Lauren Sexton - Law and Theatre Studies (Joint Honours)
After three years of study I am leaving Derby with a degree that I am really proud of, with friends for life and with many, many happy memories.
”Lauren studied BA (Hons) Law and Theatre Studies (Joint Honours).
Why I chose the course
On leaving sixth form I still had no idea of what career I wanted in the future. However I was aware that many employers require their employees to be educated to degree level, regardless of the degree subject. My decision to study Law and Theatre Studies combined was based simply on the fact that they were the subjects that interested me most at A Level, and that such a varied combination could open a number of doors for me when looking for employment as a graduate.
Studying Law as a Joint Honours degree meant that I had more freedom to choose which modules I studied based on what I found the most interesting. Across the three years my modules ranged from contract law to tort law and negligence, family law to employment law, and evidence to criminal law.
The lecturers are friendly and approachable and always willing to offer support where needed.
It's not all about study
Part of my motivation to study away from home was to experience living in a new place, making new friends and gaining independence. I have made friends for life by studying at Derby and my university experience would not have been the same without them. I think the social side of university is an important part of the experience and you need to strike a balance between studying and socialising.
The facilities are excellent
The Learning Centre at the Kedleston Road site houses an excellent range of law resources which are continuously being updated as the law changes. The Learning Centre has designated areas for independent study and group work and the staff are friendly and helpful.
Where to next?
I am currently looking to move down to London and gain admin experience and legal work experience before pursuing a career in Law. From having no real idea of what career path I wanted to follow when I started my studies at Derby, I now know that I want to continue with law and may look into a job that relates to my independent studies research of the criminalisation of HIV transmission.
I've really enjoyed my time at Derby
Studying Joint Honours Law with Theatre Studies meant that I made friends and worked with a diverse range of people which I think will be useful for future employment. I also had a lot of choice over my modules which meant that I tailored my degree to include the topics that interested me the most. The most challenging part of the degree for me was managing the workload. I'm not the most organised person in the world but I've learnt that you need to manage your time in order to achieve your potential; each module is equally important so try not to leave everything to the last minute when all your deadlines are due because you might end up sacrificing one piece of work in favour of another.
The ability to work with a diverse range of people is an advantage in many jobs as I have found through summer temp work in between studying at Derby. However, the ability to negotiate and be analytical and concise are all skills that I have developed by studying Law, and they are skills that I believe will put me in good stead in a number of fields when looking for employment.
Would I recommend Derby?
I would definitely recommend studying a degree in Law at Derby. After three years of study I am leaving Derby with a degree that I am really proud of, with friends for life and with many, many happy memories.
