Riya Bhatt

Field Court Tax Chambers Scholarship

Field Court Tax Chambers 2020-21 Scholar Riya Bhatt

College: Merton

I did my undergraduate degree in Law at Merton College in Oxford and graduated in 2020. I stayed on at Merton to complete the BCL this year.

Could you tell us about your journey to Oxford? Why did you choose to study at the Law Faculty?

I applied to Oxford for my undergraduate Law degree and spending three years here wasn’t enough! I wanted to continue my exploration of the law and focus more on the areas I am interested in.

What do you hope to achieve whilst studying law in Oxford?

I want to pursue a career at the Bar, so I used this year on the BCL to study subjects which will help me in that regard.

What have you found most rewarding about your programme so far?

The teaching system in Oxford is the best part of the course. Learning from the top academics in the field is such an amazing experience as you have the opportunity to appreciate their specialisms in a really detailed and exciting way.

What have you found most challenging about your programme so far?

I’ve spent the year working from home so far and studying at Oxford is certainly very different when you are not physically in the city! However, the teaching and support offered by the tutors and the faculty throughout this year has been really helpful and ensured that online working has not detracted from the learning experience that the BCL offers.

Are you involved with or joined any projects or societies? 

I have continued mooting whilst on the BCL – there are lots of great opportunities for this through the Law Faculty and the Bar Society. I have also been involved in some access and outreach projects for younger students considering studying Law at Oxford. 

How has the scholarship benefitted your studies and professional development?

This scholarship has been hugely beneficial because it has allowed me to discover my interest in Tax law and pursuing a career at the Tax Bar. Having never studied Tax before, I didn’t know much about it before this year. I have now chosen to take both Tax options on the BCL and am thoroughly enjoying them!

Through the generosity of Field Court Tax Chambers, this scholarship is worth £10,000 and is awarded annually to students embarking on the BCL, MJur or one year research degree (including one year of the DPhil). Available to UK , EU, and overseas students alike, this scholarship is for students with an interest in proceeding to the bar.