Studying Law Abroad: My Experience at NUS Law School

By Felecia Ogunnuga, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Before arriving in Singapore, I was fortunate to connect with a previous exchange student who studied Law at NUS. Thanks to her, I was mentally prepared for some academic differences between NUS and the University of Manchester. Still, there were things I wish I’d known in advance. Hopefully, this post will help you feel better equipped to handle life at the world’s 8th best law school, especially in terms of academic expectations.

Picking Your Modules

Your NUS journey starts before you even arrive. Module selection can be confusing at first. The system is quite different and takes time to understand—especially the online platform. I found it overwhelming initially, but by second semester I was more confident.

Tip #1: Do your research.
Find out how each module is assessed, the exam dates, class timings, and who teaches it. I didn’t know how to do this initially and selected modules blindly from an outdated list. That led to none of my first choices being accepted, and I had to reapply in Round 2. It felt like a rejection (dramatic, I know), but it was a little more stressful having a smaller list to choose from. In the end it worked out great so if you do find yourself in this situation, don’t worry, I’ve been there.

Use MODS NUS, which gives you detailed info on course availability, exam schedules, prerequisites, and timings. A big part of NUS module planning is also about scheduling: you can aim for a long weekend, all-morning classes or all-night classes, depending on what suits you. I did this in Semester 2 and only had to attend classes two days a week after I finished my initial three-week intensive course (A law course that is worth 4 credits and completed in the first three weeks of the semester. These are useful for freeing up the end of your semester and the exam is completed sooner, however, beware that for the first three weeks you will be in university every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6:30pm-9:30pm).

If you don’t get your preferred modules, don’t panic—there’s a two-week Add/Drop period where you can trial and switch modules. NUS offers a wide range of law courses, many of which look impressive on vacation scheme applications, so choose wisely based on your interests and goals.

Reading and Class Participation

Surprisingly (or not), many law classes at NUS use the Socratic method. You may be called on in class, so always come prepared. Some professors may use a system called “on-call,” where you’re assigned a specific week to answer questions—this reduces pressure on other weeks but requires thorough knowledge on the topic, as you and a couple of other students are on the ‘hot seat’.

Participation can account for 10–15% of your grade, though it varies. Be ready for group projects too—collaborative work is common, so sharpen those social skills!

Classes are seminar-style, usually three hours long, mixing lectures with discussions. This format means readings are crucial. Unlike UoM, where workshops may be biweekly, NUS classes are weekly—so expect to read more, more often.

Some modules have intense workloads. For instance, my International Commercial Arbitration module had over 100 pages of reading weekly (sometimes 200+). Prioritisation and critical reading become essential. This is where your prioritisation and selectivity skills come in handy, tools like reading summaries or case digests can really help.

But not all modules are like this. In International Law and Asia, I had to write a research paper instead of sitting an exam, which gave me more control over what I read. This module has really helped me to realise that I prefer research Paper modules, which I will hopefully be choosing in my final year back at UoM.

Academic Difficulty

Is NUS difficult? Yes. But is it impossible? Absolutely not.

It’s worth noting that for UoM students, taking Level 4000 modules is mandatory. These are often populated by NUS final-year students, master’s students, or even qualified lawyers. Impostor syndrome is real—I felt it—but you adapt. The bell-curve is applied within each group, so you’re not competing with people who have years of practice under their belts.

Also, the pass/fail grading system makes the year less stressful academically. I opted to take Chinese 1 and 2 instead of a full four-law-module load. It gave me a breather from law readings while helping me explore a new language. Speak to your academic advisor about taking non-law modules—some flexibility may be available depending on your situation.

Overall, I’d rate the academic challenge 8/10—demanding but manageable with the right mindset.

Competitiveness and Class Culture

Before coming to NUS, I’d heard rumours that local students were highly competitive. In reality, I found the culture to be collaborative and friendly. Local, international, and postgraduate students alike have been supportive and open. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences.

Facilities on the Law Campus

Currently, the Bukit Timah law campus has:

A gym
Food court
Library
Internal shuttle bus
Tennis courts and a sports centre nearby

Next year, NUS Law will relocate to Yale-NUS at U-Town, which has newer facilities, great food options, and a beautiful library. While different, both campuses have their perks. If you’re around the Botanic Gardens, take a moment to visit the current law campus—it’s a peaceful and historic spot.

If you’re preparing for NUS Law, my biggest advice is: prepare early, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll be challenged, but you’ll grow so much too.

Good luck!