A gap year spent in Europe helped hone Griffith University student Lucy Forrester’s passion for criminology and criminal justice.
“I always had an interest in the criminal mind and what drives people to commit crime,” the first-year student says.
Based in the UK while working at a boarding school, Lucy found ample time to travel, visiting 24 countries.
“Travelling overseas really heightened my awareness of the world and cemented my decision to pursue either victimology and human rights violation or criminal profiling.
“I was extremely happy to hear that the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice was newly available at the Gold Coast campus.”
Once Lucy obtains her degree she wants to complete a Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice with the aim of working with victims of human trafficking at an international level, or in offender profiling.
“But there are so many different career paths the Criminology and Criminal Justice course offers so I am approaching my journey with an open mind,” she said.
Juggling full-time work with study is no barrier to fellow student Jake Hatch’s ambition to become a police officer.
Jake works from 2am to 10am five days a week welding concrete culverts that provide the foundations for bridges.
Some days he only has an hour or two before starting his lectures, but he’s become an expert at grabbing sleep wherever he can, even if it is between tutorials.
Jake, who completed a Diploma of Justice and Administration at TAFE prior to gaining entry to Griffith University, says he is enjoying his first year of study.
“The best part about studying at Griffith is getting to know new people who have similar interests like me,” he said.
“I also enjoy being taught by friendly and approachable lecturers.
“The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice degree will strengthen my application for the police force.”
Learn more about criminology and criminal justice at Griffith Open Day on Sunday August 12, 9am – 2pm, at our Nathan, South Bank and Gold Coast campuses.