I chose Sheffield because of its strong reputation, focus on international processes, and its research power.
While this is certainly important, I was far more interested in knowing how global processes affected crime. I wanted to know-how in the current context countries are approaching crime that is occurring both above, beyond, and within the nation-state.
This led me to research different criminology programs and I came across the MA International Criminology (MAIC) at the University of Sheffield. After considering all of my options I strongly felt this was the program that was going to help me shape my ideal path.
I chose Sheffield because of its strong reputation, focus on international processes, and its research power.
My time in Sheffield
The program helped me focus on what most interested me in criminology. There is a large degree of autonomy that is afforded to you within this program. It is truly what you make of it. In my year we were given a deeper understanding of criminological theory and international criminal justice processes.
We were also able to pursue our own specific interests including, but not limited to, prisoner rights, forced marriages, pick-pocketing, and, my focus, transnational organised crime.
While everything I was introduced to in the classroom may not stick with me, I will always remember the community in both the Law School and the University of Sheffield as a whole.
Everybody I came to know in Sheffield from my professors, staff at the university, and friends helped me progress as a person and my year at Sheffield will always be a year I will look back on as a year in which I did a lot of learning, growing, and changing as an individual.
Nathan Seef
MA International Criminology graduate
My classmates and I became very close over the year and we built friendships that will stay with me for a very long time. Sheffield is a very inviting city and quickly became a second home for me. Sheffield is an incredibly unique city and gives you a great sense of community.
I became involved in the improvised comedy troupe at the university and with the international office talking to prospective Canadian students while completing my studies. My time at the University of Sheffield was at first about completing a degree but quickly became about so much more.
Everybody I came to know in Sheffield from my professors, the staff at the university, and friends helped me progress as a person and my year at Sheffield will always be a year I will look back on as a year in which I did a lot of learning, growing, and changing as an individual.
Life after Sheffield
I completed a two-year professional master's degree in public policy and global affairs with a specialisation in global security at the University of British Columbia.
I am Co-Founder and Director of Observatory Media - a multimedia international affairs magazine bringing together academics and young professionals to put current events into focus. I am now also working as a Policy Analyst at Natural Resources Canada.
My advice to new students
I would advise you to come to the University of Sheffield with an open mind and a willingness to work. You have to be willing to put yourself out there and do the work but if you find what you are interested in it won’t feel like work. You will be surrounded by friends even when you are stressed out with the amount of work you need to do!
I have experienced things in Sheffield I never thought I would be a part of. I have a chance to do things I never dreamed I would be able to do, like performing improvised comedy in front of strangers, going to festivals for comedy and working with a supervisor on green criminology which I never thought would be possible.
If you work at it and are open to new experiences you will surprise and impress yourself - and everyone around you.