Nadine Nassef

A typical week in my life

An average week in my life as a BCL student is a balance between academic commitments and extracurricular involvement. During the week, I attend lectures and seminars, which are complemented by independent studying and reading.

Outside the classroom, I make a conscious effort to get involved in the university community by attending any networking events (there are a lot across the year!), guest lectures, and CEPLER skills workshops, which help develop my professional confidence and commercial awareness.

I also dedicate time to seeing my friends (we love exploring new cafes around the university) as well as playing music and reading which are my passions. 

Why I chose Birmingham Dubai

Dubai is a vibrant city with abundant networking opportunities, and it has long been my ambition to pursue my university education here. Birmingham was my top choice in particular, given its strong academic reputation, beautiful campus, and supportive professional culture.

As I hope to practise law in the region, being a member of the inaugural BCL Dubai cohort has been a genuine privilege. 

Why I chose the Bachelor of Commercial Law

I chose to study law at Birmingham Dubai for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, upon meeting the faculty for the first time, I felt genuinely inspired; their enthusiasm and approachability were immediately apparent.

Furthermore, the BCL course is dynamic and unlike any other law programme currently offered. For instance, the Legal / Commercial Solutions and Ethics module is unique to this university, applying ethical frameworks in a manner that directly reflects the demands of the contemporary job market.

The strong emphasis on building a professional corporate profile captured my interest from the outset, and the opportunity to engage with a wide range of industry professionals through the English Legal Systems, Legal Skills and Methods module gave me invaluable insight into the practical realities of the legal profession. 

My future plans

I believe that this degree will equip me with both the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary for a successful legal career. The emphasis on commercial awareness and professional development has strengthened my ability to approach legal problems in a way that reflects real-world practice.

In particular, the exposure to industry professionals and the focus on applied legal skills have enhanced my confidence, adaptability, and understanding of the legal profession.

As I hope to practise law in the UAE, the BCL degree has provided me with a strong academic grounding alongside the professional insight required to progress in a competitive legal environment.

My advice to prospective students

My advice to new students would be to make the most of every opportunity available to you, both academically and beyond the classroom.

Focus on building your character as much as your CV, as qualities such as resilience and initiative are often what open doors to meaningful opportunities.

Finally, fully integrate yourself into the university community. Engage with your peers, professors, and events because these connections can be just as valuable as your academic achievements.