APIIT Law Students attend EU Summer School in the UK

APIIT Law Students have been presented with a unique opportunity to attend a Summer School Programme at Staffordshire University in the UK. This is yet another first by APIIT Law School in Sri Lanka.

Starting from the 22nd August 2011, fifteen APIIT Law School students reading for the second year of the internal British LLB (Hons) Law degree from Staffordshire University are participating in the three week Summer School Programme focused on European Union Law.

The optional Summer School Programme is tailored to provide students with a short but in-depth understanding of European Union Law in a British Law School environment. The course, which is taught by an expert in EU Law at Staffordshire University Law School, is structured so as to provide a comprehensive programme of lectures, seminars and an independent study period to enhance students' knowledge of EU Law. Students also have the opportunity to interact with Law School teaching staff and access all learning resources available for Law students studying at the university. At the end of this intense period of study, students are required to sit for their final exam in EU Law.

Following the intensive study period at the university, students are taking part in a series of guided field study trips to the Crown Court, Royal Courts of Justice, Inns of Court and the British Parliament, to enrich the students' learning experience in the UK.

"The Summer School Programme is tailored to provide students with a short but in-depth understanding of European Union Law in a British Law School environment".

Speaking about the Summer School programme, Mr. Dewi Williams, Staffordshire University Law School's Research and Enterprise Manager and lecturer in EU Law stated, "Since being made one of the foundations of legal knowledge in 1994, the study of European Union Law has merited some considerable attention by all Law students in England & Wales, and is now considered to be one of the most challenging subjects undertaken as part of an undergraduate law degree. We at Staffordshire Law School have collaborated closely with our partners at APIIT - Sri Lanka to develop a Summer School programme dedicated to the teaching of European Union Law.

The Summer Programme comprises an intensive series of lectures and seminars in which students explore and examine the nature and role of the EU, its legislative provisions, the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice and its impact not only within the UK, but within the wider Union

The focus of the Programme is on the practical application of the law, and students are encouraged to think laterally, drawing in elements from their previous legal study so as to engage with hypothetical scenarios as lawyers would, and thereby provide advice to fictitious clients. Having taught EU Law for over a decade both within the EU and in other states, I have been most impressed with the high calibre of the students undertaking the Summer School Programme from APIIT - Sri Lanka, they have thrived on this programme and I have no doubt that they will go on to be highly successful lawyers in their own right".

The Summer School Programme also serves as a short cultural exchange visit to enhance students' understanding of EU Law and knowledge of the EU, UK legal system and institutions. The cultural excursion activities comprise social events, sightseeing tours of various cities and visits to key attractions in London that one would not miss on a tour to the UK.

For those students aspiring to pursue further education or a legal career in the UK, the Summer School Programme provides an excellent opportunity to explore further study options and legal career prospects available in the UK.

The Summer School programme in the UK is not the only way in which students studying Law at APIIT Law School can benefit from an international undergraduate legal education by studying abroad.

APIIT Law School Students with Ms Rosemary Evans - Dean, Staffordshire University Law School,
Mr Dewi Williams -Lecturer in European Union Law and Mr Jonathan McGahan - International Programme Advisor for APIIT Law School

APIIT Law School offers an internal British LLB (Hons) Law degree from Staffordshire University, UK, which is identical to that offered to students at the university in the UK. As APIIT Law students complete the same core British Law modules in the first two years of the three year Law degree as their counterparts at Staffordshire University, they can choose either to complete their whole degree at APIIT Law School or transfer to Staffordshire University at the end of Level 1 or Level 2. Students with outstanding academic performance may also benefit from special scholarships awarded by Staffordshire University for APIIT students wishing to transfer to complete their studies in the UK.

With multiple study options available at APIIT Law School, students could go on to become Attorneys-at-Law in Sri Lanka or take up further studies to pursue a legal career in the UK.

Through its focus on skills development as well as academic achievement, APIIT Law School's curriculum affords many more unique opportunities to students. They include, for those completing the final year of the LLB (Hons) Law degree at APIIT Law School, the ability to study Sri Lankan law.Sri Lankan Company Law and Sri Lankan Labour Law are fully accredited by Staffordshire University towards the LLB (Hons) degree as optional modules of study for APIIT Law students. An optional 'bridging programme' at the end of the degree programme will also prepare students for the Sri Lanka Law College examinations, further orienting them for legal practice as Attorneys-at-Law in Sri Lanka.

At APIIT Law School, students benefit from a rich learning experience in a real university environment in which students are supported in their professional and personal development with excellent teaching and learning resources. With the focus on skills development as well as academic achievement, APIIT Law School students will be prepared for any legal career path they may choose.

Undoubtedly, APIIT in partnership with Staffordshire University, UK, provides the best of opportunities for legal education in Sri Lanka.