University helps Kerry ‘Step Up’ to first class degree
A first class law graduate says studying at Staffordshire University has been life-changing
After being made redundant twice in six months, Kerry Moynihan decided to follow her lifelong interest in law and apply to university.
“With my grades, I didn't think I was smart enough to study law. I used to watch a lot of legal documentaries and stay up-to-date with legislation, but I doubted myself a lot.” explained the 31-year-old from Northwood.
“I was working in entry level jobs and got made redundant and I was pretty fed up after that. I didn't have any GCSEs, so I rang up Staffordshire University and asked them if they could help me to get onto the law degree.”
Kerry enrolled on Staffordshire University’s Set Up to Higher Education course which helps learners who want to return to education develop the key academic skills needed for university level study.
“I didn't have a lot of confidence when I came to Staffordshire University and the Step Up staff on the course were incredible at teaching me how to be confident in myself.
“It is a great course. It’s really good to know what you're getting yourself into at university if you've been out of education for so long.”
Kerry went on to study a LLB (Hons) Law and excelled on the course. She was a finalist in the National Client Interviewing Competition after her team received the highest scores in the regional heats. Kerry was also involved in a Virtual Reality recording of a trial in Staffordshire University’s mock law courts.
Another highlight was supporting the student led Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic (SULAC) which provides free legal advice to members of the community.
“Staffs offers experience that other universities may not necessarily offer and, with that experience, it gives you the opportunity to develop yourself,” said Kerry. “We have the Staffordshire University Legal Advice Clinic and that is incredible to say the least. It really shows you what you're going to be doing if you go into practice.”
After graduating with first class honours, Kerry now plans to stay at Staffordshire University to complete a Masters degree in Legal Practice before pursuing her legal career.
“I wouldn't have believed that I’d be graduating, especially with a first in law! It's really going to change my life from where I once was.”
Kerry added: “I think that before I was a little bit lost and now I have a path. I know where I'm going and I think Staffs really gave me that.”
Hear more from Kerry on Staffordshire University’s YouTube channel.
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Amy Platts
Media Communications Officer
t: 01782 292702
m: 07799 341911
e: amy.platts@staffs.ac.uk
Staffordshire University’s ambition is to become the UK’s best modern university. An institution with a strong civic mission, it has committed to being a ‘catalyst for change’ for students and businesses, positively impacting wider society and the regional economy.
Staffordshire University was named a Top 5 university in the UK and ranked Top 10 for job prospects in the StudentCrowd University Awards 2022 – based entirely on student reviews. It also ranked Top 10 for Social Inclusion in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) classed 68% of the University’s research as world leading or internationally excellent and 87% of its ‘research impact’ was judged to be outstanding or very outstanding.
Substantial investment in innovative technologies and teaching environments ensure next generation courses and education are delivered across all three campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London.
