College students enjoy Law and Criminal Justice Discovery Day at Wrexham Glyndwr University
Date: December 2022
College students had the opportunity to recreate a courtroom scenario, as well as discover the opportunities available to those who choose to study degrees in Criminology, Law and Policing as part of a special conference held here at Wrexham Glyndwr University.
Our Criminology, Law and Policing department organised the event to highlight what it takes to work in the fields.
More than 70 students from Flint High School, Coleg Cambria, Ysgol Uwchradd Glan Clwyd, Ysgol Uwchradd Brynhyfryd, Ysgol Uwchradd Eirias, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Shrewsbury High School took part in both interactive and discussion-led sessions – with one of the highlights of the day involving students getting the chance to act out a court case in a room that is set up to mimic a real-life courtroom – with students performing the roles of Judge, Prosecution Barrister, Defence Barrister, Court Clerk and defendant.
Students also learnt more about a career in Policing – and even had the chance to learn how Police use fingerprints in their investigations.
Dylan Jones, Senior Lecturer in Law here, who led the court session, said:
“The court session was a fantastic experience for the students – it was an opportunity for them to understand how a courtroom works, as well as to learn the skills of advocacy, speaking and debating.
“Law is one of our newest courses at the university and we’re proud of how we’re developing the course to strike the balance in terms of providing that practical and interactive experience, while also equipping students with the academic skills they need to practice."
Dr Caroline Hughes, Associate Dean for Student Engagement, said:
“We are also honoured to have the Cyril Oswald Jones Fund, which includes an annual bursary for gifted Law students who may not otherwise be able to realise their ambitions without its support and also rewards excellence in final-year students.”
Students also heard from two university alumni speakers Cara Baker, who teaches at Rhyl College and is a Probation Officer, and Laura Chapman, who has worked within the third sector and is now a Probation Service Officer, as well from trainee Solicitors - Siriol Elin Jones, who works for the Crown Prosecution Service Osian Rhys Roberts, who works at M A J Law in Widnes.
Elen Mai Nefydd, Head of Welsh Medium Academic Development, also gave a talk to students on embedding Welsh language as part of the Law and Policing courses.
They also heard – and took part in a debate on the subject of ‘Are Criminals Born or Made?’
Ayse Gilgil, Year 12 student at Flint High, who is keen to pursue a career in Criminal Therapy, said:
“I found the conference really interesting, it was definitely worthwhile coming along. I really enjoyed the session which focussed on the work of Probation Officers – it really showed what a rewarding and important job it is, and the difference they make to people’s lives."
Bethan Squire, Criminology teacher at Flint High, said:
“What a fantastic, insightful day. We have a number of students, who are looking to embark on a career in the relevant subject areas – including Policing and Criminal Justice, so the event was absolutely invaluable for them."
Dr Sarah Dubberley, Senior Lecturer in Criminal and Youth Justice, added:
“We’re delighted with how much students took from our Law and Criminal Justice Discovery Day – not only was it enlightening for the students but also a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our nationally leading courses and the future employment prospects that are on offer for prospective students.”
Our Criminology degree is ranked:
- First in the UK for student satisfaction (Complete University Guide 2023)
- First in the UK for teaching quality and student experience (The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)
- First in the UK for teaching on the course and overall satisfaction (National Student Survey 2022).
To find out more about the course, visit our Criminology and Criminal Justice degree course page.