Criminology Personal Statement

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

I believe that a career in criminology will be challenging, interesting but also rewarding. I am studying A-Level PE, English Literature and Modern History. Although none of these directly relate to criminology, I am very enthusiastic about trying something completely new that interests me a lot. Studying criminology would allow me to then go into a career where I will be able to benefit my community and other people which is something I would find extremely intrinsically rewarding. One of my biggest personal attributes is the desire to help other people and studying criminology will enable me to do this. My interest within criminology was first stimulated by the media, hearing about crime stories that have gone worldwide. Why do people do it? Are you born a criminal? How can we help decrease the rate of crime in the UK? Particular crime stories that have interested me are the disappearance of Madeline McCann, the Marvin Couson murder in 2002 in London and in particular the story of Oscar Pistorius. Criminology means you must be good at dealing with the public. My work experience and volunteering within my community shows I am suited to this. I have had placements in different schools, where I have had to deal with both young people and adults so I have a great understanding on how to deal with others and help them.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

Going into a school, it’s an unpredictable environment as you never know what each day is going to bring, something else that I have learnt to adapt to and is like working within crime as that is also unpredictable. I believe the skills that I have are more than suited to a potential career in criminology, I am good at problem solving, I am adaptable to different situations, I can manage time, I am self-confident and am great at handling pressure. I have fully participated within the school community and picked up many skills along the way which I can use in the future. I have been a school ambassador which gave me a big responsibility, I have mentored younger pupils academically and pastorally. I am part of a sports leaders group, which has enabled me to work with many people, varying in age and ability. I have taken PE classes, set up football tournaments, helped with athletics mornings and helped with extra-curricular after school clubs like netball. The skills that I have managed to pick up from these types of experiences consist of teamwork, sense of responsibility and leadership. I am very passionate about sport and have participated in it for years. From kicking a football around the playground in year 2, to representing my county for cross country running in year 12. I’ve always loved football and thoroughly enjoy playing the game which I hope to carry on whilst at university. Besides football, another sport that I enjoy is running. I run for my local club (Beverley AC) and have run for my county in the nationals for the last five years. I have also competed in the English Schools finals on various occasions. To participate in distance running you have to be determined which is another transferable attribute as to have a successful career working in and around crime you need to be determined in order to get the job done.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I have worked since the age of 13, first just having a paper round and for the last two and a half years I have worked part time in a busy café; these occupations have improved my ability to work with the public, work as part of a team or in isolation and also improving my communication skills. They are all skills that are very much needed to be successful when completing a criminology degree, you need to be good at communicating with people and able to be comfortable working in both in a team or independently. A degree in criminology would allow me to put my personal skills, attributes and achievements to the best possible use.