Studying law presents many challenges, from understanding new concepts and new teaching and learning methods, to new ways of writing and communicating. At APIIT Law School, students study core modules from the Staffordshire University Law School (UK) curriculum, including "Skills for Knowledge and Learning in Law" (or, "SKILLs"), a module of study which develops students' skills for success in their law studies and future employment.

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While other core modules are taught by way of lectures and small group tutorials, SKILLs is taught in workshop mode, with workshop activities focused on development of "Transferable Skills", which a law student requires to study for a law degree as well as potential employers look for in candidates for employment. For example, problem solving and presentation skills are essential for both assessment in law and in legal practice. The programme includes an oral presentation in level 1 and examination problem questions throughout. The SKILLs module's focus on learning, lawyering and personal enhancement has proved to be invaluable for students in completing level 1 of their law degree.

Two students who have now successfully completed their second year, Erandi Dassenaike and Manjula Baranage, share their experiences of the SKILLs programme in their first year. According to Erandi, "the learning skills …encompassed a wide range of skills, from identifying the reliable sources of legal information for academic research to approaching problem solving….This enhanced my research skills and I was able to locate material in a comparatively short period of time…

The problem solving session aided me in understanding how to approach a problem question, provide a good structure and answer to the point, which proved beneficial for the other law modules…"
Manjula says "the SKILLs module helped me to improve my legal writing, case analysis, research, presentation and referencing skills. Therefore I was able to do well in assignments..."

On employability, Erandi says "the latter part of the SKILLs course… provided me with the necessary skills required to enhance my personality…I gained an insight into what a prospective employer would want from their prospective employees… This module gave me an academic as well as a non academic perspective in lawyering which I had never experienced before…"

This emphasis on recognition and development of transferable skills permeates the curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Manjula explains: "…Group exercises held weekly …. helped me to develop team working skills and problem solving ability, also leadership skills as a leader appointed to coordinate group activities". Also, "I voluntarily took up the challenge to participate as a defence counsel at a mooting exercise held in the APIIT Law School …I effectively utilised the skills of oral communication, research, logical argument, self confidence and time management."

APIIT Law School facilities include a purpose-built mock courtroom or "Moot Court", the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka, which students will utilise for simulated court proceedings as they move through the 3 year degree programme, further improving their "lawyering" skills.

The state- of- the- art Moot Court at APIIT Law School With a personal tutor programme which provides students with personal support and guidance throughout their studies by a team of experts headed by Programme Leader Ms. Susan Green, the SKILLs curriculum reflects the importance of students' personal development to both Staffordshire University and APIIT Law School.

Students wishing to experience the APIIT Advantage and enrol for the next intake scheduled to commence in September 2011, are advised to contact the Admission Office on 2675060 or info@apiit.lk, or visit our state- of- the- art APIIT Law School at Union Place, Colombo 2 for assistance.