Fiona Henderson
BA (Hons) Criminology

"I came to Anglia Ruskin having worked part time for some years to accommodate the demands of a young family. When my children reached school age, it was my opportunity to finally return to education. My decision to study Criminology came very much from working in a busy accident and emergency department, alongside my newly started role as a community Victim Support worker. In both instances, I had witnessed the impact of crime on individuals and communities, and felt passionately about forging a career that would enable me to 'do something' to help.

Returning to education after nearly 10 years was daunting, and when I came to write my first essay, I wondered if any of my previous academic ability would ever return, but it did! It was then that I experienced just how keen and willing the lecturers and support staff are to help, particularly if you, yourself, show interest. They are committed and passionate about the subjects they teach, which has had an infectious impact on my own work and aspirations.

The modules we have covered have all been intriguing, and taught in an inspiring, productive manner. The broad range of issues discussed has highlighted to me the nature in which crime and criminality permeates society, dominating many political, social policy, media, academic, and of course legal professions, among others. With each module, I feel I know that little bit more about the realities of crime (which are not as you might believe when you begin the course!), and discover yet more careers that I would love to embark on. Indeed, the BA (Hons) Criminology course opens vast opportunities, particularly through work experience placements and research opportunities.

In all, studying criminology at Anglia Ruskin is quite possibly the best decision I could have made, and my only regret is that I will have to leave at some point!"

Stephanie Bransfield-Garth
BA Philosophy

"When I started looking for a philosophy course within commuting distance, I found the content and structure of the Anglia Ruskin offering to be far superior to that of other local universities. The course has actually exceeded my expectations - most of all I enjoy the stimulating discussions and engaging lectures. By putting philosophical ideas into their historic content it makes it much easier to both see the development of strands of thought, and to remember the content. The support offered by both teaching and support staff has been fantastic. I have been able to contact tutors and lecturers whenever I have a problem or issue and they respond promptly. The maxim seems to be if you're not sure just ask rather than worrying about it.

Facilities and resources are absolutely superb: not only are they there, but they are well advertised so it is easy to find anything you need. I fall into the 'special needs / disabled' student category and have found all the lecturers very accommodating in providing any additional help I need. I also use a support dog to get me around and she has become a bit of a feature on campus. I am a 49 year old mother returning to study, and having been intellectually 'on ice' for the last 12 years I was not confident in my ability to learn. I needn't have worried - everyone at Anglia Ruskin has been incredibly supportive."

Trina Briggs
BA (Hons) Criminology

"As a mature student, studying at Anglia Ruskin University has been an excellent decision. During my time as a student at Anglia Ruskin I have developed new skills and knowledge that offered me the opportunity to further my academic career or to seek employment in a variety of fields relating to crime. I have been lucky enough to be a Criminology student at the Cambridge Campus undertaking an honours degree course that far exceeded my expectations. I am constantly encouraged to embrace new challenges whilst being actively supported, directed and mentored within the Criminology Department. I find the lectures and seminars very motivating and the teaching second to none.

I have found all features of the Criminology course thought-provoking and relevant. The university library is extremely helpful with full access to all relevant and related books, journals, databases and websites. I have had the full support from all my tutors who are willing to help with all aspects of the course. I would definitely recommend Anglia Ruskin University to anyone contemplating embarking on a Criminology degree as it not only covers the core subjects but a wide range of elective subjects as well."

Dr Hazel Wright
PhD Sociology

"The doctoral research process was fascinating from start to finish. My supervision was truly Vygotskian - carefully scaffolded in the early stages but with increasing freedom to develop my own ideas and offer these for rigorous and critical debate.

An academically stimulating experience due to an excellent supervisory team."

Jemma Sparks
BA (Hons) Sociology

"I began my journey into higher education without formal qualifications. I aspired to become a good role model to my son and to secure an enjoyable and rewarding professional career. The first step of this journey began on an Access to Higher Education Course and this course enabled me to fulfil a lifelong dream and apply to University.

I started my Sociology degree at Anglia Ruskin University as a very nervous, anxious and excited new student in 2008. My nerves and worries regarding the degree were very quickly overcome. The Sociology tutors and lectures were extremely approachable, friendly and most importantly, they were supportive towards my studies and my future career ambitions. As a mature student and a single mother, I feel that this support was an essential component towards my success on the course (along with, of course - lots of hard work).

The range of modules on the Sociology degree helped me to gain an understanding of society as a whole and I find myself using this knowledge on a daily basis. The modules within my degree, along with my own volunteering work have enabled me to confidently choose my future career path. As a result, I will be starting a Masters degree in Social Work this year and I couldn't be happier."

Tom Martlew
FdA Public Service

"Despite my A-Level grades I was accepted onto the course and, thanks to the support I received from my lecturers, personal tutor and the University itself, was able to complete my first year successfully with an understanding of not only how to complete assignments, but the valuable life skills of living away from home and managing my work and social life effectively.

"Over 3 years, the University gave me the chance to develop my skills in academia such as research and writing skills. Modules in leadership and management gave me transferable knowledge that I have been able to apply to my current job as a manager. On the other hand modules in Criminology and Sociology fed my growing interest in theory that has spurred me to take a Masters degree in Transnational Crime.

"Finally, the course gave me a chance to undergo a number of work placements. In my first year I worked at a local homeless shelter that was an eye opening experience and took me completely out my comfort zone and proved to be character building. In my second year I was given the opportunity to work with Essex police which was a fantastic experience that gave me not only insider knowledge of a public service, but confidence in pursuing a future career in the sector. Since finishing my degree I have been able to undertake a Graduate Internship with Cambridge Constabulary where I'm actively involved in projects looking at areas of policing from a business background. Not only has this giving me the chance to learn new skills, but apply what I have learnt throughout my degree with confidence."

Simon Hassell
BA (Hons) History

"When I returned to education after a break of thirty years to begin my history degree, I was not sure what to expect. I need not have worried, as the staff at Anglia Ruskin have all been incredibly welcoming and supportive to me. They have fully taken into account my personal circumstances, of being a family man and having been away from education for some time. I have found the standard of teaching to be very high, and the lectures to be interesting and intellectually stimulating.

The syllabus in the first semester was particularly varied, and gave a broad historical perspective, covering subjects from Ancient Greece to the rise of Prussia, with the intention of giving students a wider understanding of the subject. Another big plus, is that the new facilities at the university are fantastic, with large comfortable and well-equipped lecture theatres. Any doubts I had about resuming study after such a long absence have now been put aside, I am thoroughly enjoying the course and know that I made the right decision."

Ian Fisher
BA (Hons) Sociology

"Choosing to study Sociology at Anglia Ruskin University was a fantastic decision! Never have I seen such an enthusiastic team of lectures and tutors - every single one has made every effort to ensure lectures and seminars are stimulating, interesting, relevant and up-to-date in the world of social science. Outside the classroom, all members of staff at the Social Sciences Department were freely accessible, responded promptly and worked effortlessly to bring the best out in me.

"For me, this course has taught me more than skills and knowledge - it has enabled me to gain a successful career immediately after graduating, reassessed my life aims and made life-long friends who share the same passion for the discipline as I. All my expectations have been exceeded by miles!"