Alumni profile – Professional Placement Year 

Graduating year: 2025
Course studied: BSc (Hons) Criminology with PPY

Anna's placements took place at multiple criminal justice organisations, including Circles, Grow Transform Belong, Footprints Project, and DWRM (Doing What Really Matters).

Why did you choose to undertake a PPY?

I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for me to see what is out there in the field of the criminal justice system which was my area of interest in terms of possible employment options when I graduate.

I also wanted to have an opportunity to have a break from university studies and try myself in the working world. 

What did your roles entail? 

As I worked for several criminal justice voluntary organisations, my experiences throughout the Professional Placement Year (PPY) were varied sometimes developing skills in prisons and other times supporting people with convictions in the community.

For example, with Grow Transform Belong, I was involved in Growth Projects which brings together those working in prison and those living in prison to communicate and co-create positive change. I was also involved in organising and running therapeutic art sessions through the Footprints Project for women in contact with the criminal justice system.  

In the community, I worked with people as they left prison, providing advice and guidance to them as they underwent their resettlement. While doing this resettlement mentoring role with DWRM, there was one instance where I supported a father to reconnect with his sons once he was back in the community after his prison sentence.

With Circles, I worked with other volunteers in the community to support people with sexual offences as they reintegrated into society following a conviction and prison sentence.

A building with high security fences

How did you find and secure your placements? 

The short answer is countless begging emails!

The longer answer is that gaining first-hand experience in the criminal justice system has its challenges, so I reached out to many voluntary organisations to ask for opportunities to shadow staff and volunteer my time.

What have been the best and most challenging aspects of your placement? 

The most challenging aspect was finding positions because there are more risks and security clearances required to enable you to undertake work within the criminal justice sector. 

The best aspects were trying everything, working with so many different people on so many different levels, making connections, and gaining first-hand knowledge of the criminal justice system that I would not have been able to get in any other way. 

How did the PPY support your career aspirations?

My placement year was the best decision I have ever made. It helped solidify my goals, give me the connections I need to progress in my field, and got me a job for the future.

Do you have any advice for students considering a PPY? 

Start looking for jobs and opportunities early. Reach out to everyone, apply for everything and ask about anything – the worst they can say is 'no'!