worked well with our work year and I usually ended up taking some time off before an exam period to do some intensive studying. Another thing which helped me greatly were the discussion forums. Initially I was worried that I didn’t know anybody else taking the same courses but during my first course, I ended up making friends with other students around the world taking the same course via Page 12
University of London LLM Newsletter the discussion forums. We asked each other questions, gave advice, worked through problems, etc. It was very helpful. The VLE and library databases were also helpful. I was also fortunate that a local university had a lot of the recommended readings, so I would go in and make photocopies.” How did you allocate your study time? “It took a while to figure out my study routine, but eventually when I worked out a plan it became easier. I usually studied at weekends. The weekdays were just too busy (though there were lunch hours where I would be in a quiet staircase reading a part of a chapter). When Saturday or Sunday came, I would go to my local university library, take out my readings for that day and a highlighter, and immerse myself in the material. Then about two weeks before the exam, I would look at my highlighted notes and summarize information and link it with the study guides, and find relevant examples and case studies that could be applied. I know when you first get all the texts it can be overwhelming. But the great thing about law is that you don’t need to know every single piece of information.”
“Effective studying, I found, is about reading lengthy texts, picking out what is important and summarizing it. And, if you can add a real life example, even better. Though, I would have to say if you are short on time or struggling, the study guides are your best friend – very well written and point you in the right direction.” Is this the end of your study plan or are you thinking of studying for any other qualifications? “I recently decided to go back to the University of London International Programs and start an LLB. The LLM, with a specialization in human rights was very focused and it has been great. However, I am interested in gaining a broader background in the field of law, not only for my career, but personally as well. I don’t know if I will practice law, but I would like to have it as a foundation. I applied for the graduate route for the LLB program and expect it will take four years or more. But it’s not a race for me; it’s something I can do at my own pace and something Page 13
that can challenge me.” What about your long-term goal(s) and how do you think having a University of London Masters of Law degree will have help you succeed? “I have been involved in the field of human rights for over five years now and in the last year have begun taking on more of a leadership/management role within various human rights structures. I want to continue on this path and see where it takes me. I don’t know if I could have gotten to where I am now without the LLM, but it most definitely helped. I will also be grateful for the opportunity to have studied with the University of London and earned this degree. And as my mom always says ‘Education is never a bad thing.’
One thing I would recommend to all students is to travel if you get a chance. After four years of an undergraduate degree, four years of a graduate degree and working within that time as well, I needed a break. So at the beginning of this year, I decided to travel and ended up visiting 15 countries. During my travels, I was able to visit some of the beautiful Mosques in Istanbul, sit on the beaches of Indonesia, hang out in a desert in the United Arab Emirates with my mom and take a 36 hour train ride from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, to name but a few highlights. It was so much fun being able to see different ways of life, different religions, different cultures and different traditions. Whether it’s while you are studying or after you finish, I would highly suggest going out and seeing the world. Sometimes we get stuck in a rhythm of thinking the world is just our immediate community. But the truth is, it’s a big place out there. And hey, you never know, you might meet another UoL alumni somewhere you least expect it!”
University of London LLM Newsletter What happens next? You’ve just been accepted onto the Postgraduate Laws Programme – congratulations! You’ve looked carefully at all the study guides in the prospectus and made your choice of course(s) and registered for your study material. So what happens next?
spotted by the eagle-eyed Director of the Programme, being toted by a fellow passenger. on a flight. The Director instructed Linda Cox, the Administrator of the Programme, to track down the manufacturers, the Programme logo was designed and the embroidery was produced for us in China. We know from emails how popular the bag is and last year a further consignment of 2,000 was requisitioned.
The Registry and Learning Resources team at Stewart House, the University of London International Programmes’s headquarters in Russell Square, London, is made up of between 12 and 15 people (numbers change as temporary staff are sometimes engaged during peak periods). The team manage an array of student services: once you’re on the Programme, it’s their job to look after you and make sure that that you are provided with the correct study materials. The provision of hard copy material varies greatly across the range of University of London International Programmes: some courses deliver their learning resources entirely via the Virtual Learning Environment, whilst others opt to supply printed materials in the form of study guides, written by academic experts in their respective fields, together with the recommended textbook(s). Paul Watson, of the Learning Resources team explains: “From a logistics perspective, Postgraduate Laws is perhaps the most complex of the University’s programmes to manage, having as it does in excess of 50 different study guides, divided into four sections, plus readers, and almost 100 textbooks, all of which support the various modules and which are available free of charge to students. Also, because the Programme is constantly evolving and new courses introduced, these are under constant review, as well as regular revisions of ‘older’ material. The Registry and Learning Resources team keep a very careful eye on their stocks to ensure that they always have what’s needed available and so that they don’t over- order and waste resources and money, a difficult juggling act at times! The printed materials are produced both in the UK and abroad and a procurement framework is used to maintain a balance between value for money and speed of delivery, ensuring at all times that the materials produced are of a high quality. The University also has established working relationships with many major publishers worldwide, again to make certain that it get the often high value textbooks at the best possible discounts – savings which go towards delivering a value for money service to students”. Despatch has, since 2011, operated from two warehouses, the most recently established facility being in Singapore. The majority of services to Postgraduate Laws students are at present delivered from our UK base which is in Colnbrook, near Heathrow. It is here that your study materials will be picked, packed and despatched. The team there work from consignment notes automatically produced and then released by the Registry team – a continual flow of data between the two teams in the UK which results ultimately in the despatch and delivery to you of your study pack, which includes a handsome and practical laptop bag which was originally
Paul continues “The despatch process includes messages to you via email to keep you up to date, to let you know that your materials are en route and providing, crucially, a link to online tracking facilities. Our courier partners, Gem Worldwide Limited, have a fully-staffed customer care team to deal with any issue during the process and their systems are fully integrated with the despatch team’s.
It is our operational aim and benchmark to provide a 10 day service from the moment of module validation to the first attempt to deliver materials to your door. Things can sometimes go wrong, quite often things beyond our control but more often than not we meet or even exceed that target and strive at all times to improve upon it.”
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University of London LLM Newsletter In this issue of the Newsletter we talk to Peter Quinn, Senior Communications Manager, and Toni Bailey, Design and Print Manager, who make up the Design, Editorial and Production team at the University of London International Programmes. Based in Stewart House, the administrative centre for the International Programmes, Peter and Toni have worked together for the past 10 years. Working closely with internal colleagues across the International Programmes and with Programme Directors on all aspects of marketing collateral, they are responsible for producing professionally designed and edited documents to an agreed specification. The print materials they produce range from the full suite of course prospectuses and leaflets – including the Postgraduate Laws prospectus – to countryspecific leaflets, banner stands, flyers and posters. In addition to core marketing materials, they also produce bespoke items for other departments within the International Programmes. Immediately prior to joining the International Programmes, Peter was completing a PhD at Goldsmiths, University of London (100,000 words on the music of the contemporary Estonian composer, Arvo Pärt) while supporting himself as a freelance writer. “While I was completing my PhD I pretty much took whatever writing and editing work I could”, Peter recalls. “This ranged from doing book reviews for The Times Literary Supplement to programme notes for the BBC. Lots of proofreading too! Excerpts from a couple of my TLS reviews did find their way onto the dust jackets of the paperback edition, which is gratifying – they’re currently collecting dust on my bookshelf! My brother is the novelist and critic, Anthony Quinn, and my cousin Ursula Doyle is Associate Publisher at Virago Press, so writing does appear to be in the blood.” Following a degree in Design and Art Direction at Manchester Metropolitan University, Toni worked for Page 15
a variety of contract publishing companies in London, designing magazines for clients that included bmi, Vauxhall Motors, Littlewoods and Gulf Air.
“During this period I gained valuable experience in commissioning designers and art directing photoshoots”, Toni says. “In 2002, I moved into marketing following my appointment as Design Manager for Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts (Middlesex University). This marked the beginning of my work in higher education. I completed a Diploma in Arts Management at Birkbeck, University of London, in 2008, and hope to continue my expansion into Arts Management in the future.” As well as writing and editing for print, Peter also works very closely with the International Programmes web team. “My work straddles both print and online”, Peter notes. “I’m the content owner of all the course overview pages on our website, which – in conjunction with the print work – gives me a really detailed knowledge of our course offering.” Peter is also editorial manager and main content provider of London Connection, the online magazine of the International Programmes. “Its editorial scope ranges from Q&As to latest apps to in-depth features relating to the International Programmes community”, Peter remarks. “My work on London Connection involves managing the continuous operation of the magazine as a first-class editorial product: reading all insite pieces before publication, liaising with contributors, inputting pieces where necessary and instructing new contributors as required”.
“What I love about the job is that no two days are the same.” “I also produce a monthly digest of magazine content via an HTML newsletter”, Peter continues, “as well as engaging the International Programmes community by posting all London Connection content on our social media sites:
University of London LLM Newsletter Facebook, Twitter, and Google. It’s great when you see a For Toni, a typical day starts off with “a quick glance at magazine article that really resonates with our audience our production schedule to see if there are any urgent jobs to complete, and then straight on with any projects and the ‘likes’ and ‘shares’ start stacking up!” I was working on from the previous day. Our materials As Design and Print Manager, in addition to the full are produced on a yearly schedule, so for each month suite of marketing literature, Toni also designs exhibition of the year work will begin on a different publication or graphics, merchandise, postcards, and other bespoke project”, she notes. “If I was working on a prospectus, my publications. “All of the printed marketing materials day would involve laying out copy, picture research for that you see or receive, related to the International suitable imagery to accompany the text, any necessary Programmes, will have been designed by me”, as she puts image manipulation work, and then the production of it. “I also manage the University’s online Medialibrary, a PDF for proofing. I may have meetings interspersed a shared resource featuring photos, logos, documents, throughout the day with Peter, or a production meeting artwork, video and audio clips – used to promote the with othercolleagues to discuss new projects. Most of the University and its activities.” time, however, my day consists of page design, for which I always make sure I have a good playlist downloaded to “Most of the time we are managing a number of projects, my iPod, so I can ‘tune out’ and get creative.” which is a real juggling act”, Toni continues. Peter is responsible for writing copy, and also editing/proofing In terms of producing the Postgraduate Laws prospectus, any copy we receive. I then turn it into something work on this starts with a pre-production meeting with the visually appealing. We work in tandem with one another, Postgraduate Laws Programme Director and Programme particularly on larger projects, and have devised a system Administrator, as well as internal colleagues from across that works.” the International Programmes. “Apart from giving the important facts – Am I eligible? How much does it cost? Peter and Toni also act as contact points for issues of How long will it take? What is the mode of study? – using house style and brand guidelines across the International clear, plain English, and avoiding jargon, it’s our job to Programmes. The Brand Identity Guidelines document bring the course to life and highlight the key benefits”, they produce provides an introduction to all of the visual Peter says. and verbal elements – logo, logo variations, typefaces, colour palette, icons and photography – that make up the International Programmes brand, as well as their correct “And to make it look beautiful, too!”, application. Toni adds. “What I love about the job is that no two days are the same”, Peter comments. “This week, amongst other things, I’ve published new content on the online magazine, worked on a range of print items, transcribed and written up two feature articles with University of London academics and circulated them for comments – the first relating to the new International Foundation Programme, the second to the MA Education and research at the Institute of Education – produced a first draft of a new International Programmes Z-Card and had a personal tour of Senate House Library’s Special Collections.”
“Working as part of a two-person team means we have to plan our schedule quite meticulously to fit everything in.”
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University of London LLM Newsletter Current student: Tselane Mokuena Tselane Mokuena is a Certificate student studying International Economic Law and International Investment Law. Tselane is the Consul-General of the Republic of South Africa and in based in Toronto. Prior to her posting to Canada, she served, from October 2008 to February 2010, as Consul-General in Munich, where her focus was on the automotive industry and bilateral relations between South Africa and the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Before her appointment as Consul General, Tselane was the Chief Director for Southern Africa in South Africa’s Department of Foreign Affairs. During this time she oversaw bilateral relations between South Africa and all countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. She also advised the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency on issues of bilateral interest, and worked closely with the Presidency and the Department of Trade and Industry on the Presidential Economic Commissions between South Africa, Namibia, Tanzania and Mozambique.
The Consul-General played a key role in South Africa’s assistance for the holding of the 2007 elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was further responsible for the South African government’s program for Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development in the DRC and Angola, and was a member of the African Renaissance Board and the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Bid Committee, and served on the board of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund of Canada.
The very first question we just had to ask Tselane was ‘How on earth did you find the time to commence studying with the Postgraduate Laws Programme?’
“First and foremost, I must indicate that it is never too late to start and life is always busy. There is never the right time. It has always been my dream to study with a University in the UK and I could not have chosen a better University. My career and position as Consul General keeps me very busy on a daily basis with a variety of tasks like meetings, consular tasks, business seminars which we conduct on SA
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as a viable business destination, events etc but I am also surrounded by very wise people who advise me on how to find time and use it effectively in order to achieve my goals. I remember one friend, at the beginning of my studies, who also happens to be a professor at one of the Universities in Toronto who advised me to try find ‘one hour each day’ for my studies. Although I try to do that, I must confess that some days, it is impossible due to events that require my attendance sometimes into the evening. When you think of it, it is easy to contemplate one hour than five hours of studies and as such, it relieves some of the anxiety one might feel when one has to open the books. I suppose in short, all that the professor was trying to tell me was’ do what you can’.“
You are studying
International Economic Law and International Investment Law. You’ve obviously chosen them for career purposes. What areas of the courses do you find specifically helpful? How will qualifications in these two courses assist you in your career?
“As Consul General, I am responsible for promotion of trade and investment between South Africa and my country of accreditation, Canada. Professionally, and over time as my biography will show, I have been dealing mostly with political relations between South Africa and various Southern African countries. My current portfolio requires that I have some knowledge of trade and investment issues and when I discovered this course at the University of London, I realised that it could not have come at a better time in my career. I have found the course useful as it addresses issues that have been under discussion in my country for a while although they have now been resolved. I feel that through this course, I will be in a better position to advise my country on some of the issues that may otherwise not be tackled fully due to lack of knowledge or sound advice and of course bring to the fore, implications of certain actions and decisions which might impact on investment. Among which, is the issue of Nationalization which was not government policy but needed to be debated to ensure that everyone was on board with the position the government had taken. The readings have also clarified for me issues like expropriation and circumstances under which this can be contemplated by a country. The principles of adequate, of prompt, effective and adequate compensation have accordingly long been embraced by my government in the Constitution and as such, gives me great
University of London LLM Newsletter just and equitable, reflecting an equitable balance between the public interest and the interests of those affected, having regard to all relevant circumstances, as governed by Section 25 of the Constitution.”
With such a responsible job. How do you prioritise your time?
“I am a determined person and know that I have to work hard to succeed. I therefore make time for my studies as I do for family and friends. In my profession, one can come across many distractions which might not necessarily help enhance relations between my country and that to which I am accredited. I therefore sift through carefully, where I should get involved and always have at the back of my mind, ‘would this be in the best interest of my country or am I just attending for the sake of it?’ As indicated earlier, I ensure that I set aside at least one hour a day to study. When I feel tired and obviously, from my long hours of work which include evenings, I simply put the books aside and regroup. I do not like stress in my life and try by all means to do things in such a way that I do not invite it. I must admit though that it is not an easy task to study while you work. You have to juggle responsibilities and always keep checking what is important while you also guard against neglecting family.”
Do you make use of the Online Library?
“I have been through the online library to look for some cases but not very often. The one case I mostly really wanted I could not find or perhaps I did not search properly. However, I find that most of what I need is on my modules and do not quite have many opportunities or time to go through the on-line library. I am also still going through my modules and trying to absorb those first before I consult the on-line library extensively. Now that I am preparing for my exams, I may visit it more regularly if need be now that you mention it.”
The University of London now offers two Scholarships for the Master of Laws for South African students through Canon Collins Trust.* What are your views on this?
“The scholarships will benefit deserving students from disadvantaged backgrounds to study Law with a prestigious University where some of our heroes like Mandela have also enjoyed the opportunity of tuition. Almost twenty years into our freedom as a country, we have not yet achieved the desired numbers we would like to see of students who get opportunities of this nature with prestigious institutions- the likes of University of London. “
Finally, this may seem a silly question as you seem to have achieved so much already in your career, but where do you see yourself in five years time?
“I see myself representing my country once again as Ambassador in any country my government will deem fit for my skills at the time. I also simultaneously see myself engaging in mentoring relationships to young men and women from disadvantaged communities helping them to gain scholarships to study abroad. I believe that the more we expose more of our young people to see and interact with the world, the more they will appreciate our country to begin to see how lucky we are to be in such a beautiful country with flora and fauna, free from wars and where racial differences have somewhat been overcome through negotiation and dialogue.”
* The first scholarships ever awarded for the Postgraduate Laws Programme were given on 17 May 2013 to two South Africans: Abram Mashala and Petri Mostert. The Programme has agreed with the Canon Collins Educational and Legal Assistance Trust (www. canoncollins.org.uk) to award two full scholarships a year for three years. At the opening event of the Canon Collins Scholars Conference in Johannesburg, the CEO of the Trust, Sandy Balfour, and the Director of the Postgraduate Laws Programme, Dr James J. Busuttil, congratulated the winners. Page 18
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 Contributors: 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 2013.
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