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EST. 1998

1858-2008

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Michael Rowley earned his law degree LL.B. and LL.M. from the University of London.  Mr. Rowley is also a fireman in the United Kingdom.

I had always wondered what life would have been like had I followed the ‘traditional route’ of school, college then university; however, employment in engineering, then a career in the Fire Service pulled me away from such. The question however still lingered…

I then reached a point whereby I decided to ‘grasp the academic nettle’. To be frank, although I have many qualifications through employment, I was unsure of my ability within the daunting world of academia, but unless I actually attempted to study I would never know what I could achieve.

In 1993 I began studying for two ‘A’ levels (distance learning).  I was curious about this qualification which so perplexed many a younger student. I soon discovered how difficult this was, but 9 months later I was riding the qualification bandwagon.

Could I ever complete an undergraduate course? The concept was awesome. Seemingly only really bright people could do that. Could I? Dare I enter into such a lengthy time consuming venture? Four years (assuming boldly that I pass each successive year) is a long time to commit yourself to a project, which impacts so intrusively into your lifestyle.

I asked myself why I would want to attempt the course and my main reason was that of a personal challenge. I also wanted to prove to myself that I had the self-discipline to achieve a really difficult task, and emerge with a widely respected qualification from a revered University.

In 1994 I enrolled for the LL.B with the University of London as an external student. Initially I studied 1 ½ hours per day but soon realised that the workload demanded more. What one has to comprehend is the difficulty most external students actually face in allocating any period for daily study. Often there did not seem to be enough hours in the day – there were always things to do, people to see, distractions and more distractions!

 learned to quickly priorities my life and manage my time more effectively (easier said than done!). For example, if I had a busy day ahead, I would still study but simply get up earlier. Often, whilst facing a day shift at the Fire Station I used to begin studying at 6-15 am., prior to commencing work at 9am, then I would continue study in the evening at home.

The majority of students will need a quiet private environment in which to work. Therefore you will need to isolate yourself from people, television, radio, etc. for many hours. This ‘loneliness of the long distance student’ was a great psychological hurdle for myself, which was particularly intensified during revision periods. I developed the ‘carrot and stick’ approach – if I had an effective week of study, then I would always balance my life with some lively social events; parties, pubs., cinema, restaurants, etc (and there were many etc’s!). It is really important to work hard, but play hard too.

Special mention must be given to the revision period – that time when the student consolidates and enhances all those previous months of work. The daily hours of study increase because they have to – the exams are only a few months/weeks away! I averaged 5 hours reading per day for a 3 months long revision period this year, which brings up a warning; maintain your health .If you become ill before or during the examinations the effect could be disastrous and negate months of hard work. My own personal list of study related maladies include glandular fever, shingles and some other unknown virus, which were all attributed to over-work during the revision period. It is probably salient to point out, that I am not exactly a ‘shrinking violet’ as I am a 38-year-old operational firefighter who is 6’ 4’’ tall and over 16 stones!

I recommend lots of sleep (you will find you really need it). A healthy diet with perhaps a vitamin supplement and mild exercise will also be of benefit.

The examinations are suddenly upon you and you will find yourself only hours away from those stark words issued by the invigilator ‘You may now begin…’.Try to relax (again, easier said than done) because at that stage you should be ready if you have prepared fully. Now the time has come to apply that knowledge.

I always find a quiet coffee shop close to the exam hall. I then arrive in good time and peruse my notes at leisure for the last time. I never intensely read the notes – I tend to psychologically ‘focus’ my mind on the subject as a whole, whilst being positive and telling myself the goal is achievable.

Nearer the time I walk to the exam venue. Although I am normally a sociable person I do not speak to anyone, purely because I do not want to be distracted. I do observe the other candidates though; some fervently scour their notes last minute, others pace nervously or fidget, whilst others chat.

Once the exam has concluded, I bolt like a fox since I never relish the ‘post mortems’ some students engage in whilst exiting. Did I make a mistake? Was it case A or case B? I prefer to immediately forget about the paper and concentrate on the next one. I rush for the train…

Once the exams are over you will feel very strange – suddenly each day has many more hours in it. There is so much you can do, such as taking a holiday (I went to Mauritius once- with law books- because I was in a revision period!) socialising, hobbies, etc.

Gradually the person who studied so intensely for so very long seems like someone else, and that can only mean one thing – the results are looming!

Whether brought to you by post or pass list, the impact is awesome! You will always have an element of self-doubt – you may have overlooked or totally misunderstood important points. Until you actually see the word ‘pass’ next to your name or number your heart will be pounding!

I always intensify the occasion by compelling myself to read the pass list at Senate House at the exact hour it is placed upon the walls. To me this has always added a dramatic conclusion to the hard work of the academic year!

I have worked very hard over the years and gained the LL.B and Postgraduate Diploma in Law. I have been working on the LL.M for the last 2 years now and that results list at Senate House in November beckons…

My external journey may or may not be at an end, but I would hope that the above experiences of an ‘ordinary student’ are of comfort or use to those who have begun the long road ahead.

Good Luck with your studies!

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