Kieran Elliott

Kieran studied BA Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad), focusing on French and Arabic and graduating in July 2023. He is currently studying the law conversion at BPP University ahead of starting a training contract at Herbert Smith Freehills.

What was your favourite module at Durham?

I was first introduced to Arabic literature at Durham and I immediately knew that this was the area I wanted to focus my dissertation on. In my 4th year, I studied ’Trends in Modern Arabic Literature and Film’ which was undisputedly my favourite module at Durham. Reading works from all over the Middle East from various and interesting angles reminded me of the diversity of the region I was studying and only motivated me further in my language studies. I have Professor Abir Hamdar to thank for this for not only introducing me to these largely undiscovered pieces and themes but also for providing invaluable insight for my dissertation!

How did your studies prepare you for what you do now?

I’ve always liked to think of legal studies as a form of translation exercise. In other words, how can I take in this often complex and convoluted area of law and translate it into something comprehensible and appropriate for a client without legal knowledge? Being able to look at things from an entirely new perspective is key in law and in a languages degree. Also, there are very few companies who are not looking internationally for the future, and so it’s always useful to be one step ahead and use your languages as a link to help them cross borders!

What is the most important piece of advice you’d like to give students of Modern Languages?

I perhaps didn’t realise the importance of the ‘culture’ section of the degree title when I started, but I think an appreciation of the fact that the languages you are studying do not exist in a vacuum is fundamental to getting the most out of your degree. I remember hearing that, in French schools, children have ‘living languages’ written on their timetable where we have simply ‘French’ or ’Spanish’. I think ‘living languages’ encapsulates perfectly how we should view languages, as they are connected to places and people that have so many stories to tell. I think this is the mentality that I would encourage Modern Languages students to have, especially going into their year abroad.

What was the most important thing you learned at Durham?

I think the most important thing I learned at Durham was rather cliché and something people have heard a million times before, but I found that you really get out of everything exactly what you put into it. Before coming to Durham I had really only ever thought of it in an academic context, but soon I realised that it’s really applicable to anything and everything you do in your everyday life. For example, putting myself out there to make friends on my year abroad is now one of the best things I recall when I look back on my time in Paris and Amman. More locally in Durham, getting involved in societies that pique your interest will supplement your learning and university experience more than I first anticipated. Ultimately, the time you spend at university is short, so use the few years you’re given to try out what you can!