Simardeep Singh Takkar
My path to The University of Buckingham was shaped by curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to step away from the expected route. I began my university journey in Canada at Western University, where I studied Business Management and Organisational Studies for two years. I enjoyed the subject matter and performed well academically, but over time, I realised that something was missing. Large lecture halls and exam-heavy learning left little room for discussion, challenge, or debate. These were the very things that pushed me to think deeply and independently.
As I reflected on who I was as a student, it became clear that I learned best through conversation, argument, and questioning assumptions. I was drawn to smaller, student-focused classes where discussion was central, and teaching quality was prioritised. That realisation led me to consider studying law in the UK and, eventually, to The University of Buckingham, which is widely recognised for its emphasis on high-quality teaching and close academic engagement.
Studying at Buckingham
Deciding to move abroad was both exciting and daunting. Leaving home meant stepping into unfamiliar academic and personal territory, but it also felt like the right moment to challenge myself. When I arrived in Buckingham, I quickly realised how different the environment was from anything I had experienced before. The university was small, but growing, and from the outset it felt personal. Classes were intimate, expectations were high, and participation was not just encouraged; it was required.
One of the most defining aspects of my experience was the emphasis on critical thinking and debate-focused learning. Very early on, I noticed that tutorials were not about simply arriving at the “right” answer. Instead, we were asked why the law operates the way it does, whether it should, and what assumptions underpin legal rules. Lecturers such as Dr James Slater played a significant role in shaping how I approached learning. His focus on discussion, challenge, and analytical reasoning pushed me beyond memorisation and into genuine understanding. I found myself enjoying being questioned, defending my views, and refining my arguments.
Student life
Living in Europe added another layer to the experience. Being away from home required independence and adaptability, but it also offered opportunities to travel, explore new cultures, and gain perspective beyond the classroom. Buckingham itself may be a small town, but its close-knit community made it easy to build meaningful friendships. I met people from a wide range of backgrounds, and those conversations, academic and otherwise, became an important part of my growth.
What’s next?
Perhaps the clearest reflection of Buckingham’s impact is how seamlessly the skills I developed translated into the next stage of my education. After completing my law degree with 1st Class Honours, I am currently pursuing the Honours Business Administration at Ivey Business School. Ivey’s case-based, discussion-driven approach mirrors many of the learning methods I experienced at Buckingham. The confidence to speak up, engage in debate, and analyse complex problems under scrutiny all trace back to my time in Buckingham’s tutorial rooms.
Looking back, my experience at The University of Buckingham was about far more than earning a law degree. It was about learning how to think critically, how to question confidently, and how to grow both academically and personally. I leave with strong legal foundations, a broader global perspective, and memories shaped by challenge, discussion, and community.
For anyone considering Buckingham, I would say this. If you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and engage fully with your education, the experience can be truly transformative.