- 5 min
- Published: 14 November 2025
- Updated: 14 November 2025
Students from Canada, like all international students, have questions about life in a new country whenever they decide to study abroad. They also wonder about programs and universities they are interested in. We decided to try and make things a little easier by reaching out to senior representatives of some of the world's most renowned universities and asking them why students should choose their school.
This time, we got in touch with Laura Lo Coco, Senior Lecturer in Law at Hertfordshire Law School in the UK.
Ranked among the UK’s best, Hertfordshire Law School delivers practice-focused pathways into the legal profession, from solicitor and barrister training to pro bono experience at its award-winning Hertfordshire Law Clinic. Its state-of-the-art Law Court Building includes authentic courtroom spaces and specialist teaching rooms, creating an immersive legal environment where theory meets practice.
Laura Lo Coco specializes in legal theory and land law, and holds a Ph.D from KCL, a MSc in Political Theory from LSE and one from the Università degli studi di Pavia, and a LLB from LIUC. We asked her about the opportunities offered by Hertfordshire Law School, why students from Canada should consider studying there, and support systems in place for students. Here's what she had to say.
Why should students from Canada consider applying to Hertfordshire Law School?
If you want a personal, practical, and internationally minded legal education, Herts is the place for you.
Our students from Canada tell me that the mix of a supportive academic environment, hands-on opportunities, and proximity to London is exactly what they were looking for. You’ll be part of a close community here: not just another number in a lecture hall. I get to know all my accelerated degree students personally; we work together closely through tutorials, mentoring, and informal chats about your career goals. I also organize socials and coffee times with me and other members of staff so that they get to know all the people that are involved in making their academic journey interesting and effective in developing work ready skills.
We also offer a module specifically designed for our Canadian students called Comparative Public Law: UK, Canada, and the Commonwealth. It widely focuses on Canadian constitutional law, helping you get a head start on the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) exams, which often centre on constitutional principles and the differences between the UK and Canadian systems.
Last but not least, one major advantage of this programme is that you save both time and money by completing your degree in just two years.
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What would you say are unique opportunities offered by Hertfordshire Law School to international students?
Canadian students bring such a strong sense of curiosity and ambition, and they are incredibly driven. I absolutely love having them on my programme, so I have designed opportunities that match that energy. For example, I organize exclusive sessions where Canadian students can meet with our Employment Team, hear from alumni who’ve built successful careers back home, and attend guest lectures tailored to their interests.
I’m always looking for ways to adapt the programme to fit my students’ needs. In fact, our Comparative Public Law: UK, Canada, and the Commonwealth module was developed directly from conversations with Canadian students who wanted more focus on their own legal system and its relationship with the UK. When you join us, you’ll be part of a programme that genuinely listens, values your input, and supports you every step of the way.
We also have a vibrant Canada Herts Law Alumni Association. We meet in Toronto twice a year and I am always so happy to find out that our Canadian Alumni become friends and often end up working together and share professional opportunities with each other. It is a supportive and welcoming network of young energetic professionals, and I am very proud of them.
Our students get access to our award-winning Law Clinic, where students work directly with real clients under supervision. Every student has the chance to gain genuine legal work experience: not simulations, but the real thing.
Can you tell us a little about Hertfordshire’s curriculum, pro bono exposure, and global opportunities?
Our LLB curriculum is designed to balance rigorous academic training with practical experience. We have almost no traditional tests or exams. Instead, our assessments mirror the real-world challenges that lawyers and legal professionals face in their everyday work. Throughout the programme, we focus not only on developing legal knowledge and practical skills, but also on cultivating the professional standards expected in the field. This approach, known as experiential learning, prepares students to seamlessly transition into our award-winning Law Clinic. The pro bono opportunities through our Law Clinic are complemented by placements, mooting competitions, and guest lectures from practitioners around the world.
Working with the Law Clinic gives you the chance to apply what you learn in class to real cases: you work directly with clients under supervision, helping them with genuine legal issues like housing, employment, or family matters, while building practical experience and professional confidence.
We also encourage global exposure: whether that’s through comparative modules, celebrating the diversity of our team and our student population, or building connections with international alumni. Many of our Canadian students tell me they feel their global legal awareness grows massively within just a few months here. Some of our Canadian students go on to qualify in Canada and the UK and practice across these two legislations.
Is the 2Y Accelerated LLB at Herts recognized in Canada?
Yes, it is. Our accelerated LLB is recognized by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) in Canada, which means graduates can return home and complete the necessary NCA process to practise law. Our Alumni have chosen different paths: some have completed a Masters in Canada to qualify fully, others have studied for the NCA exams independently. We are always happy to discuss these options with students and guide them.
We understand that Hertfordshire is around 25 minutes from Central London by train.
Absolutely. Our location gives you the best of both worlds. Professionally, you are close enough to London to attend networking events, law firm open days, and mini-pupillages and micro-placements. We have very close ties to the Crown Prosecution Service: Grace Chidozie Ononiwu CBE, Director General Legal Delivery for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), is also an Alumni. She is always super involved in our activities and events, and - as of this year - also the Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire!
Many of our students take advantage of these ties and the vicinity to London. Our Employability team will share with you all opportunities they come across. Some of these opportunities are specifically created for our students thanks to the close ties law firms have with UH such as, for example, HFW Law Firm, Family First Lawyers, and Stryders.
But being slightly out of London means that you get to live on a beautiful campus within the Hertfordshire Green Belt, with top sports facilities, vibrant student societies, restaurants, cafés, and nearby shopping. It is a friendly, student-focused environment that’s ideal for balancing the intensity of a law degree with a healthy, active lifestyle.
What about student life?
Yes, as I mention above, we have ongoing collaborations with local and London law firms, NGOs, and public sector organisations such as the CPS, giving students hands-on experience throughout their degree. Our Herts Law Alumni Canada network is another huge advantage: alumni who have graduated from the UH Law School now work in law firms, government, and private companies both in the UK and Canada. We meet twice a year in Toronto to share updates, opportunities, and support current students. It’s a genuinely collaborative network. Many of our graduates connect through this community to find internships, mentorships, and even job offers in Canada.
Are there specific resources or support systems in place for students from Canada?
Every student is assigned a personal tutor, and for the Accelerated programme, that’s me! Because the cohort is small, we stay in close contact: I regularly share interesting opportunities, offer advice, or simply act as a sounding board when students need to brainstorm ideas. I make it a priority to check in with everyone, both academically and personally, to ensure you’re getting the most out of your time here.
In addition to this one-to-one support, we have a fantastic international student team, tailored career guidance for law graduates, and plenty of chances to connect with Canadian alumni who can share their own journeys back home. Alongside our Employment team, our dedicated Experiential Learning team helps students become job ready well before they even start applying for roles.
Regarding admissions, are there any specific requirements or considerations, for international students from Canada?
Although desirable, you don’t even need an undergraduate degree to apply: that’s one of the most convenient aspects. However, you do need strong academic performance in your high school or college qualifications, as the programme is intensive and fast-paced. We look for evidence of motivation, resilience, and a real interest in law and justice. You need to be prepared to study and attend classes from late September to end of July, as you will be doing three semesters a year.
Although intensive, this programme allows you to forge close relationships with your peers that will become your ‘to go’ people when you graduate! Also, throughout the year you will receive plenty of support from me and my team, and will be exposed to great opportunities.
Does the accelerated law program offer unique benefits for Canadian students?
The Accelerated LLB at Herts is truly a small, close-knit community of ambitious, curious, and supportive students. Because the pace is fast and the group is tight, everyone quickly builds genuine connections. It’s not unusual for students to form lifelong friendships (and even future professional partnerships!) along the way. We take pride in knowing every student personally and being there for you throughout your journey.
We even have a dedicated recruiter based in Canada who can guide you through the application process right from the start and keep you updated on scholarship opportunities for Canadian students. It’s all part of what makes Herts special: that personal touch and sense of belonging that extends well beyond the classroom.
Does the school offer support to students in securing positions back in Canada after graduation?
Yes, we absolutely support our Canadian students as they prepare to return home and build their legal careers. Our dedicated careers team works closely with you to ensure you graduate job ready: equipped with the skills, experience, and confidence that employers in Canada are looking for.
On top of that, our Canadian representative is always happy to help, whether it’s answering questions about applications, scholarships, or the NCA process. And our active Herts Law Alumni Canada network provides fantastic networking opportunities.
Could you tell us a little about the overall culture at the University of Hertfordshire
Friendly, inclusive, and ambitious. We’re big enough to offer amazing facilities and opportunities, but small enough that you’ll never feel lost. The campus is buzzing with energy: sports, music, societies, debates. And the Law School itself has a wonderful community feel. Especially amongst the Accelerated students.
Joining Herts means joining a community of students and staff who care about your growth. We celebrate each other’s successes and stay connected long after graduation.
Want to Study Law in the UK?
If you’re a Canadian student thinking about studying law in the UK, there is expertise and support available to you. Explore more of IDP Education’s resources or reach out to our student counsellors for advice.
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