LLM graduate Angelina's road to recovery

The International Programmes offers individuals like myself access to an international qualification regardless of race, religion or physical condition.

You have a prestigious background in finance. Why did you choose to study for a Master of Laws?
I have held senior positions in regulatory compliance in the banking and financial services sector, including heading the enforcement unit at the Singapore Exchange.

I decided to pursue a postgraduate qualification to deepen my knowledge in the study of banking and financial laws, and to open the possibility of doing academic research in the future.

You were originally planning to study on-campus. How did you eventually come to study with the International Programmes?
I was originally accepted by the School of Laws at Queen Mary in 2013 to take the postgraduate programme, but I was not able to attend the full-time course due to personal reasons.

It was suggested that I consider the LLM offered by the University of London International Programmes, which receives academic direction from renowned professors at both Queen Mary and UCL. So I did!

The International Programmes offers individuals like myself access to an international qualification regardless of race, religion or physical condition.

How did you prepare to make the most of the programme?
The study guides that are prepared and written by the relevant professor for each module include a section on how students should approach their studies.

I made time to read this as soon as I received it. That allowed me to identify the issues, essential readings, and cases referred to in each chapter before developing my study plan.

It was important to be updated of recent developments in my area of study, so I also kept myself informed with relevant journals and legal publications.

When I started the programme, I had just survived cancer and was undergoing close monitoring. I had to have confidence in myself and ensure both mental and physical well-being.

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How did you rate the study experience?
I found the programme to be both stimulating and challenging. The Master of Laws has deepened my knowledge and enhanced my critical thinking skills in my area of practice.

Queen Mary and UCL Laws organise lectures on various topics regularly. I found it useful to attend these events – either online or, if possible, physically – so that I could hear the views and discussions of experts and practitioners. It helped in the learning process and expanding my perspective on various issues.

University staff and professors helped to make my journey possible. They provided support during and after my course of study. It is truly an experience I will not forget.

What difficulties did you overcome to complete the degree?
When I started the programme, I had just survived cancer and was undergoing close monitoring. While I was mentally alert, I was physically recovering from the side effects of medication and surgery.

To manage both work and studies, I had to have confidence in myself and ensure both mental and physical well-being through eating, exercising and resting well. The support from my family and friends was also key in encouraging me forward.

I also have God to thank for every day of my life and for giving me the opportunity to continue to learn and contribute.

What do you intend to take away for the future?
I am connected to an international group of alumni members around the world and have access to academic knowledge from two prestigious colleges of the University.

The potential opportunities for collaboration and exchange of knowledge and ideas is immense. I intend to engage with this community moving forward.