Nations University gears to introduce enhanced LL.B programme

Jun 21, 2013 News

– as plans for Master’s programme takes shape

Through its collaboration with the London University’s International Programmes, Nations University is gearing to offer a boosted Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) programme. And already scores of individuals have indicated interest in the programme, which according to LL.B Programme Director at the London University, Professor Jenny Hamilton, is recognised internationally.
During an interview with this publication, Professor Hamilton disclosed that the London University not only has a laudable academic reputation, but also a long history of offering its programmes internationally so that individuals in countries overseas could take advantage of them without having to leave their homelands.

From left: Professor Jenny Hamilton and Dr Brian O’Toole

“It is a very flexible programme, it suits people who are already working; those people who already have a degree. It is a fast track route if they want to boost their qualifications and get a law degree,” she said.
The programme, she revealed, is supported by very high ranking colleges within the University of London federal structure which together provide the academic direction for the law programme. She explained that those responsible for writing material for the programme are from one of the institutions affiliated with the London University.
“They send and mark the exams and they mark it to exactly the same standard…”
However, the biggest advantage of the programme, according to the Professor, is the fact that through the international channel the LL.B programme is about ten times cheaper when compared to actual study in London.
“It is more or less the same syllabus but there are slight differences because we are targeting a slightly different market… but they are assessed to exactly the same standard,” she reiterated.
According to Professor Hamilton, who will be visiting the Nations University at least once each year, the LL.B programme is unashamedly challenging because it has a reputation that is readily recognised worldwide.
London University is one of the oldest academic institutions in the world, according to Director of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole. It has served the likes of leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Nobel Prize winners, among other intellectuals. Moreover, he disclosed that “I feel a sense of tremendous pride to be able to introduce it in Guyana…allowing people to get the same qualifications without leaving Guyana.”
Among those who can access the programme are students with at least two A’ Levels or CAPE subjects. These students will be allowed to undertake the programme and complete it within three or four years. Additionally, students with at least five CSEC subjects with grade ones and twos will be permitted to register for an intensive one-year programme in preparation for the LL.B programme the following year.
However, persons with a recognised first degree can have direct access to the programme and be allowed to do nine courses rather than the customary 12. The latter entrants, according to Dr O’Toole, will be able to take advantage of a programme that is “25 per cent cheaper and 25 per cent quicker.”
He disclosed that for the past few years, Nations University has been focusing much attention on its Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, but noted that the same energy will now be directed to LL.B programme.
And, according to him, there are plans apace to collaborate with the University of Guyana to soon offer a Master of Laws (LL.M) Programme. Only yesterday Dr O’Toole, Professor Hamilton and the UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Jacob Opadeyi, were engaged in favourable discussions in this regard.
The LL.M programme will cater to lawyers who have not been able to further their studies over the years. At least 20 lawyers have already stated their interest in the proposed programme and 65 are potential LL.B candidates.
Once accepted to undertake the programme, candidates will be furnished with a box of materials as well as online libraries to aid their studies.
Further still, Dr O’Toole disclosed that Nations University has been in consultation with Republic Bank to introduce a loan scheme for the LL.B programme which is already being offered to students of the ongoing MBA programme.