A passion for language and the law led Helen Boyd to study for a five-year LLB course which saw her spend a year in Germany.
The 24-year-old, who has made Aberdeen her home, will graduate today with a Bachelor of Laws and German Law with First-Class honours.
And she has quickly put the skills gained on her course to use, establishing a business, Working Language Ltd, in the Granite City which provides language and cultural awareness training to oil and gas companies with a fellow Aberdeen graduate, Valerie Kemp.
“The business is stressful and hard work but a law degree stands you in good stead,” she said.
“I really enjoyed the time I spent in Germany at the University of Regensburg as part of my course and it has helped with the business.
“It was taught and examined wholly in German so I had to develop my language skills quickly.”
Helen’s talent for her subject meant she was awarded the BS Ranjit - Michael Macfarland Scholarship, given to a final year LLB student who not only demonstrates excellent grades but a commitment to Law through extra-curricular interests and abilities in activities such as mooting, negotiation and advocacy.
During her time as an undergraduate she was an active member of the Aberdeen University Law Mooting Society. In successive years she was the First Year rep, the Secretary, Treasurer. She also won the First Year Mooting Competition in 2006 and competed in the final of the Main Competition in 2011
Helen, originally from St Andrews, will be presented with an award which comes with the scholarship at a ceremony in the Law School following her graduation.