Lauren – FdSc Law with Criminology

Hometown: Goole (East Yorkshire), now Perranporth

Course: FdSc Law with Criminology and Criminal Justice, LLB (Hons) Law

Next Steps: PGCE with hopes to become a Law and Criminology lecturer

Originally from East Yorkshire, Lauren relocated to Cornwall following her GCSEs. She studied A Levels in Law, Psychology and Geography at Truro College before deciding to remain on campus for university level study.

Lauren said: “In my first year at Truro College, in my A Level Law class, my lecturer told me about the degree at Truro College and having just moved down to Cornwall, a local place to remain to study at degree level just felt right.”

Lauren has now completed the FdSc Law with Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University Centre Truro and Penwith, securing First Class Honours.

Students benefit from smaller class sizes at the University Centre, and Lauren feels this has enhanced her learning experience: “There were 8 people in my lectures, and I feel it is the key to my grade in the degree. Smaller classes mean more freedom to ask questions and receive more 1-1 support than any other university. It has a much more comfortable and informal feel to it, which helps me perform better.”

The University Centre also offers a condensed timetable, meaning that Lauren’s lectures were scheduled into two days a week. “As I was only in two days a week, I could fit work around my course and fit in a lot more study time than if the lectures were spread out at different times across the week.”

“The tutors and lecturers always have time to help you with any problems, and attending assignment workshops to draft readings before assignments is so helpful.”

During her course, Lauren completed a professional practice module, where she was able to gain work experience from a local law firm in Truro.

Lauren described her placement as “hugely insightful into what everyday practices of Law look like.”

Now she has completed her FdSc, Lauren plans to continue her studies at the University Centre all the way to PGCE level, now studying the LLB (Hons) Law top-up degree followed by her PGCE here in Cornwall. Lauren hopes to progress to become a fully qualified Law and Criminology lecturer.

Outside of her studies, Lauren is a member of the Quality of Education and Skills Committee and HE Student Governor and Student Ambassador. As a footballer, she is a huge supporter of the Lionesses, and coaches football alongside her degree.

Lauren’s advice to future students considering staying local for university is: “I would always recommend the University Centre for your degree; you can stay local and minimise your costs at university. You have a higher chance of achieving higher grades here due to all the individual support and small class sizes, and the staff give it a much more personal feel.”