Mahjabun Khashru Preeya
Bar Professional Training Course
(BPTC), 2019
Bangaladesh
I absolutely fell in love with UWE’s campus when I was introduced to it: the wonderful Law building, the library facilities (which include our own floor for Law), and the thriving student union.”
I was outspoken and often chosen as class captain. During my A-levels, I began thinking seriously about my future and wanted a profession that matched my strengths. I knew I enjoyed speaking, interacting with people, and expressing my opinions, so I started exploring careers where those qualities would be valuable. Law stood out because it would allow me to use my voice while also giving me independence and purpose in my work. I decided to study law for a year to see if it suited me, and very quickly I realised I had found the right path.
I began my LLB through the University of London External Programme at London College of Legal Studies (South). Our first-year cohort started with around 300 students, but by the end, only 100 remained. While many struggled or dropped out, I became increasingly passionate about the subject. I enjoyed learning legal theory, understanding how law shapes society, and discovering the many different areas within the field. As I had never formally studied law before, everything was new to me, which made the experience even more exciting.
During my third year, I decided I wanted to complete my Bar training at a full university campus with strong facilities and a vibrant student environment. After visiting UWE Bristol, I immediately fell in love with the campus, especially the law building, library, and student atmosphere. Meeting lecturers and representatives from the university confirmed my decision, and UWE quickly became my first choice.
Moving to Bristol was both exciting and intimidating. My parents were very supportive, believing the experience of living abroad would help me grow independently. They were right. Studying in the UK taught me how to manage life on my own and gave me confidence as an international student. Although I was nervous about the intensity of the BPTC, I was eager to begin.
The course itself was demanding but incredibly rewarding. Compared to my undergraduate studies, the schedule was much more intensive, but the constant interaction with lecturers made learning easier and more effective. The teachers at UWE were exceptionally supportive, not only academically but also personally. My tutor, Liz Cunningham, played a major role in helping me adjust to life abroad and cope with the pressures of the course.
Advocacy became my favourite part of the programme. Out of twelve modules, I completed five advocacy assessments and scored over 75 in four of them. UWE’s use of professional actors as witnesses in the mock courtroom provided realistic courtroom experience and helped build my confidence in public speaking and cross-examination.
Outside academics, Bristol became a second home. I loved the city’s friendly people, vibrant student life, and welcoming atmosphere. The kindness I experienced there left a lasting impression on me, and even after returning to Bangladesh, I remained closely connected to UWE and its community.
After graduating, I began working as an education consultant, helping students apply to UK universities. In the long term, I hope to specialise in company law, particularly within Bangladesh’s growing business sector. Looking ahead, I can see myself working in a law chamber, with a multinational company, or even establishing my own educational institution. UWE not only shaped my legal education but also transformed me personally, and I continue recommending it to every aspiring law student I meet.
