Having the opportunity to learn from staff that produce research with real social impact is a unique experience

I was born in a small town in Portugal, and my goal had always been to move to a different place. I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Sheffield is definitely the right city to embrace the adventure of studying at university.

Criminology had been a passion of mine for a long time and what Sheffield had to offer was unmatched anywhere else. The modules are varied, providing foundations for criminal law and an in-depth understanding of the broad field of criminology. The course is well organised, and I have always been able to focus on my interests and learn about the topics I am passionate about. The variety of choices in the second and third years is a great opportunity to build the foundations for further studies work in an area I am interested in.

Being a Russell Group university, the University of Sheffield is well-known for its research excellence. Having the opportunity to learn from and discuss with staff that produce research with real social impact is a unique experience. This not only prepares us to conduct our own research but also means that lectures and seminars address contemporary issues and are focused on current debates in the field.

Over the previous year, I have learnt about the refugee crisis taking place around the world, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on crime, and the privatisation of sectors of the Criminal Justice System, all topics that we often see in the news but know little about.

The experience of studying in the School of Law is not only limited to the course. Employability events take place most weeks during the semester, and they are a great opportunity to network with people in the field, understand the areas we are interested and get some tips for job applications. From talks about human trafficking in Sheffield with the South Yorkshire Police, to events on career planning for Criminology students, there is always something helpful.

There are also pro bono opportunities that give us a real-life experience of cases, or the Criminology Society where we can meet people on our course or those who are interested in crime.

Studying Criminology at Sheffield has opened the doors to so many opportunities, whether I decide to start my career or pursue further education. Employers are constantly looking for the skills that we are taught here, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

Getting involved and enjoying the university experience couldn’t be easier in Sheffield. I have also been an Academic Representative for the department where I met with students and staff in the School of Law, discussed challenges, and came up with solutions to make student experience the priority, but the student experience here is more than university itself. It is the community of international and local students that make each of us feel at home, the green parks all over the city to take a study break, the independent cafés, and the thrift shop scene; it is long walks in the Peak District and night outs in the best Student’s Union in the country.

Studying Criminology at Sheffield has opened the doors to so many opportunities, whether I decide to start my career or pursue further education. Employers are constantly looking for the skills that we are taught here, and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds after Sheffield.