University helped me follow my dream to join the police

Luci Matthew studied BA (Hons) Sociology with Criminology and graduates in 2025. She starts her career as a Police Constable (PC) for Surrey Police this summer.

“I’ve always been interested in pursuing a career in the police but was never fully sure. Being at university confirmed my career choice as I was so interested in learning about crime, which gave me the motivation to follow my dream.

“It’s a job where no two days are the same and I strive to help people in my day-to-day life. I want to make a difference, and ultimately, I would love to help in making the police’s reputation towards the public a lot stronger. Even if I can change a handful of people’s views, this would be a big achievement to me.

“I definitely think my degree helped me get this job. It equipped me with so many skills I could speak about in my interview, including learning about offenders, crime and society.

“I also think my two-week work placement at the University of Chichester, assisting in the Adversity to University bridging course, allowed me to work with vulnerable people which has given me a wealth of knowledge in this sector, especially as I will be working with many vulnerable members of the public as a PC.

“I really enjoyed my time at university. I made a lot of lifelong friends. My academic supervisor Steve was very supportive throughout the three years I was there. It was such a lovely community at Chichester, and I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else.

“I decided to study at Chichester because after the Open Day, I just had a good feeling about it. Even though the university is smaller than others, it feels much more close-knit. You recognise familiar faces wherever you go, and you are known by your name, not just your student number. Also, the lecture sizes were perfect, my class only had on average of 15 people which allows for a lot more one-to-ones with your lecturer.

“For future students, my advice would be to have an open mind. Keep on top of your assignments and do extra reading whenever you can. But above all, enjoy it! University goes very quick!”