James Dickety - BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice

The University of Portsmouth was my first choice because the facilities are very good, staff is open and easy to get in contact and most importantly, I like the course.  I chose the BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice course because I studied law in A-level and soon realised that Criminal Law and other related subjects were exciting. My interest in the area grew when I did some coursework in geography about crime. After I finish my studies, I hope to join the police force and progress there.

The content of the course is constantly changing, always up-to-date. We study the latest crimes and look further into the press reports.  We have two elective units to take up which allow you to do your police training, which is helpful if you want to get into the police after leaving. I am looking forward the events organised by the University Criminology Society, such as trips to the Crime Museum, the Sherlock Holmes museum and a ‘Jack the Ripper tour’ as well as the mock trials and having guest speakers.

The facilities at the University are good.  The University Library usually has most of the books you need (unless someone beats you to it). I live at the QEQM residence hall in Langstone Village, which is awesome, with free wifi and TV in all rooms. It is a quiet area and I can see the sea from my room and sports teams playing on the grounds at the weekend. The best-kept secret in Langstone is the games room by the reception area, where you can spend hours playing table football, darts and table tennis with your friends.

Outside of my lectures, I am a member of the production and events team at the University student radio station Pure FM.   I am also a member of the University Bowling Society.  The Athletic Union membership fee covers all sports, so I get to bowl weekly for free and get free food afterwards, as well as VIP wristbands for the student nights out, the ‘Purple Wednesdays’.

The city of Portsmouth is good and there is always something going on. It is a reasonably small place, so if you feel like it you can walk from one side of the city to the other in about an hour, which is good if you miss the last bus. The beach is also a good bonus!