Luke Malyan

Criminology

Where are you from?

Durham

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I chose to study at Northumbria University because of the advantageous nature of its location and interesting criminological course programme.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

Newcastle has everything you could want from a modern cosmopolitan city, but the attraction of its vibrant nightlife and going to watch Newcastle United home games are amongst my favourite things to do in the area.

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

Although I have lived in the North East for the entirety of my life, Newcastle as a city has impressed me most through by having the full package in which there is everything for everyone, be this through things such as particular university societies or clubs in town, which overall goes well beyond the other universities and cities I visited before choosing to study at Northumbria.

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Despite being a naturally shy person, I found Northumbria an easy place to settle into. This was especially helped through the helpful introductory sessions surrounding the progression into the higher standards of university education, as well as the close relationships built with members of staff adding to the welcoming aura of Northumbria University.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

The sense of academic freedom within some modules, such as the ability to delve into particular areas of criminology that I found myself interested in, was one of the most enjoyable aspects about studying at Northumbria.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

The support of my guidance tutor, Timi Osidipe, over the past three years through regular tutorials and the ability to have your own tutor to affiliate with has been an invaluable help throughout my time at university. The additional support I have received from having close relationships with lecturers, particularly Mary Laing, has further provided me with both help and guidance over the past three years.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

The resources of Northumbria University, and guidance of course lecturers, have inspired me to delve into areas of criminology that I previously would have been unaware of. This is particularly evident through one of my lecturers, Rob Hornsby, and his work surrounding organised crime leading to myself becoming particularly interested within this area of Criminology and thusly basing my final year dissertation upon the area of organised crime within the UK and the policing of this illicit activity.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The Student Union is my favourite place on campus, and its relaxed ambiance offering both a safe haven from the stresses of university life and the ability to complete work, such as group presentations, in a much more casual setting.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

In my first year as a Criminology student, I was chosen to be a course representative. This resulting allowed for myself to take a central position within my course and the responsibilities that comply with representing other students, as well as develop skills that are transferable to possible career opportunities outside of university.

What is the best thing about your course?

The best thing about studying Criminology at Northumbria are the unique opportunities that it has to offer, such as the chance that one of my modules offered me to experience the usually covert proceedings of Youth Court.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

Get plenty of sleep, prepare work well in advance, and don't leave things until the last minute!

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

I am ideally aiming towards joining the Police at some point in the future, a career prospect that I believe has been positively impacted upon through my studying of Criminology at Northumbria University and the broader understanding I now have of criminal activities, offenders, victims, and the agencies involved within such.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity and become accepted onto a volunteer placement surrounding the mentoring of young offenders. One of the most memorable experiences gained from such was the differing insight that the scheme gave me into youth justice services through my shadowing of probation programmes, in comparison to media images within society, thus contributing to the more informed perspective I now have on this area.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

The only way to experience Northumbria and Newcastle is to visit it for yourself if you can, I really can't do either of them any justice!

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

The experience of studying at Northumbria has allowed for myself to become a much more independent and confident individual with a consistently growing understanding of Criminology over the past three years.