Meet our 2023 graduates - Emma Bolwell

Throughout July, we’ll be celebrating the Class of 2023 as they become part of the global alumni community. For most, their degrees started in panic amidst COVID-19 affecting their first-year experiences, but with strength and resilience, they made it to the other side.

BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Studies student Emma Bolwell will graduate on Thursday 20 July with a first-class degree. Her story started with apprehension about applying to university, but her love for forensics has led her to stay at Portsmouth and continue her studies with a postgraduate degree.

Emma, thank you for taking the time to talk with us. Can you tell us about your journey to university?

I’ve always had a really clear idea of what I wanted to study since secondary school. Being from Fareham, I also knew I wanted to stay close to home so this course was the obvious choice for me. 

As an autistic person, I was aware that university would come with challenges. Initially, I felt apprehensive about applying and attending. However, I was very happy to accept an unconditional offer for my degree and came to Portsmouth with the Vice-Chancellor’s scholarship.

The jump from college to university was pretty big in terms of personal independence. I knew that these changes to my routine and work environments would likely be ten times harder for me than most. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that whilst I struggled with the change at first, I quickly adapted. I found I was well suited to the independent style and loved the freedom Portsmouth gave me to immerse myself in my subject. From here, I have excelled in my studies.

What has student life been like?

My first year was not the one – COVID disrupted a lot of the experiences I should’ve had, both socially and academically. For instance, none of the practical Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) elements could be carried out in person. These were compensated with video demonstrations which took away a key element of studying forensics at university.

But despite the limited contact hours, I still managed to get on the Dean’s List in the first year which was a nice surprise! 

My second and third years were much better and I have some really good memories of conducting mock crime scenes and lab practicals in my classes. There was one particularly memorable outdoor mock scene we did while it was pouring down – despite how traumatic that was, I’m happy that such instances have prepared me for the inevitable work environment as a CSI!

I couldn’t have asked for a better teaching team at Portsmouth. My lecturers and seminar tutors have so much real-world experience in the fields of criminology and forensics, not to mention the Forensic Technician Team – this has been particularly helpful in planning my career and understanding the competitive application processes.

By far, the best part of my undergraduate experience has been living with my best friends and partner for two years. I was very lucky as my existing friend group joined me in Portsmouth. Above everything I’ve learned over the three years of my degree, the memories of game nights, exploring Portsmouth and staying up until 4.00am to watch the TV series Succession are what I’ll remember the clearest. I’m excited to do it all again next year!

What has your experience been like at university living with autism?

I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when I was 18, just as I started at Portsmouth – I had been on the waiting list since the age of 16. Not being diagnosed in secondary school was extremely difficult and I’m surprised I made it here. 

The main aspects I struggle with are changes to my routine and new experiences - things university is full of. I have learned to overcome these hurdles and I’m surprised how quickly I adapted to the changes.  

To anyone living with autism contemplating university, I would say apply. Do not be put off by what is typically regarded as a very neurotypical environment. This is a great opportunity for you to gain knowledge in a specific area that interests you. You get to immerse yourself in a special interest you’re passionate about with a really significant achievement to show for it. 

I also cannot recommend the support services enough  – it’s been amazing to receive specialist 1-to-1 and group support from Autism Hampshire, where I’ve felt uplifted and encouraged to thrive specifically within the university environment. 

Specialist and academic mentoring were available to me for free from my Disabled Students Allowance. It has made my education accessible and given me all the support I needed to succeed. I have been offered guidance in planning and structuring my routine, had access to lecture slides in advance and requested autism-accessible written communication. All of these things made me feel like I belonged at university.

Take advantage of the specialist support groups too. There is a huge autistic and neurodivergent student community at Portsmouth who are extremely welcoming, and there are autism-friendly socials and events. For current students, I recommend registering with Student Wellbeing and looking into groups such as Living Well With Autism and the Purple Lantern Society. 

Do you feel as though you have grown during University? 

Being at Portsmouth has given me the space to become my own person and to pinpoint what I want to do beyond university. I’ve learned that I’m suited to academics. It has been really satisfying watching my abilities and confidence in my field grow over the three years. 

I’m much more confident about my future knowing that I’ve gained all these transferable skills, and I feel sure that I have a really solid career in forensics ahead of me.

It's also incredible to look back and realise how much I’ve grown as a person too – I’m much more outgoing now than I was in my first year. I’ve enjoyed all of the social opportunities which I’ve taken advantage of and this is something I’m particularly proud of. Whilst I very much came to university solely to get a degree, I’m finishing my undergrad with a pretty well-rounded student social experience.

What does the future hold?

I’m looking forward to graduation day. It’ll be a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and spend time with my family who’ll be there cheering me on.

I’m very happy to be staying on after graduation to study MSc Forensic Investigation – my time at the University doesn’t feel like it’s over and I’d love to stay here for as long as possible! 

During my Masters, I’ll be looking for roles in the Scientific Support Units within local police forces, with an eventual goal of becoming a CSI. Completing my undergrad has helped me discover that I enjoy academics and conducting research, so I’m interested in coming back to the University at some point to complete a PhD, or maybe even as a member of staff! We’ll have to see.

In five years, I’d love to be working as a CSI or in another Scientific Support role at Hampshire Constabulary, living either in Portsmouth or nearby. Depending on how things progress with doing a PhD, I’d love to have some research published too!