Aidan
Dingwall

Why NTU?

What inspired you to study BA (Hons) Professional Policing?

"With a family history in both military and public services, I only ever considered being in the police to be my only career option. I appreciated the ability to explore a career which provided capabilities to develop myself socially, academically and professionally. While also being able to get a real insight into the invaluable role police have not just within law enforcement but wearing different hats at anyone time to be a true public servant. It was the moral values I have learnt from my family that developed my innate necessity to find a career and study opportunity to put me on the pathway to support and protect as many of the vulnerable within our society.

Also, it was the innovative introduction of the Policing education qualifications framework (PEQF) and degree pathways for a career in the police that enthused me to be a part of a new generation of police officers and gain a more in-depth understanding of complex crime-facing police today."

Why did you choose your course and NTU?

"I chose the course as NTU was at the forefront of the newly introduced policing courses, and with that came a wide variety of course modules that triggered a lot of curiosity and interest in wider policing fields of knowledge. Also, this variety meant other opportunities after completing my studies were plentiful within any area of investigative, law enforcement and civil service career opportunities.

The course itself was backed by a wonderful team of lecturers who were super supportive and brought both professional and academic experience which made every topic and assignment unique and fascinating. This for me was always the biggest draw to NTU."

What’s your experience been like of your course so far?

"My experience so far has been second to none, I have made connections with friends on the course as well as the lecturers which I will treasure for the rest of my life. There have been numerous occasions where my mental health was struggling from issues at home, especially during lockdown, and it was following this I was able to open up to the policing team and NTU support. Who were more than helpful and supportive as it is clear a culture of driving every person to success is pertinent here.
Some of my best moments derived from this as I began to realise my full potential and how to overcome all those barriers to succeed and get to a place, I had never thought possible to reach. The biggest highlight of all was the final ‘meal-out’ with the course and lecturers, where it all had really sunk in what we had achieved over our time here, and just made me realise the value of the relationships I had made during this time thanks to NTU."

Have you been involved in any projects or extra-curricular activities that have supplemented your studies run through NTU?

"I myself was a serving special constable with Nottinghamshire Police during my studies thanks to the opportunity provided to us by the NTU and Nottinghamshire Police partnership. It was here I gained a real insight into the practical side of policing, while exploring the catalogue of opportunities available to me if I wished to commit to the role. I was also able to apply the academic knowledge the course provided me to day-to-day duties.

This was invaluable, not just for my learning and appreciation of the role, but also was critical to my personal development both socially and professionally, providing me skills that were transferable to all environments. Finally, this made me learn a lot about myself and encouraged me to also explore other opportunities external to the police and set higher sights for myself to make real change. Including the likes of working within the NCA or civil service surrounding law enforcement public policy."

What does Social Sciences mean to you?

"I believe Social Sciences is the bedrock for most professions and academia generally, but the appreciation this course has given into the depth of literature and theorem which underline much of frontline service practice as well as explanations of societies response and behaviour when facing our frontline services.

When having the opportunity to research this further it became a real stoic realisation to me how, when applied to policing practices of the future, it is Social Sciences that can be the real driver for positive change in policing in the years to come. Therefore, I will seek to use the Social Science methods and theory in whatever professional practice I undergo within law enforcement and civil service."

Support

What do you think of the support available from tutors and staff at NTU?

"The support is extensive here at NTU. Outside of the amazing team of lecturers always available to help, support and guide, the NTU support services have been crucial for me personally. I am entitled to a disability support allowance, and due to this NTU provided me with various equipment, software and an academic mentor which I could not have been able to achieve what I have done without. For this, I will always be grateful for the teams at NTU support services, as they always carry any solution you need at your worst times."

Outside of the Lecture Theatre

Did you find it easy to make friends and settle at NTU?

"Yes, the student life at NTU is amazing. There was an obvious stall for myself and my peers beginning our studies in lockdown over year one, however, NTU were always communicating and providing numerous opportunities over my time here that meant I have formed relationships for a lifetime."

The Next Steps

What’s next for you after NTU?

"Currently, I am set to move on to Postgraduate study with the MSc in International Law Enforcement. Primarily as it leads nicely on from my policing studies and it provides a more in-depth international and leadership focus that caters perfectly to my career aspirations of working within the civil service or intelligence services. Having the opportunity to further develop both my investigative and policy-making skills in order to contribute to the constantly changing law enforcement landscape domestically."

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals?

"The employability team at NTU has been amazing in signposting me to different opportunities outside the police especially. Various events where they invite employers opened my eyes to the extensive opportunities this degree provides, including working within the NCA. It was this and subsequent guidance workshops on job applications, volunteering experience opportunities, and professional profile development that really helped me develop to make my career goals more attainable. While also outlining where I wish to go in the future and how I can further adapt and develop my career goals."

Advice

What top tips would you give anyone thinking about studying your course at NTU?

"I would say to anyone coming in, to really take advantage of the opportunities put in front of you from day one. But more importantly to not shut yourself away from the real opportunity and value an investigative and professional degree like this really has. This course may have a policing basis, but the transferable academic skills surrounding leadership, decision-making, criminal justice procedures and societal roles of frontline services means the catalogue ranges far beyond policing. Providing skills sought after in any professional workforce of the future.

So I would say to never limit yourself, and always take a wider perspective in your capabilities as this course really gives you a lot more than what is on the face of it."