Improvements in entry standards and graduate prospects saw the Law School once again move up the rankings in this year’s Complete University Guide, rising one place to secure 9th position.
“We are delighted with this result,” commented Professor Joanne Conaghan, Head of the Law School. “Our steady rise up the rankings reflects the great work we have been doing to ensure students have the best experience possible - from the very start of their journey with us through to embarking upon a career.”
Over the past few years the Law School has significantly expanded its careers and employability programme. Heavily supported by alumni at all stages in their own careers, the prospects now available to Law School graduates reflects the success of the many initiatives put in place to prepare them for a life beyond university.
These include mooting and debating, pro-bono work experience through the School’s Law Clinics, networking opportunities, skills development and a leading alumni lecture series, which this year saw twenty-five senior judges, barristers and partners come to the School to inspire and advise students.
“Employers are looking for two things: First of all an ability to think critically, and communicate. That may be an employer who’s at a law firm, or a barristers’ chambers, or it may be outside of the law. A student who has been through the Law School at Bristol University will emerge able to think critically and be able to communicate very clearly, " Dan Schaffer (LLB 1986), Partner at Herbert Smith Freehills.
In addition to graduate prospects, the Complete University Guide also reflects the Law School’s position as a top five law school in terms of research intensity as measured by REF2014
“This year we have continued to improve the student experience at the Law School. We have expanded our academic team with over 10 additional academic appointments made over the past 12 months. We also have made a considerable investment in expanding the law school to provide state-of-the-art facilities at 8-10 Berkeley Square. We are confident we will continue our steady progression towards the top of the rankings moving forwards,” concluded Professor Conaghan.