Criminology Personal Statement

Having been drawn to the study of crime and criminal behaviour at a young age through watching television channels such as the Crime and Investigation Network, I have taken a keen interest in pursuing a degree in Criminology. This subject would be an excellent course for me to study at university considering my fascination in topics such as homicide, terrorism and violent crime. Crime series such as “Crimewatch”, “Killer Kids” and “Death Row Stories”, have had me hooked on not only the criminals but also on those who investigate and solve the crimes which they commit. I had long realised my eagerness for criminology, when I’d begun thinking about the ways in which I could expand my skills in this subject in order to obtain a career in the profession. Studying and examining criminal behaviour will prove to be challenging and intriguing, always providing me with new material to learn. Criminology is a field which requires a 100% enthusiasm, dedication and sincerity due to its complexity and it is something which I am entirely prepared to undertake.
Sociology and Psychology have enabled me to develop a clear set of skills such as being able to analyse and evaluation different theories, as well as teach me to challenge research and gain better literacy and communication skills.
Sociology has given me more of an insight into contemporary society while Psychology has permitted me to gain more awareness of myself as well as others around me. Both these subjects have led me to be more open minded and see the world from a different perspective. Social behaviours are something in which I am very passionate about especially having read books such as “Black Like Me” by John Howard Griffin which illustrates the racism, discrimination and hate crimes which African-Americans faced in American in the 1950s which have interested me further in social sciences and have fed my curiosity in the
subject.
Outside of the classroom I have volunteered at a nursery in which I helped look after children from the ages of 3 to 4. As well as this I’ve participated in numerous ‘New Students Day’s throughout Secondary School and College which enables potential new students to visit the school and participate in the courses they have taken an interest in. During the summer of 2015 I volunteered to make a well-orchestrated dinner for the elderly in my neighbourhood which I was able to come back from having learnt the importance of being self reliant as well as working as part of a team. I’d also gained more certainty in my ability to communicate well with others, even when barriers to effective communication arose.
I am also confident that as a native speaker of French, that I can use these linguistic skills and cultural understanding with fellow students and teachers. Societal issues including race relations and feminism are topics which I am passionate about and as the Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie said ‘I am happiest when having a good argument about ideas’. Due to my keen interest in current affairs I have attended the majority of the debates at our college which have permitted me to see both sides of any issues and taught me to approach any topic in a logical sense instead of approaching it emotionally.