Steven Barrett - BSc (Hons) Crime and Criminology

What made you decide to come to University of Portsmouth?

To be truthful, I had never considered any particular University or even degree level education I seemed to be so wrapped up in my work that the mere thought of squeezing additional work into my schedule was at best frightening.  However, since the implementation of key legislation that required those authorities responsible for collaborating to effectively manage offenders, the concept of criminal justice and the need to understand issues that relate to crime and criminality became increasingly crucial in contextualising my work. In short, knowing what I do is one thing, understanding why I do it quite another.

 I became aware of the reputation that the University of Portsmouth had for providing degree qualifications that are not simply 'submit and gain', but that are challenging and in effect meaningful. I also wanted to gain a perspective that was much wider than the criminal justice focus being offered by some of my local universities.

How have you found your course?

I must say that my experience of the course has been entirely positive and stimulating although extremely hard work. The focus on me, as a learner, has been demonstrated in the quality of the administrative support, access to materials especially suited to distance learning, the opportunity to share experiences at Winter Study Schools together with the knowledge that course tutors are credible within their respective fields; it is a comfort to know that much of what is facilitated is done by subject experts who are academic 'heavy hitters'.

How have you found life as part of the University?

I have only attended the university physically whilst at Study Schools however have found the facilities, particularly the library and the services on offer, extremely well managed, comfortable and staffed by enthusiastic and helpful people. As a mature student, the prospect of returning to academic study after so many years was daunting, however I was made welcome, availed of tremendous support and have enjoyed my time with Portsmouth.