It's a first for law graduates in Cornwall

A significant number of graduates are from Cornwall itself, including Truro, Falmouth, St Austell, Helston, Camborne, Illogan, and the Law School is led by Professor Melanie Williams, who has Cornish tin mining roots.

Andrew Gibbs-Ripley is one of the Cornish students and hails from Ponsanooth, he recently won a prestigious annual mooting competition and also received a first class degree. He said “I was fortunate that a top university decided to move their law course to the place where I live. Studying at the Cornwall campus allowed me to enjoy a first class education whilst living at home and incurring less debt as a result. After graduation I hope to go on to practice as a solicitor before possibly working abroad for a brief period, and then going into teaching. I believe that studying a complex subject on a challenging course will help me in my future career aspirations, and a degree from a top university with worldwide recognition should stand me in good stead.”

Fay Lyttle from Penzance is planning a career as a litigation solicitor and found that her participation in the University’s Moots, which are events where students adopt the role of barristers in a mock trial, would certainly help her future career choice. She said, ‘The mooting opportunities that I have been provided with have been brilliant, and I have had the opportunity to take part in several internal competitions as well as one on a national level. The teaching has also been fantastic as the lecturing team has a very young and dynamic attitude.’

45 LLB Law graduates will be receiving their degrees at Truro Cathedral, watched with pride by their lecturers. One of whom was Dr Karen McAuliffe who was recently voted the most Innovative Teacher of the Year in the University’s new student teaching awards. The Law School offers a qualifying LLB as well as joint honours courses in History and Law and Politics and Law.

Professor Melanie Williams, said ‘Working with the very first cohort of Cornwall Campus Law students has been a source of great pleasure and seeing everyone graduate this summer is bound to be a joyful and emotional experience for everyone. We have travelled a particular journey together – with all the uncertainties associated with joining a new venture and both the students and staff involved in this have demonstrated a true pioneering spirit.’

She added, ‘It has been a great privilege to get to know the ‘first’ Cornwall Campus Law students and a real pleasure to see all of them battle through the challenges of the Law and University life, to emerge victorious and ready for the next chapter.’