Focus On: Legal and Employability skills module

Hi Jill! Tell us why this module is so popular with students?

It provides real, practical opportunities for first year students to further develop their transferable skills, confidence, and contact networks to support them with applications for work placements and graduate recruitment.

We’ll be scaling it up even further this year, with student researchers and colleagues across the university using creative methods to evaluate this module, with a view to sharing and developing employability practice across the university and in collaboration with other universities.

What can students get involved with on this module?

Students engage in a variety of simulated activities such as speed networking, client interviews, an assessment centre, and taking on the role of recruiters in assessing and evaluating CVs and mock career interviews.

We work with employers in the design and delivery of the module; for example, this term a solicitor from a global law firm worked with us to develop some materials around the importance of developing a professional social media profile, and two alumni provided top tips to stand out in interviews, even coming back to campus to film some mock interviews with us. Some great acting all round!

We also have a comprehensive guest speaker series with practitioners from a variety of fields including law, which also doubles up as a great way for students to network.

Who teaches on this module?

The module involves colleagues from both Leeds Law School, including Academic Advisors, and across the university, including: Careers, Skills for Learning, the Library Team, Wellbeing, Experiential Learning, alongside alumni and practitioners. It’s a real team effort!

What does it look like in practice?

We share pre-recorded materials with students each week and then have live, large group sessions which are held in a lecture theatre, often with guest speakers and an audience Q&A. The students also have fortnightly seminars on particular themes, such as developing communication skills, building a professional profile, and recruitment and selection. 

How long does it last for?

The module runs in semester 2 (January-May), so for 12 weeks in total.

How are students assessed?

For the assessment, students are asked to choose a job advert and tailor a pre-recorded extract from a careers interview, and a CV and covering letter to that advert. 

How can students use the skills they learn going forward into their studies?

From the start, the module includes opportunities for students to develop their skills and confidence; for example, around independent study, research, communication skills, and time management. They also learn teamwork and collaboration through group assessment work, as well as analytical skills and problem-solving.

And students think it’s great too!

• “I like how the course prepares you for the future.”
• “I love how hands-on the seminars are, as a visual learner it helps my studies a lot.” 
• “I like how the lectures give us a chance to network.”
• “The seminars are very engaging and enjoyable.”
• “I like how informative the module is about life after uni.”