The successful Law at Magdalen Programme is now in its sixth year.
At the start of August, 39 state school students from across the UK came to Magdalen for the programme, to have a taste of what it’s like being a Law undergraduate here.
The participants had been carefully selected from over 200 applications by Year 12 students (age 16-17), and travelled to Oxford for three days of activities, staying in College accommodation to truly feel like undergraduates.
Senior Outreach Officer Nuala Marshall and Outreach & Access Officer Catriona Macnab planned and co-ordinated the residential event. Law Fellow Professor Roderick Bagshaw organised and delivered the academic content along with colleagues Professor Katharine Grevling and Professor Jordan English. Additionally, four current Magdalen Law undergraduates Ilse, Louise, Luca, and Will, helped as student ambassadors.
The Programme
The programme participants enjoyed a tour of Magdalen, taster lectures and discursive classes, and sessions on the admissions process. They also watched a demonstration interview, thanks to student helper Ilse, who recreated her own experience of the process.
I enjoyed the interview which was conducted in front of us to be really helpful. I liked the legal questions which were posed to us and I thought the discussions with Roderick were particularly enjoyable.
DISHA, 2024 law at magdalen participant
Participants also had the opportunity to meet a High Court Judge, Magdalen alumna Judith Farbey. Mrs Justice Farbey spoke to the students on the topic of ‘What is Law?’. She offered an insight into her career path and experiences as a KC and judge. She gave valuable advice and guidance to the students about the choices they can make, and afterwards joined them for an informal dinner in Hall.
The talk from Justice Judith Farbey was my favourite part of the programme
2024 law at magdalen participant (anon.)
Convince The Judge
A highlight of the programme for many was ‘Convince the Judge’. Participants drew on what they’d learnt from the previous days’ lectures and classes to prepare for a mini-moot. Each student gave a two-minute speech as either appellant or respondent for a fictional case. The strongest participants from the first round then went through to a final round which was judged by Professor Katharine Grevling. Though it was the first time most of them had ever attempted mooting before, they did excellently. It must have been nerve-wracking in front of a real Oxford professor, but many rated it as their favourite part of the whole programme.
I enjoyed the “Convince the Judge” session, as it was an eye opener into the real-time implcations if becoming a lawyer, and imparted me with very specific feedback which will help me both in my application, and future role as a lawyer.
avely, 2024 law at magdalen participant
The participants also had an opportunity to chat with the Law Fellows and undergraduates during a formal dinner in Hall. This gave them an insight into an Oxford tradition they might experience if they make a successful application.
We are incredibly grateful to Justice Farbey, our Law Fellows, and the undergraduate student helpers who made this residential possible. We wish all the participants the very best of luck in their university applications this October.
[The programme was] incredibly positive and cemented the fact that I want to study law at Oxford. I found it intellectually stimulating and felt that I was adequately challenged whilst also supported.
zoe, 2024 law at magdalen participant
If you are entering Year 12 and would like to participate in the 2025 Law at Magdalen Programme, please visit the Law at Magdalen webpage. Applications will open in May 2025.
