Warwick Law School News

Warwick Law School is delighted to share that three of our current undergraduate students received departmental funding to present at The British Conference for Undergraduate Research (BCUR) hosted by the University of Newcastle from 9-10 April this year.

BCUR is the largest conference in the UK exclusively dedicated to showcasing undergraduate research from all disciplines. The conference meets annually every spring at a different British university and undergraduates of all levels are invited to submit papers, posters, workshops and performances. This year Newcastle provided an exciting programme of events to inspire and encourage outstanding undergraduate researchers from all over the country.

The conference has been running since 2011 and is the first conference of its kind and largest in the UK. Dr Laura Lammasniemi, Co-Director of Undergraduate Supervised Projects at Warwick Law School shared,

“It was brilliant to see so much interest in the conference, and we were happy to support our finalists who wanted to share their Supervised Project research. Their presentations showcased real enthusiasm, and it was great to see WLS so strongly represented at BCUR.”

In 2023, The University of Warwick was honoured to be the first UK institution to host the annual British Conference of Undergraduate Research for a second occasion. This year, WLS was able to offer funding to support our finalists selected to present at the event.

We caught up with LLB finalists Kawal Bhimda and Merveille Nkamba to find out a little more about their research and BCUR experience.

What did you present on?

Kawal: I presented my research titled “Equality in Vulnerability: Legal Acknowledgment of Rape Beyond Gender Biases.” The project explores the limitations of the current UK legal definition of rape, which excludes male victims of forced-to-penetrate (FTP) cases. Through comparative analysis and policy review, I proposed legal reforms to create a more gender-inclusive framework. The aim was to highlight how the existing law unintentionally overlooks a vulnerable group and to advocate for more equitable recognition and protection for all survivors, regardless of gender.

Merveille: My research title was ‘Masculinity in Customary Law and the Constitutional rights of women in South Africa.’ My research discussed the intersection between gender, coloniality, and the law, and its effects on women’s access to constitutional rights today.

Why did you decide to take part in this opportunity?

Kawal: This topic is incredibly close to my heart. I initially began this research through the URSS programme under the guidance of Professor Laura Lammasniemi, and it has since grown into the focus of my undergraduate thesis. Throughout this journey, I’ve felt a deep responsibility to bring attention to the voices often left out of legal discourse - particularly male victims of forced-to-penetrate cases.

When I heard about BCUR, it felt like the right platform to share this work beyond the academic setting - not just within legal circles, but across disciplines and communities. It was an opportunity to contribute something meaningful on a national stage, and to engage others in a conversation that really needs to happen.

Merveille: I decided to take part in BCUR because I wanted to share my research with a multidisciplinary audience that would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn about South African history. I also wanted to exercise my public speaking skills by speaking to an unfamiliar audience.

What skills has it helped you to develop?

Kawal: BCUR gave me the opportunity to develop and apply a wide range of academic and transferable skills. Presenting my research in a national setting helped improve my public speaking and built my confidence in delivering complex legal content to a non-specialist audience. I also strengthened my ability to write clearly and persuasively, particularly on sensitive topics involving legal reform and gender-based issues. These skills have continued to benefit my academic work, especially as I expand this project further through my undergraduate thesis.

Engaging with students and academics from different disciplines really broadened my understanding of the topic itself. I received feedback and viewpoints that helped me see the issue from psychological, sociological, and policy-driven angles - perspectives I hadn’t fully considered before. I also had constructive debates around the practical implications of legal reform, including its timeline, feasibility, and potential resistance. These conversations challenged my assumptions and deepened my critical thinking, giving me a more well-rounded view of the legal and social landscape surrounding my research.

Merveille: I was able to improve upon my presentation skills through delivering a succinct oral presentation.

How did you find the conference?

Kawal: Attending BCUR was an incredibly rewarding experience. Being surrounded by students and researchers from such a diverse range of disciplines created a space that was intellectually rich and genuinely collaborative. It was inspiring to see how passionately others spoke about their work, and it reminded me of the value and purpose behind pursuing research - not just to generate knowledge, but to engage with others and contribute to meaningful conversations.

What stood out most was how open and curious people were about my project. Many asked questions that pushed me to think more critically about the practical aspects of my proposals - how they could be implemented, what challenges might arise, and how different communities might respond. I even had a few thoughtful debates around the pace of legal reform and the cultural readiness for certain changes. These interactions helped me refine my arguments and made me more aware of the wider societal context in which my research sits. It was both humbling and energising to know that the topic resonated, and I left the conference with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer direction for the next stage of my academic work.

Beyond the academic side, BCUR also had a fun and social atmosphere. I met so many brilliant students who were not only great to talk to intellectually but also made the experience really enjoyable. From casual chats over coffee to dinner in the evening, it was refreshing to connect with like-minded people in such a relaxed setting. It felt less like a formal conference and more like a shared celebration of research and ideas, which made the whole experience even more special.

Merveille: The conference had such a positive and supportive atmosphere that made me feel like I was part of something special. I enjoyed getting to know some of the other presenters and sharing the excitement of our first research conference. 

Congratulations to all of the Warwick Law students who took part and a special thanks to Kawal and Merveille for being so kind to share their experiences with our community. We hope their feedback encourages other students to take part in the conference in the future.