Dani Redgrave

Dani Redgrave studied on both our BA Criminology and MA Criminology as a mature student. She has since taught A-Level Criminology at a local secondary school and also works as an Associate Lecturer at ARU.

Did you always know that you would go to university and if not, what changed your mind?

I didn’t always know. I actually came to it slightly late - after I grew up and had a child of my own, I decided I wanted to do something that really interested me. So I took an Access course at CRC Huntingdon, then came to ARU for both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Why did you choose to study at ARU?

I checked out their Criminology course and came to one of the Open Days. It had a really nice feel, so I decided this was the university for me. It was also geographically quite close, so I was able to come to university and still continue my home life with my daughter.

What inspired you to get involved with your field of study in the first place?

When I was small I used to read Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books, and I was always interested to see what would happen at the end. So I think deep down, as a child, I was always interested in crime and criminals, and wanted to explore the field in more depth.

What’s the most valuable thing you took away from your education?

I think the most valuable thing I took away was to be curious, and view things from different perspectives. Also to respect other people and their opinions – because we don’t always agree on things, even as academics!

My MA dissertation was about the cost of living crisis, and at the time it was only just happening. So for my research I had to rely quite a lot on newspaper articles for evidencing things that had happened, like people driving away without paying for their petrol. I think I’m generally quite interested in poverty and inequalities, but the course showed me how to dig into the literature and try to solve the problem as best we can.

Which aspects of the course most helped your career development, and why?

I think it was the support from the Criminology team that really helped me develop my career. I always booked in for office hours and tried to get my draft assignments checked out before submitting to pick out any issues that might arise.

Also, learning to read and write academically helped as well. I had to learn how to write an essay before I could go on and teach other students how to write their theirs! With our A-Level students, I’ve noticed at the end of the first trimester they can start panicking because the idea of what university is and what’s expected really starts to hit you. So I really do think it’s reading – boringly! – and learning to write academically that will help you get that degree.

What piece of advice would you give to other students in your field?

I would say turn up, get involved and have fun. But also work hard and ask for help when you need it – we’re here to support you.

But the most important thing is to get involved. There are lots of extracurricular activities going on, as well as field trips and our Crime Day, and just showing your face and getting to know others always helps, as well as what you learn.

What was your favourite thing about studying in Cambridge and what did you learn about it that you didn’t know before?

My favourite thing about studying in Cambridge was being in a bustling city. There are lots of opportunities available, and I feel like studying in Cambridge has really helped me develop my career. We got to go to the law courts in Cambridge, and the Old Bailey in London too, which isn’t far away on the train.

What projects are you currently working on, both at work and outside it?

Currently I’m working on ARU’s Trusted Adult Scheme, where we open the university to young people around Cambridge, and give them somewhere to go and be safe as well as taking part in various activities.

I’m also hoping to further my career by completing a PhD in Green Criminology.