Ava
Dennis

Why did you choose to study a postgraduate degree?

“I was inspired to study policing because caring for people has always come naturally to me, but it became a defining part of who I am when I worked as a teaching assistant in a disability school. Being in that environment changed me. Every day, I supported students who needed patience, understanding, and someone who genuinely believed in them. I saw how much of a difference it made just to show up, listen, and treat them with dignity.

There were moments when a student would trust me enough to open up, or when a small achievement, something others might overlook, felt like the biggest victory. Those experiences showed me how powerful compassion can be, especially for people who are vulnerable or overlooked. It made me realise that I wanted a career where I could continue to protect, guide and support people who need it most.

That’s what led me to policing. For me, it isn’t just about law enforcement, it’s about being someone who stands beside the community, especially in their hardest moments. My time in the disability school taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of treating every person as an individual with a story. Those lessons are exactly why this path feels right for me.

Studying policing gives me a chance to take everything I learned there; the kindness, the resilience, the understanding and use it to make a real impact. I want to be the person who brings calm, fairness, and humanity to situations where people feel scared or alone. That experience didn’t just inspire me; it shaped the kind of police officer I hope to become.”

Why did you choose your course at NTU?

“I chose Professional Policing because I wanted a career where I could genuinely make a difference to people’s lives. NTU stood out to me because of its strong reputation for Social Sciences, its supportive environment, and how practical and hands‑on the course is. The combination of experienced lecturers, realistic training opportunities, and a strong community feel made NTU the best place for me.

Another reason I chose NTU was the atmosphere on campus. When I first visited, everyone was incredibly welcoming, and I got the sense that students are genuinely supported, both academically and personally. Knowing that I would be studying in an environment where staff care about your wellbeing as much as your grades meant a lot to me. It made the decision feel right. Ultimately, NTU offered exactly what I was looking for: a course that is meaningful, practical and focused on shaping students into capable, empathetic professionals. I knew that choosing NTU would give me the perfect foundations.”

What’s your experience been like of your course so far? Can you pick out any highlights?

“My experience so far has been incredibly rewarding. The course combines academic learning with practical scenarios that make the content feel real and relevant. Some of my highlights include working through simulated policing environments such as the forensics house, developing my communication and decision‑making skills, and learning from tutors who have genuine policing experience. Being surrounded by people who share the same passion and drive has made the course even more enjoyable.

I’ve also really enjoyed developing my communication and decision‑making skills. Many of our activities require teamwork, quick thinking, and staying calm under pressure, which has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. Learning from tutors who have genuine policing experience has been invaluable; their insights, stories, and honest advice bring the course to life and give a clear picture of what a policing career truly involves.”

“Another highlight has been the sense of community on the course. Being surrounded by people who share the same passion and drive has made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether we’re working together in group scenarios or supporting each other through assignments, there’s a strong feeling of encouragement and teamwork that makes NTU feel like the right place for me. Overall, every part of the course has reinforced why I chose this path — it’s practical, meaningful, and constantly inspiring.”

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

“I’ve taken part in extracurricular opportunities that have supported my confidence and teamwork skills, including group projects within my course. These experiences have helped me apply what I’ve learned in class to real‑life situations and develop the interpersonal skills that are essential in policing.”

What does Social Sciences mean to you? e.g. working with people, transforming lives, frontline services

“To me, Social Sciences is all about people — understanding them, supporting them, and helping create positive change. It focuses on real lives and real communities, especially those who may be vulnerable or overlooked. Social Sciences represents frontline services, compassion, and working together to transform lives, which is exactly why it connects so strongly with my passion for policing.”

Have you completed any work placements on your course? If so, tell us about your experience – where did you go, what did you do, what skills have you gained and what have you enjoyed the most?

“I haven’t completed a placement yet, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity. I’m excited to gain real‑world experience, build confidence, and develop professional skills that will prepare me for a future policing career.”

Support…

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

“The support from tutors and staff at NTU has been excellent. They are approachable, understanding, and genuinely want us to succeed. Whether it’s academic help, wellbeing support, or advice about placements and careers, there’s always someone willing to guide you. Their encouragement has made a huge difference to my confidence and motivation.”

Outside of the Lecture Theatre…

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

“I found it quite easy to settle in because everyone was welcoming and friendly. The course encourages teamwork from the very beginning, which helped me get to know people quickly. Being part of a supportive student community made NTU feel like home faster than I expected.”

The Next Steps...

What’s next for you after NTU? 

“My goal is to join the police service and work in a role where I can support and protect communities. I want to continue developing the skills I’ve learned at NTU and use them to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Beyond securing a policing role, I’m also excited about the opportunity to specialise in areas that match my strengths and interests, such as community policing, safeguarding, or working with vulnerable individuals.

I’m particularly passionate about roles where compassion, communication, and patience make a real impact. The experiences I’ve had throughout my course have helped me understand just how important these qualities are in frontline policing. After NTU, I want to build on that foundation—gaining real‑world experience, continuing my professional development, and growing into a police officer who can make others feel safe, heard, and supported during difficult moments.

In the long term, I hope to progress within the service, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute to creating safer, more inclusive communities. My journey at NTU has given me the confidence, skills, and motivation to pursue this path, and I’m excited for the next steps ahead.”

How is NTU helping you to achieve your career goals? 

“NTU is helping me by giving me a strong foundation of knowledge, practical experience, and personal development. The staff’s real‑world expertise, the course structure, and the opportunities for hands‑on learning have all helped me build the confidence and skills needed for a career in policing.”

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

“My top tips would be:

• Be open‑minded and ready to learn — policing involves seeing the world from different perspectives.
• Make the most of the practical activities; they teach you things you can’t learn from a textbook.
• Ask questions and use the support available — the staff are there to help you succeed.
• Most importantly, remember why you’re doing it. If you care about people and want to make a difference, this course will feel incredibly rewarding.”