We caught up with International Law LLM student Mai Nguyen about her reason for choosing a postgraduate programme at Bristol, her favourite things about the LLM and her advice for students considering studying law, and how, as an international student, she found her academic home at Bristol.
Why did you choose to study postgraduate law at Bristol?
As a committed student of law, I have always approached legal study with the conviction that law is not a rigid system of constraints but a dynamic framework of protection designed by states to enable individuals to thrive within a secure and just society.
Law, in its highest form, empowers rather than restricts, fostering conditions for personal development and collective progress. This vision resonates strongly with the University of Bristol’s mission to “make a positive impact locally, nationally, and globally”.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, where international cooperation is essential for peace and development, International Law plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals across borders. It was this recognition — of the law’s transformative potential in global governance — that inspired me to pursue the LLM in International Law at the University of Bristol, a world-leading academic institution renowned for its excellence in legal education and commitment to global justice.
What has your experience been like as an international student at the University of Bristol Law School?
As the only Vietnamese International Law student at Bristol Law School, I have felt incredibly welcomed, supported, and seen, not as an outsider, but as a valued member of a truly global academic community.
From my very first days, the warmth of the faculty, the encouragement of my lecturers, and the camaraderie of my peers made Bristol feel less like a distant university and more like my academic home. Here, my identity is not only respected but celebrated, and my voice – shaped by my background, aspirations, and passion for international law – is heard and uplifted.
In every seminar, clinic, and mentoring session, I’ve found a space that nurtures both intellectual growth and personal belonging. In particular, the sense of belonging in Bristol comes from how the city blends music with communal spirit, especially through its vibrant local scene and trip-hop, reminding me of Bac Ninh, my birthplace in Vietnam, where Quan Ho folk songs also bring people together through music and collective culture. Bristol is more than where I study law — it’s where I found purpose, pride, and a place to truly live and thrive.
What makes Bristol a good city to study law?
Bristol is an exceptional city in which to study law because it perfectly blends academic excellence with real-world opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive community. As an international student from Asia, I felt welcomed from day one, not only by the university but by the city itself.
The University of Bristol offers me access to world-class professors, a dynamic curriculum, and incredible extracurricular opportunities like the Law Clinic, Bristol Voices, and the Law Mentoring Scheme. I’ve also had the privilege of co-leading the Research For Change Society’s podcast, connecting with legal professionals, and applying what I learn in meaningful, hands-on ways.
With Bristol’s rich legal culture, proximity to major international legal institutions, and strong focus on social justice, the city has empowered me to grow academically and personally. Not just where I learn, but where I come alive.
What have you enjoyed most about studying your LLM programme?
What I’ve enjoyed most about studying my LLM at the University of Bristol is how every aspect of the programme has inspired me to grow, not just as a legal scholar but as a global citizen. The course content is rigorous and deeply relevant, tackling the most pressing challenges of our time, from the complexities of armed conflict, trade dispute, and information technology war to the urgent intersections between human rights, climate change, and migration.
Each lecture is more than just a lesson; it’s an invitation to think critically about how the law can be used to protect humanity and shape a more just world. What makes this journey even more meaningful is the incredible diversity within our learning community. I’ve had the privilege of studying alongside classmates from every continent, each bringing unique cultural and legal perspectives that constantly broaden my worldview. Our discussions are alive with passion, empathy, and global insight.
The professors and lecturers are not only experts in their fields but also mentors who genuinely care about our growth, encouraging us to challenge norms and explore new ideas. Being part of such an intellectually vibrant and internationally connected environment has been the most rewarding and transformative part of my LLM journey; it’s a space where I feel both empowered and inspired to pursue my dream of becoming an advocate for peace and justice on both the national and global stage.
You scored very highly on your first paper at Bristol, a wonderful achievement. Do you have any study advice for future Law students?
Scoring 83/100 on my first paper at Bristol, despite it being my first time writing in the British academic style, taught me that success in postgraduate law comes from active engagement, not just passive study.
My advice to future law students is to read critically, not just to understand the law but to question and analyse it. Make full use of the support available, from lecturers’ feedback to writing workshops, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance. Collaborating with peers from diverse backgrounds can offer fresh perspectives and deepen your understanding.
Most importantly, trust in your own voice: legal writing is about building persuasive, evidence-based arguments, and Bristol truly encourages you to think independently and write with clarity and confidence.
What advice do you have for anyone considering studying law at Bristol?
Studying law at the University of Bristol is not just an academic journey, it’s a transformative experience where knowledge meets purpose.
As an international student from Vietnam, I found myself empowered in a vibrant, inclusive environment that values diversity, critical thinking, and global justice. Here, I’ve grown not only as a legal scholar but as a changemaker, through courses that challenge the status quo, hands-on experiences with working in the Law Clinic, and mentorship from a United Nations Legal Officer (managed by the Professional Liaison Network).
If you’re passionate about making a difference through law, Bristol is where future legal minds rise, voices are heard, and global impact begins. Let your journey of justice continue here!