Maren Eline Kleiven – MSc International Criminal Justice

What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth to study?

"I had for several years thought about further education, but did not find anything that suited me. In May 2003 I went on a study trip to Centrex, Bramshill to learn more about the English police. One of the officers there actually informed me of this course - he said it looked intriguing... and it did! I found more information on the web which I thought looked very interesting and decided to apply."

How have you found your course?

"It has been excellent! The course is very innovative and has have covered a variety of subjects which I believe to be vital in the "future of policing". It must be added that it also have been demanding, in particular for us foreign students who have had the second language as an additional element. The pace of the course have been high, but that has in a way been positive - I have learned a great deal from that - not only the contents of the subjects, but also how to be structured and to speed up my writing (which has proven to be very handy in me current position)."

How have you found life at the University?

"The life at the University has been good. Most of my studies have been over the web through distance learning, but that has been excellent for me personally - I like to choose when to study. The website nce learning "WebCt" has been very professional with several tutors being online almost "constantly" to answer whatever question I've had. The WebCt has also been a good way to interact with other students. The study schools arranged every year has been a brilliant way to get to know the tutors personally and to interact with other students. I would like to emphasise that the latter element is an important part of distance learning studies (!) and has been an important part of my studies. Thank you for two fantastic years which has been such a learning experience and very self-fulfilling for me! Good luck to new and returning students."

Caroline Denham – MSc International Criminal Justice

What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth to study?

"I chose the course as it linked closely to my professional role, with the syllabus giving me the opportunity to focus on subjects of interest to me, and I knew the University of Portsmouth had a good reputation for criminal justice studies."

How have you found your course?

"I liked the flexibility of the distance learning Masters and was able to combine work, family and course commitments by studying over three years. The annual Study School sessions on essay writing, and clarify points with the Institute staff as I progressed, were particularly useful. The structured feedback for each assignment enabled me to hone my academic skills, both research and writing, which has benefited me at work."

How have you found life at the University?

"In completing the Masters I have a strong sense of achievement and fulfilment, and an enhanced CV allowing me to couple 20 years of law enforcement experience with academic skills in my specialist area. There were also benefits to my employer and partner organisations, with the findings of my dissertation being presented at an international conference.

"The course has certainly given me an edge for career development. Since completing I successfully applied for promotion."

Brent Pfundheller

What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth to study?

"I found the courses available to be very interesting and they appeared to be very challenging. As an American law enforcement professional, I wanted a different perspective with a focus on international problems and solutions."

How have you found your course?

"The course I found was very challenging, interesting and very valuable. The courses were well thought out and presented well.I think you have a great program and the material is very germane to international police service as well as national policing in Europe and North America, especially. The Online Learning Centre is really useful, and the ability to do research through the University via this method is great. Also the ability to interact with other students can be very valuable.

"The distance learning gave me the opportunity to obtain a policing perspective that was different to some degree than what I have experienced in the last 34 years of my law enforcement career. I find it very valuable at the broadening of my experiences. Now that I have finished the dissertation I am happy and somewhat sad at the prospect of it ending."

How have you found life at the University?

"As a distant learner I spent very little time at the University. The distance learning program definitely grew during the time that I have been involved with the University. It has been a very good experience."