LLB (Hons) Law

Mel

I can remember having a few universities in mind but when I visited the University of Greenwich I instantly knew it was where I wanted to pursue my Law degree.

Having looked around the university on an open day, and not being from London myself, I was instantly impressed. I was overwhelmed by the Maritime Campus, the impressive buildings and the fact it sat perfectly adjacent to the Thames. The feeling of being a student at the University of Greenwich motivated me to work even harder for my A levels so I could both live and study in such a historical and beautiful part of London.  Soon after I was welcomed by a diverse team of student volunteers, all of whom were so very enthusiastic about the University and the courses it had to offer, I knew I would learn far more than merely enhancing my legal and academic skills at Greenwich. 

Not long after receiving my A levels and my university confirmation, it was time to move from South East England to South East London.  I arrived at my Halls of Residence, slightly anxious, but I was soon warmly welcomed by the Resident Assistants and by my new flat mates.  A few hours later, a welcome meeting was held at the University and a BBQ was held at the Students’ Union. Lots of information was given to us about the university, freshers week and local amenities within the Greenwich area. I enjoyed exploring Greenwich and I made very good use of the nightlife it had to offer. I applied for a part time job at the Students’ Union bar and my first shift started on the first week of term. I felt happy, excited and ready for the academic year to begin.

After an eventful freshers week, it was time for the lectures to begin. A lecturer told us straight, ‘if you do not want to work hard, do not study Law’. Another lecturer told us ‘if you cannot be a good student, then be a smart student’. These words of wisdom I never forgot. Within a few weeks, our first assignment had been given to us which was based on the undermining principles of contract law. As this counted towards my first year, I revised intensely until the in class exam was sat and until the next assignment was due. In the meantime I would continue to do the seminar work and do the recommended reading.  I realised it was important not to fall into the trap of trying to scrape through with a bare pass at the end. By working hard and receiving good grades throughout the year, not only is a lot of pressure taken off during the exam period but it looks good on your academic profile for yourself, for your lecturers and to show your future employers. It is extremely reassuring that you are virtually guaranteed acceptance into the next year with no re-takes, therefore having a well-deserved long summer break.

In my second and third year, I lived in a private property with my university friends in Eltham situated very near to the Avery Hill Campus. I continued my studies at the University of Greenwich and worked part time at the Students’ Union Bar in both Greenwich (Bar Latitude) and Avery Hill (Sparrows). I went to Sparrows on a regular basis with my friends, and they were some of the best nights of my student life which I will always remember and some of which, I will never remember. I partied hard but I studied harder, after all I was here primarily for one thing, to graduate with a well-earned Law degree.

As a law graduate, I can say with confidence that the lecturers in the law department are dedicated to their students and will go beyond measures to help you succeed. Most of the lecturers are qualified barristers and solicitors who have expertise and knowledge in the fields they teach beyond what you will require for your undergraduate studies. The lecturers will spend time with you in their surgery hours to read through your work and to help you succeed. They are the people with experience to seek advice about law schools and the next step in your legal career. 

There is something unique about the University of Greenwich, somewhat difficult to explain unless you have undertaken your studies here. I have felt very comfortable and safe within my studies, where additional help is always available if required. The diversity of students the university attracts is rewarding within itself because academically, socially and culturally I have learnt many different things. I have thoroughly enjoyed my student life at the University of Greenwich and it is, by far, a university I would recommend.

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences

Keerthana

I have currently finished my first year of the three years Biomedical Sciences BSc Hons programme at the University of Greenwich. I initially applied through UCAS to study Medicine, however as I didn’t quite achieve the grades I had hoped for in my A levels, I opted to study Biomedical Sciences instead, hoping it would build a good foundation with which I could apply for Medicine as a graduate. Although, I was very disheartened at first that I was unable to study medicine, reflecting on the past year has made me realise that I do not regret studying Biomedical Science one bit! If anything, studying Biomedical Science has expanded my knowledge in the science field, given me the opportunity to work in a professional laboratory and has motivated me more to pursue my ambition.

The first year of Biomedical Science compromises of 7 modules, each with a different number of credits:  Fundamentals of Biochemistry (30 credits), Fundamental Biology and Physiology (30 credits), Practical and Professional Skills (30 credits), Basic Chemistry for Life Sciences (15 credits), Introduction to Medical Science (15 credits). A typical week for all first years on this degree programme usually consists of lectures 2 days a week and 1/ 2 lab sessions in between. What’s good about the lectures taught at our university is that all the lectures are very interactive. We have a PRS system whereby the lecturer can ask us random questions about the topic that is taught in the lecture, which we can answer using a digital handset- this not only benefits the students as we can get immediate feedback from it, it also allows the lecturers to track our progress and identify those of us who are not paying attention! All the courses taught involve lab-based work to varying extents and are assessed through standard written exams and coursework. Online tests/quizzes are also provided- I found these particularly useful, as though the words ‘Online Tests’ may sound frightening, they do actually help you identify specific areas you need to focus more on. What struck me most about the teaching at this university is that all the lecturers are very friendly and are very willing to help whenever we need it.

Biomedical Science is taught on the Medway campus in Kent. Although it is rather quiet, there are many facilities nearby. The university provides on campus accommodation, which all have shared kitchens and en suite shower facilities. There are various café’s on campus, Coopers (our student bar), Drill Hall Library (which is the longest library in Europe) and a gym/sports hall. Off campus, there is a cinema nearby and several shopping areas, such as those on Gillingham high street, Chatham and Dockside. The Bluewater shopping Centre is only a short 30 minute commute by train. The Chatham and Gillingham rail stations are a short 10 minute walk from the campus and there is an intercampus coach service available.

I really recommend anyone who is considering studying Biomedical Science to do so. Although it entails a lot of hard work and will always keep you on your toes, it will open your door to a wide range of opportunities in the future and is guaranteed to expand your knowledge in the science field.