University isn’t just about lectures and seminars – one way to get the most out of your time at University, outside the classroom, is to socialise with like-minded people, discussing the topics and issues around your subject.
The University of Sunderland Students' Union (SU) is run by students for students, as a separate entity from the University. The SU gives students the opportunity to join communities relating to areas they’re really passionate about; such as sport teams and hobbies and interests outside of uni and academia. The Criminology Society is a recent addition and was set up by current second year student, Connor Quick. His aim in setting up the Society was to help students and staff work collaboratively, so as to better the experience for Criminology students. He says, “At university you want to feel supported and relaxed, this society helps students to do just that".
Employability after graduation is a huge factor to any course at any university and is something that Connor believes to have been enhanced due to the partnership between the Society and the University. Last year, the Society took part in an educational Criminology conference in Belgium, where Society members were given the chance to accompany Criminology academic, Dr Donna Peacock, on her key note speech.
Society member, Mandi Purvis, attended the trip and found, "Having the chance to hear about global research in Criminology, meet Academics from other countries and spend time absorbing the surrounding culture in Belgium was fascinating and greatly helped to contextualise my studies.”
Not only have Society members taken full advantage of opportunities such as the trip to Belgium, they also have the added benefit of being part of a staffing team that partners itself with Northumbria Police Force. The Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult scheme is the first of its kind in the country and provides real-life experiences, by training and enabling students to offer advice and emotional support to a person, throughout their time in police custody. Connor says, “I for one can vouch that my work with the University’s Appropriate Adult scheme has put me on the front foot in terms of employment in that area after graduation”.
The Criminology Society meets at least once a month and members can also meet in smaller groups or pairs. As a new society they would love to increase their members, so make sure to visit the SU website or find them at the Freshers’ Fayre to sign yourself up.
Published: 22 April 2020