Finola Elmes – BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice (Distance Learning)

I wish I’d gone to university years ago. I couldn’t, because of life experiences. But it can change your life and career.

I work full time in aerospace logistics. I want to change career, to become a probation officer. So, I was looking for a course where I could make good connections with the justice system.

But I was apprehensive about applying to a degree course because I didn’t get outstanding grades at school. I went straight into work.

I visited the University of Portsmouth because they offer this distance learning degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice that I could study online, part time.

I met lecturers and course leaders and realised how good the facilities are. So, I applied, and I ended up getting an unconditional offer.

Interactive modules led by specialists

The course is so interesting. I’m forever learning new things and up-to-date content about the criminal justice system, in theory and in practice.

The best module I’ve worked on is to do with forensic studies. The lecturer was so involved with students – if we struggled, she’d be there. One assignment was to go into a crime scene and act as a detective. I enjoyed how interactive and practical it was.

If you want people who are knowledgeable in their field, they have a whole bag of specialists at Portsmouth. The lecturers are so interested in their subject. If you want to know something, they will know it.

They’ll also help to guide you in your career. The University has many connections with different companies.

Getting practical work experience

The University has helped me get practical experience in the field, to support me in my career goals. They’ve been preparing me for the future as a probation officer.

For example, they put me in touch with Circles – a charity that works with people who’ve been convicted of sexual offences, so they can become part of the community again. I volunteered for Circles on Wednesday evenings. I gave offenders a safe space to meet every week, building their skills and helping them transition back into the community safely.

I also had the chance to work with Portsmouth Youth Offending Team, who do restorative justice work with young people. My work was about preventing re-offending, trying to keep children out of the justice system as they grow up.

This involved activities such as coming out to the community with a youth worker to do community payback, such as volunteering in a dog shelter. The best part of this was seeing that I could help a child change their lifestyle, to stop them re-offending.

Support for successful study

I’ve learned a lot about self-discipline through my studies. With a degree course, you have to do everything thoroughly and put in 100 per cent.

I had several meetings with the University’s learning development tutors. They are lovely people and really helpful. It’s nice to have the support of knowledgeable people, to help me avoid losing marks and get the best from lectures and seminars.

I’m interested in continuing to study the PQiP (trainee probation officer) programme at Portsmouth. After that, I hope to become a probation officer or perhaps join a youth offending team, or a specific unit within the police force.