Name
Ben Lowry
Course and Campus
Law with Criminology at Jordanstown
Why did you decide to study part-time?
I didn’t get the grades at A-Level I needed to study full-time so had the option of resitting an A-Level or studying part-time.
I decided another year of A-levels wasn’t for me.
I only heard about the option of going part-time about two weeks before term started so ended up completing my application in a bar on a campsite in France.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Probably the most competitive person about.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I’ve represented the University in a mooting (mock legal appeal case) competition in Toronto.
What obstacles or challenges did you overcome?
My confidence took a real hit after not getting the A-level results I was aiming for.
I wasn’t sure if I was smart enough to pursue the career I wanted so I’ve had to dig in and prove I can overcome a setback.
How has your life changed since beginning your study – if you didn’t take the opportunity, where would you have been?
If I hadn’t gone part-time I would probably have ended up full-time, albeit a year later. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
Studying part-time afforded me more time outside of my studies and I was able to get involved in the Ulster University Law Society, acting as President for a year. I have had the opportunity to compete for the University in Dublin, London and Toronto.
Going into my final year, I have got a job as a paralegal which will be extremely beneficial, working alongside my studies.
What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Winning the Ulster University Internal Moot two years in a row.
What are your future goals and aspirations?
I’m hoping to start training as a Barrister after I graduate.
Why would you tell a prospective student to study part-time?
Studying part-time gives you a great work-study balance. It also affords you more time to get involved in extra-curricular activities.
As a bonus, the fees are far less for part-time students compared with their full-time counterparts.