Zara Rafferty
'The chance to gain real-world experience as part of the degree was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, and it set the course apart from the others.'
Why did you choose this particular course?
I was initially drawn by the first-hand testimonials I had gotten from past DCU students in the Law and Government department, but the real deciding factor was the optional INTRA placement year. The chance to gain real-world experience as part of the degree was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up, which set this course apart from the others.
What aspects of this programme were most useful or valuable to you?
The most valuable aspect of the BCL course was the incredible support from the lecturers. Their ability to explain complex legal topics made all the difference. Furthermore, the extensive range of optional modules were incredibly useful, allowing me to tailor my education to my interests and discover new topics such as Human Rights Law and Evidence Law.
What were your highlights of the programme?
A major highlight for me was doing INTRA. I worked as a Clerical Officer in the Courts Service (based in the Criminal Courts of Justice), which allowed me to use the theory that I had learned and put it into practice. The confidence it gave me was immeasurable. Another highlight was getting the opportunity to engage in discussions during tutorials which helped immensely with my understanding of more difficult subject matter.