Bethan Ashton

From a young age, I was always drawn to the idea of fairness and standing up for others. I found myself questioning why certain rules existed and how decisions were made, which naturally led me to an interest in law.

I made the decision to return to university with a new sense of purpose. As a mature student, I wasn’t always sure of what I wanted to do. I spent a few years working in the caring profession, which taught me a lot about empathy, resilience, and the importance of supporting others. But I knew I wanted to study law.

What truly inspired me to study law at university was the belief that legal knowledge can be a powerful tool for change. That belief deepened when I became a parent to my autistic son—caring for him is where I truly fell in love with advocacy. Navigating systems on his behalf showed me just how vital it is to speak up for others and ensure their voices are heard. The more I learned, the more I wanted to understand the system—not just how it works, but how it can be improved.

I chose to study at Edge Hill because of its strong reputation for student support and its commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering learning environment. Returning to education was a big step, and I wanted a university that would value my lived experience while helping me grow both personally and professionally. Edge Hill stood out immediately—not just for its welcoming atmosphere, but for its outstanding Human Rights Centre and the incredible lecturers who specialise in international law and human rights.

The opportunities I’ve had here have been genuinely life changing. One of my biggest dreams was to strengthen my understanding of the International Court of Justice—and thanks to Edge Hill, I was able to visit The Hague and the International Peace Palace, which was an unforgettable experience.

The university has supported me every step of the way. I’ve developed my advocacy skills through internal mooting and mock trial competitions, which I also helped organise and run in my second year.

I have had opportunities to represent Edge Hill externally. I competed in the Oriel Chambers Mooting Competition, became a grand finalist in the BPP Advocate of the Year Competition and argued in the Old Bailey, which was an incredible milestone.

I’ve also been able to compete internationally. This was through the Sports Law Arbitration Moot and representing Edge Hill in the prestigious JESSUP International Law Moot Court Competition. With the support of our brilliant coach, Dr. Patrick Butchard, I competed at Lincoln’s Inn in London—another dream come true.

Beyond competitions, I’ve also had opportunities to be actively involved in student life. I’ve served as Vice President of the Law Society this year, focusing on External Relations and Alumni Engagement. That role has given me the chance to connect students with professionals, strengthen alumni ties, and help build a stronger, more connected law community on campus. These experiences have not only deepened my knowledge of law but also confirmed that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

The top three skills I’ve developed during my degree are advocacy, legal research, and communication.

• Advocacy has been at the heart of my university experience—from internal mooting and mock trials to national and international competitions. I’ve learned how to think quickly, construct persuasive arguments, and present confidently in high-pressure environments like the Old Bailey and Lincoln’s Inn.
• Legal research has been another essential skill, especially as I’ve explored areas like international law and human rights. I’ve developed the ability to analyse complex legal texts, case law, and academic commentary with precision, and apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios and competition cases.
• Communication (written and verbal) has been vital throughout my time at Edge Hill. Whether it’s working collaboratively as Vice President of the Law Society, presenting legal arguments in moots, or networking with alumni and legal professionals, I’ve grown into a more confident and effective communicator. These skills will be invaluable as I move forward in my legal career.

The most memorable moment of my degree so far was receiving a major scholarship from Gray’s Inn—the Sir Francis Bacon Scholarship. This has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. To be recognised by such a prestigious Inn of Court, especially as a mature student and parent, was incredibly affirming and emotional. It reminded me just how far I’ve come and strengthened my belief that I belong in this profession.

My favourite thing about studying law is the power it gives you to advocate for others and create meaningful change. Law isn’t just about rules and statutes—it’s about people, rights, and real-life impact. I’ve seen how the law can be used to challenge injustice and give a voice to those who might otherwise go unheard. I particularly enjoy the analytical side—taking a complex issue, breaking it down, and building a strong, well-reasoned argument. It’s both intellectually stimulating and deeply empowering. Law has given me the tools to fight for causes I care about, and that’s what makes it so fulfilling.

For me, the School of Law and Criminal Justice is best thing about Edge Hill University —especially the lecturers. The level of support, encouragement, and genuine investment they show in each student is amazing. From the very beginning, I’ve felt seen, valued, and constantly pushed to reach my potential. Whether it’s preparing for competitions, applying for scholarships, or navigating complex legal topics, the lecturers are always there to offer guidance, reassurance, and real-world insight. They go beyond teaching—they mentor, challenge, and inspire. Their passion for the law is infectious, and their belief in their students has played a huge role in my growth, confidence, and ambition throughout my degree.

Without a doubt, my favourite place on campus is the library. It’s been my second home throughout the degree—especially with 24-hour access, which has honestly been a lifesaver. As a mature student and a parent, my study hours haven’t always been typical, so having a quiet, welcoming space available at any time has made all the difference. Whether I’ve needed to focus on coursework, prepare for a competition, or just find a bit of peace and quiet to think, the library has always been there. It’s where I’ve done some of my best work—and probably had some of my most rewarding late-night study sessions too.

After graduating, I’ll be continuing my journey toward becoming a barrister. Thanks to receiving the Sir Francis Bacon Scholarship from Gray’s Inn, I’m now able to study the Barrister Training Course alongside a Masters in Law at BPP University of Law in Manchester. It’s an incredible opportunity, and I’m truly excited for what the future holds at the Bar. This next step brings me closer to turning my passion for advocacy into a career, and I’m looking forward to building on everything I’ve learned so far and continuing to develop my skills, take on new challenges, and, ultimately, use the law to make a real difference.

My advice to anyone considering studying law at Edge Hill is simple: go for it—and make the most of every opportunity. The support you’ll receive from the is second to none. The lecturers are genuinely invested in your success and will encourage you every step of the way. Don’t be afraid to get involved beyond the classroom—join societies, take part in mooting and competitions, and push yourself outside your comfort zone. That’s where the real growth happens.

As someone who returned to education later in life, I can honestly say that Edge Hill gave me the confidence, skills, and opportunities to thrive. If you’re passionate about law and willing to work hard, there’s no better place to begin your journey.