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8 Jun 2011 11:44:07
A group of final year students from the University of Bedfordshire experienced the practical side of their studies recently, when they visited Bedford Prison.
The students, all studying for BA (Hons) in Criminology and Sociology at the Bedford campus, visited the Prison’s Forensics Department and Mental Health Unit, followed by a tour of the Prison. The visit was the third in a series this year, as the group had previously visited Luton Magistrates Court and the Galleries of Justice Museum in Nottingham.
Course leader Alison Tresidder-Spivey said: “It is really important that students gain some first-hand insight to the work places where their future careers may take them – this includes law courts and prisons.
“This is the first year such visits have been arranged for the Criminology course and the students have responded very positively. I’m looking to expand the programme next year, with visits to a youth offender centre and a secure psychiatric facility”.
Abigail Owusu, who graduates later this year and plans to join the Probation Service, said: “I’ve found the trips really interesting. I’m particularly interested in issues around youth offending and speaking with court and prison staff on these visits has helped me with my studies.”
Edward Luker who plans to join the Prison Service after graduation this year, said: “I’d never been inside a court house before starting my course, so getting to see real life proceedings has been really useful.”
The visit was partly organised by John Sentinella, a Business Development Manager at the University’s Knowledge Hub. John, who is also a local Magistrate in Bedfordshire said: “It’s rare for students to gain access into the courts and prison environment this way, but the University has established strong relations with Bedfordshire Courts, and more recently, Bedford Prison.”
John added, “Before this visit, students studying computer forensics have visited Luton Magistrates Court to see how the court system works at close quarters. Visits like this are incredibly valuable for the student experience, providing opportunities to enhance their studies in the real world and to ask questions.
“Bedford Prison also works closely with the University, providing student work experiences. For instance, one of the University’s second-year students, Stephanie Gurney, is currently undertaking a work placement with the Mental Health Unit at Bedford Prison.”
Latest news» 2011» June» Criminology students go to prison!
