Why distance learning suited postgraduate student Yassin Abdalla

International postgraduate student Yassin Abdalla is 30 years old and lives in Sohag, a small city in southern Egypt, approximately six thousand kilometres away from Leeds. 

Despite the distance, Yassin recently completed the Master of Laws course from Leeds Beckett University, receiving a distinction in March 2022. He shares his distance learning experience and why he would recommend the LLM at Leeds Beckett to anyone wanting to gain a UK university qualification while studying in another country.

Pathway to law

“I got my Licence of Law degree from Assuit University’s Faculty of Law in Egypt in 2012, before receiving a Professional Diploma in Legal and UN Translation from the American University in Cairo in 2015.

“Afterwards, I searched for a long time for a suitable master’s course in the UK. When I found the LLM at Leeds Law School, I knew it was the one for me. It was all online, which was ideal as I didn’t want to travel away from my family and two children, and couldn’t because of travel restrictions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. I also work full-time as a senior prosecutor in Egypt, so I needed a master’s that I could study alongside my job.

“The tuition fee was affordable and the School had excellent reviews. I was thrilled that my application was accepted.”

An impeccable learning experience

“Leeds Law School provided me with the best learning experience. Despite being in different country, I could benefit from the learning opportunities available on campus and never felt at a disadvantage because of the distance. 

“I had regular contact with my tutor and dissertation supervisor, Dr. Nirmala Pillay, who was incredible with her guidance. She provided me with all necessary research skills and supported me throughout. I'm very grateful to her and the whole academic team at Leeds Law School.”

Balancing postgraduate studies, family life and work

“I dedicated around eight hours a week to my LLM, alongside my job duties in Egypt and my family.  Being a husband and a father did not challenge my will to study.

“While it could be seen as challenging to study a UK qualification whilst living in Egypt, I’m very proud that I achieved a distinction. The course developed my research skills and enhanced my legal analysis tools.”

Aiming high

“I am working hard to become an international legal theorist and judge, whose judgments are studied academically. I hope to inspire law students all over the world to prove that peaceful understanding and acceptance of others are the best approaches to enhance humanity.”

Advice to anyone considering a distance learning course

“Don’t be afraid, be determined and you will succeed. You can access the best academic facilities and support wherever you are and whenever you need at Leeds Beckett, no matter how far away you are.”