Abi Harding
BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology
The best thing about Edge Hill for me would be the amount of opportunities that are created for students.
I wanted to study Criminology as I have a passion for youth justice, and I want to help create more opportunities for young adults whether it be through joining the probation service or through research. Watching my mum go back to education after having children inspired me to pursue my education.
Fastrack helped me by providing me with skills such as essay writing and planning which have helped me throughout my degree as well as given me confidence to put myself out there and grab every opportunity. From joining Fastrack, I have also met some of the most important people in my life such as my best friend.
Edge Hill stood out to me as they offered the Fastrack programme. Edge Hill also offered me a lot of support before I had even joined for things like my dyslexia and endometriosis. Edge Hill listened to me at open days and answered any questions I had. I have continued to receive lots of support.
My favourite thing about my degree is the magnitude of research and theorists that can be expanded on as well as the multiple opportunities you can be a part of. I have had the opportunity to meet Edge Hill alumni and professionals in the criminology and sociology field which has provided me with many connections for future projects.
All of my lecturers have helped me tremendously throughout my degree. My lecturers have given me many different opportunities to create my own events for the university as well as meet important people in the criminology and sociology field such as detectives and probation officers.
The biggest opportunity my degree has given me is the chance to be on the Criminology Society panel. I have been able to create and chair an event series called Let’s Talk Criminal Justice! This event consists of professionals in the criminal justice sector coming to the university and speaking at an evening panel for students, staff, and alumni. Due to this, I have become a lot more confident and I will continue to run this series for at least the next 3 years.
I have had the opportunity to become a student guide and ambassador which has led me to represent the university at a range of different fairs and events. I have recently supported subject taster sessions with prospective students.
The best thing about Edge Hill for me would be the amount of opportunities that are created for students, from the disability support to the careers support.
When I graduate I hope to stay at Edge Hill and join the Masters programme for Criminology to which I will progress on to do my doctorate and become a researcher and lecturer.
My biggest piece of advice to anyone joining Edge Hill would be to get involved in everything you can and to utilise your lecturers to the best you can as they are there for a reason and are more than happy to help you in any circumstance.