Callum
Scott

Why did you choose NTU for your undergraduate course?

NTU’s modern facilities and the growing reputation of the School of Science & Technology were two of the biggest factors in my choosing NTU for my undergraduate degree.

Why did you make the decision to move into Law?

Although I enjoyed studying a science degree at undergraduate, I always intended it to be a foundation for something else. Law appealed to me because it allows me to use skills developed in my academic studies to make a tangible and beneficial impact on people. Law offered (and continues to offer) a more person-centred career whether that be when advising the owners of a creative business about their Intellectual Property Rights, or  when advocating on behalf of a young person with learning disabilities in the First-tier Tribunal.

Why did you choose to do your GDL at Nottingham Law School and NTU?

My decision to stay in Nottingham to study my GDL was driven by the positive reputation of Nottingham Law School, especially with regards to its professional and post-graduate portfolio of courses. Another appealing factor was the high proportion of NLS teaching staff who have a background in legal practice. I think that the real-world experiences that my tutors were able to share greatly complemented their delivery of the course materials.

How did you find the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study?

A lot smoother than I thought it would be! Even though I was moving from a very different discipline to Law, and there are definitely differences in the styles of teaching (no more labs, a lot more seminars!), the fundamentals of being a student stayed the same. The teaching staff were incredibly supportive and understanding, especially so during the first few weeks whilst we were settling in.

How would you promote NTU to potential students in 10 words or fewer?

NTU is innovative, energetic and welcoming.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Active, fun, home.

Nottingham is the UK’s best student city. Agree or disagree?

100% agree!

It has the best of both worlds - the city centre is quite compact and so nearly everything you’d need is within walking distance, yet it doesn’t feel like a small town given how much there is to do.

Where would you recommend visiting in Nottingham?

It has to be Wollaton Hall (aka Wayne Manor!) Or, if you venture slightly further afield, Newstead Abbey is very scenic and peaceful.

Where is a good place to live as a student?

I lived in a flat near The Arboretum during my GDL year. The city centre and campus were both well within walking distance, but it was also close to a lot of green space – at both the Forest Recreation Ground, and the Arboretum itself. This was particularly welcome in summer.

Did you find it easy to make friends at NTU?

Most definitely – like everyone, there certainly were nerves upon first starting at NTU, and then when moving onto a new course as a post-grad. However, I found that trying new things - for example getting involved with societies - helped me to meet new people and to settle in.

If you had a (non-academic) problem. Who would you talk to? What would you do?

I found that NTU’s Student Support Services were incredibly supportive and easy to access when I had an issue with my accommodation during my undergraduate degree. There’s also a vast range of support available from NTSU and they have their own ‘Information & Advice Service’.

What’s next for you after NTU?

It’s not quite ‘after NTU’ for now! I am currently employed by Nottingham Law School’s own teaching law firm NLS Legal Advice Centre. I supervise the Centre’s Welfare Benefits and Special Educational Needs services and will be submitting an application to qualify as a solicitor, via Equivalent Means, later in 2020.

Has the employability team helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

The employability team are a huge asset to NTU – they are incredibly approachable and offer a huge range of support, from mock interviews/assessment days through to CV drop-in clinics.