Maja Wilkins

Graduate Diploma in Law

I grew up just outside of Oxford,

And I've always had a special fondness of the city. Studying somewhere familiar felt important, especially during what I knew would be a challenging year. The law department at Oxford Brookes stood out for its strong reputation in achieving excellent results and supporting students in their next steps, whether pursuing further study or employment. With my goal of becoming a lawyer, that support was invaluable.

Without the guidance of my tutors, I wouldn’t have become a barrister.

Their experience in legal practice brought the material to life, and they went above and beyond to ensure we were prepared for the intensity of the GDL. They fostered an open and approachable environment where no question was ever dismissed, making the course feel manageable despite its challenges. Beyond academics, their support extended to co-curricular activities like mooting, which was instrumental in shaping my decision to pursue a career at the Bar.


Being part of a smaller cohort meant,

we developed strong bonds throughout the course. Seminar-style lectures encouraged discussion and debate, enhancing our learning and building camaraderie in the cohort. I remain close to two alumni from my cohort and have connected with several others on LinkedIn. The success our group has achieved since completing the GDL is something I hope Oxford Brookes takes pride in.


As a criminal practitioner,

I rely daily on principles of criminal law learned at Oxford Brookes, while my knowledge of public and contract law has been crucial in roles like my secondment with HM Treasury and work at the Serious Fraud Office. The research skills developed during the Legal Research Project have been vital, enabling me to conduct detailed, forensic research. Mooting, led by Marc Howe, honed my advocacy skills and inspired me to pursue a career at the criminal Bar.