Rayan

What do you like about your course and why?

I love how we get to explore so many aspects of the criminal world, not just the typical 'prisons' and how criminals are punished. The Criminology course goes well beyond that; it discusses the why and how for almost every aspect you can imagine, such as treatments, prevention and broader societal impacts. This course also specialises (in the second and third years) in providing varying modules about different crime areas, allowing students to focus their interests on a particular aspect of the criminological world. 

Lastly, this course provides solid foundations for research projects through the provision of quantitative and qualitative study modules, ensuring students are well prepared for the research project come the final year (and post-graduate courses should people choose them).

What do you enjoy most about Surrey?

I'm grateful for the facilities provided, mainly for how there are societies that make university life seem like a second home. As a British Arab who grew up in the United Arab Emirates, I find that the presence of other students from neighbouring countries and societies alleviates any issues of homesickness. Individuals of similar cultures surround me, highlighting how the university prioritises diversity to attract students worldwide. I'm confident such patterns are apparent for other societies of alternative nationalities and interests.

What do you want to do when you graduate?

I'd like to take a post-graduate course in financial crime. I discovered this interest during several modules on my course that highlighted issues of crime committed by those in positions of higher power'('white collar crime'). Additionally, modules during my second year ('Technology and Crime' and 'Internet and Society') have emphasised how financial crime is becoming easier to commit by the day. The modules I've chosen for next semester ('Cyber Crime' and 'Corporate Crime and Responsibility') will further expand my knowledge and interests in ways I hadn't imagined. 

My interest in this particular area of crime was discovered because of Surrey and its provision of so many modules; I'll always be grateful!

What advice would you give new students?

My best advice would be to ask module leaders as many questions as possible about topics of interest. Following this advice is imperative for university life and beyond. The course is primarily assignment-based, meaning assessment advice can be received before eventual deadlines. Reading university sources is always helpful. However, module leaders can advise you on your writing topic (assignments often provide multiple choices/topics that students can choose from). Additionally, module leaders have specialities in particular areas of the criminological world. 

If there are areas of interest for future study or work experience, the criminology team can give you advice and information to prepare for them.