Succeeding In Law
If you have worked in the Military legal system during your time in the Armed Forces, there is every chance that you will be able to continue in this type of work when you leave.
The experience you have gained is a valuable commodity, but the internal qualifications you may possess need to be translated into those that are recognised by the legal world outside.
You may worry that this will cost too much, or that studying will get in the way of earning a living for yourself and your family. Not a problem! At Coventry University College (CUC) courses are competitively priced, and you can consolidate your knowledge and experience and gain higher level qualifications while still being able to work. All academic qualifications are awarded by Coventry University which has been voted ‘Modern University of the Year’ three years running in the Times and Sunday Times ‘Good University Guide’.
“Our full-time Law and Practice and Policing HNC, HND and degree programmes are a blend of face-to-face learning delivered on Saturdays, online tutorials and self-directed study, which can be fitted around other commitments,” says Programme Area Leader for Law and Policing, Sandrea Maynard, “And we pride ourselves on the extra help we give our students. We firmly believe that everyone can be successful if they have the right support.”
Gaining qualifications
Another way of gaining qualifications is through CUC’s Uni@Work programme, which delivers higher education entirely in the workplace. The programme leads to professional as well as academic qualifications. On completion of Level 3 of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives (CILEx) course, a Professional Diploma in Law and Practice is awarded, and on completion of Level 6, a Professional Higher Diploma in Law and Practice. On completion of the CILEx Graduate Fast Track, a CILEx Fellowship Lawyer qualification is awarded, which means you are qualified to practise as a CILEx Fellow/lawyer subject to completion of post-qualifying employment (work-based learning in a legal environment).
The Policing course is a blend of criminology and law which gives access to a range of different job opportunities within and outside the Police Force, including the Probation Service.
All courses are delivered by tutors who are experienced professionals, some still working in their field, including solicitors, barristers and senior police officers.
Experienced tutors
Alicia Fitzpatrick is the CILEx Lead Tutor and Co-ordinator. A Coventry University law graduate herself, she is a qualified barrister who has worked for the Ministry of Justice as a criminal lawyer. Alicia is keen to point out that although the qualifications on offer are at higher and degree level, candidates with relevant experience may not need formal qualifications to gain a place. “We look at each potential student on their merit”, she says.
Sandrea is also a barrister, having studied law at Stafford University and worked as a Barrister at Law and Public Access Barrister. As well as leading the Law and Policing programme, she lectures in both subjects. Having made the change to education in 2012, she still has a private practice. Sandrea is passionate about sharing her considerable knowledge and experience: “I love the law … and there is no-one who cannot learn it!”
For more information about turning your Military experience into legal qualifications, contact Alicia Fitzpatrick, Tel: 0247 7659710
Email: Alicia.Fitzpatrick@cuc.coventry.ac.uk
To find out more about Uni@Work, contact Claire Buckland, Head of Uni@Work, Mobile: 07557 425080
