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Law School Bulletin - September 2025
Welcome back to the Law School! I hope that you will enjoy reconnecting with your friends and everyone at the University. We are delighted to have you back and it is wonderful to feel the start of term 'buzz' in the Amory Building and around campus.
As you will now begin the second year of your Law degree, I would like to start by congratulating you on the successful completion of your first year of study. I am fully aware that the second year can, at times, feel like a big jump from the first year. This is entirely normal – your law degree is designed to scaffold your learning from the moment you enter our doors until you leave and we are all here at Exeter Law School to support you throughout. Remember to reach out to your subject academics and your academic personal tutor if you need support. The programme is challenging and demanding, but it is also fascinating and impactful so make the most of it by attending classes, discussing with your subject academics and your peers, and engaging in legal and critical thinking. Seize every opportunity to learn, meet new people, and build friendships. Be kind to your peers and support one another as you go through this year together.
It is a real pleasure for us to welcome you back to Exeter Law School and have a fantastic first term!
Best wishes,
Richard
Welcome back from your DESE
It is my pleasure to welcome you back for your new academic year in my capacity as Director of Education and Student Experience for Exeter Law School.
My role is to ensure your programme runs smoothly, that the school promotes the highest levels of rigour and inclusion, and that you are supported to achieve your potential. I work closely with the directors of each of our undergraduate programmes and with your module convenors to make this happen. I welcome feedback from you on any aspect of the student experience at any point in the year. This year we have introduced a number of additional resources for student support which I will discuss in our ‘Welcome Back’ talks, and you can also view these resources on the Law (Streatham) ELE Gateway.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the various services of the University to support you and your goals. I’d also encourage you to promise yourself that you will get to know your academic tutor this year; this is your personal connection with the academic staff of the School – the person who will champion you in your academic and professional life. Our pastoral mentors Jay and Sarah are also available and happy to meet with you to discuss your support needs.
One of things we want all students to be mindful of is the need to plan for the completion of assessments. Normally there are two opportunities to complete a module. The first sitting of an assessment can take place mid-term (e.g. a piece of coursework), or during the January or May exam periods. If, come the June exam board, a student has not yet passed the module, they can be referred or deferred to the second sitting (in July/August) in one or more of the assessments. If you ever feel too poorly, or are facing other adverse personal circumstances that can affect your ability to fairly perform in assessment, please contact the Amory Info Point and ask about mitigation. But please do not assume that you can complete your assessments at a later date without having the matter confirmed by the Amory Info Point first. We are seeing an increase in the number of occasions where students simply did not submit their work at all, nor apply for mitigation, assuming (mistakenly) that they could trail their exam into the next academic year. This won’t be possible, so please come forward if you are experiencing any difficulties.
Another thing that I would like to you all to bear in mind is in relation to the use of AI in assessments. The University's policy has changed and please familiarise yourself with it and with associated training via the library website. The High Court has recent passed down a number of important judgments about the use of AI in legal drafting. Several lawyers have been referred to the professional regulators for the misuse of AI and the High Court has confirmed that misuse of AI can be contempt of court (i.e. a criminal offence). So be careful and follow the guidance to the letter.
I wish you every success on your academic journey, and we look forward to supporting you and celebrating your achievements.
David
Dr David Yuratich, Director of Education and Student Experience
Student Stories
We love to hear about the different activities, projects or side interests you have whilst you are studying law. Maybe you represent your country at sport or are planning to present your research at an international convention, whatever you're doing in your spare time, let us know: email lawcomms.
MyExeter App
We now have one app for everything to do with life on campus. You can see your timetable, access student records and your University emails as well as find and book study spaces. Download the app via the App store or Google Play. You can also use the desktop version.
Spotlight on Pastoral Mentors
You may be aware that the Law School has two Pastoral Mentors to support you with anything you are worried about. Sarah Street and Jay Ford are located in Amory 103H with an open door policy. They host a Wednesday afternoon drop in and have in-person/Teams availability. They are able to help you find the right support and to listen to your concerns. Do speak to them if you have any challenges or queries, as they're here to help and offer non-judgmental support.
"Sometimes adjusting back to University life after the summer break can be a difficult navigation. You may also feel a sense of overwhelm as the new academic year rolls around and new challenges appear. As Pastoral Mentors we're here to help you navigate any challenges through this new academic year." Sarah and Jay
You can book to see them in person or remotely: law-pastoral@exeter.ac.uk. Sarah and Jay have years of experience helping with student wellbeing and will endeavour to find you the right support and guide you as a first step.
Your Voice
You can make a difference. Your views and suggestions about your academic experience at Exeter is one of the ways we are able to improve our modules, courses and ensure the latest developments work for you.
Our Student Voice Partnership gives you an opportunity to play an active role in shaping your education and student experience.
You can get involved as a Student Rep, by sharing your feedback or by attending a student voice activity. Full details on the button below.
Opportunities and Events
Once again in this newsletter we'll be highlighting some employability and career development events. In between editions you can keep updated via the Opportunities page. It's easy to find via our Linktree.
Competitions
At the beginning of term we invite all students to take part in different Mooting competitions. Taking part develops a wide range of skills which will help your career and personal development. Through competitions such as Client Interviewing and Negotiation you will develop many interpersonal, research and personal skills including building rapport, information gathering, bargaining, ethics and self reflection. These are open to different year groups so take a look at the Opportunities page for the latest details(Human Rights Moot and European Law Moot). Please note the different deadlines to express your interest.
A warm welcome to a new friendly face in the library - Stewart Palmer is a Legal Research Skills Adviser working on Monday and Tuesdays. You can book a 1:1 meeting with him via email or pop into the library.
And a reminder that you can connect with the library team for a wide range of support by going along to:
- Research Café drop-ins Tuesdays @ Forum Library
- Legal Research drop-ins Thursdays @ Amory
If you enjoy creating TikToks, filming videos or writing blogs, and want to gain real, flexible and paid work experience why not come and work with the University social team?
The perks
- £14.12/hour
- Flexible work you can balance with your studies
- Real-world creative experience creating content for a brand that you can add to your CV
If you want to enhance your skills and experience and connect with other like-minded students, we want to hear from you!
Campus Ambassadors
Different law firms have Brand or Campus Ambassadors. These positions are held by current students to provide other students with insights and opportunities organised by these firms. If you are one for this coming year email lawcomms@exeter.ac.uk and we will add your details to the Campus Ambassadors section of the webpage here, where we have the details for DLA Piper and the Commercial Law Academy.
Your Wellbeing: Getting Advice and Support
Every stage of your University programme brings a range of different challenges, personal and academic. We want to ensure you know where to go to get the best support for you or someone close to you.
For everyday queries about student life and your studies, the team at Amory Hubs/Info point can help you. Full details of all Hubs on campus are here.
If you would like to reach for more personal support, or guidance for a friend our wellbeing pages have all the information you might need, with a term-time live chat facility 2-4pm weekdays.
Our Socials
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER LAW SCHOOL
If you would like to see previous editions of the bulletin, they sit on our website here. And if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like to share a story with us, please email lawcomms@exeter.ac.uk. Fin
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