As part of our summer 2023 graduation ceremonies, we caught up with a number of our incredible students.
Hearing all about their experience studying with Arden University, as well as what may come next for them, we spoke to graduates including Taylor, who studied Criminology and Sociology via distance learning.
Taylor, who has combined her studies with looking after three children, was attending her graduation ceremony with her youngest daughter as well as her mother, who was clearly very proud. ‘I don’t know how she’s managed it all,’ she said. ‘She’s really incredible.’
Find out more below about why Taylor enjoyed her course, and what she plans on doing next now that she’s got her qualification.
What was it that made you want to study criminology and sociology?
Well, I did sociology at A-level, and it was something that I really enjoyed. And then seeing this programme, with both of the subjects intertwined, I was just really interested in how crime is impacted by every other institution within society.
What were some of your highlights while you were studying?
I'd say it was probably that feeling of accomplishment that I’d get every time I submitted an assignment, or I'd overcome something that I was just baffled about earlier on.
Overall, it was a really interesting programme – everything was interesting from start to finish, to be honest! My dissertation was something that I really enjoyed doing too. It's something that I chose to study and to look into myself which was great.
How are you feeling to be graduating today?
I'm overjoyed and overwhelmed to be here, and really proud. To be here today at the end of it all, well I’m feeling some relief too, knowing that I've done it now. I've got my mum and my little girl here as well, so I’m very proud.
How did you find the pressures of studying when you’ve got family responsibilities at home too?
Well, she's my third. So, I started this degree four years ago with just one child and then, by the end, I've ended up with three.
Don't get me wrong, I struggled at some points – pre-pregnancy and at the newborn stage – but I overcame all of it. You’ve just got to know your limits, really. And yeah, I managed to do it.
What do you hope to achieve next?
Well, I'm going into teaching actually. So, I started my teacher training in September. A lot of people say “So, you studied criminology. Why are you going into teaching?” but it’s important to help educate.
Education is massive anyway, but it’s especially important given the influence that it has on everybody, especially people who go on to commit crimes and things like that. So, yeah, I'm really looking forward to it. I can't wait.
To find out how you could be graduating with a degree from Arden University, visit our course pages today.
