Laura McKnight Panter

• Year of graduation: 2025
• Current job title: Volunteer – Leicestershire Victim First
• Industry sector: Public sector

I chose the University of Northampton because I always knew I wanted to live at home while I studied, so it made the perfect commute from Market Harborough. However, the selling point for me was the choice of courses that were offered – I’d thoroughly enjoyed Psychology at A-level and was particularly interested in the topic of offending behaviour and psychopathy. The option to study Forensic Psychology at Northampton stood out to me, as I hadn’t seen it offered at undergraduate level in any other local universities.

During my degree, I developed a passion for Forensic Psychology, and I knew by my final year that I wanted to progress onto further studies to become a qualified Forensic Psychologist. I have a particular interest in offender rehabilitation and aim to work within the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPSS) to improve offender wellbeing in custody and facilitate the rehabilitative interventions, encouraging societal reintegration upon release.

My undergraduate degree will help my career development as it’s allowed me to progress to study a MSc in Forensic Psychology, which is the next step required on the pathway to becoming qualified. The ‘Interventions and Rehabilitation’ module of my BSc gave me a detailed understanding of current HMPPS-accredited programmes, which proved invaluable during job applications and interview tasks within the prison service. Similarly, the ‘Crime and Addiction’ module broadened my career scope, equipping me with knowledge applicable to roles within the NHS and specialist intervention services. Many of the modules in my master’s align with the content studied in my BSc, allowing me to begin postgraduate study with confidence and enthusiasm. Completing the course means that I’m eligible for Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) with the British Psychological Society, so I’ve recently upgraded from my student membership.

The course academic team gave me invaluable support when preparing me for my first interview within prisons, giving me advice on how to interpret the interview brief and task, and providing feedback on my presentation. This boosted my self-confidence and whilst I was unsuccessful in securing the full-time role, I was offered a voluntary position within the psychology department at HMP Fosse Way – experience which will be highly beneficial in furthering my career. I was also encouraged to submit my dissertation, ‘Exploring the Differences in Crime Perception and Fear of Crime Based on the Media Source Used to Obtain News’, for publication in an academic journal, which has been an incredible addition to my CV and postgraduate applications. The research skills used within this dissertation have allowed me to enter my postgraduate degree with confidence and excitement to conduct my own research again.

I’m now volunteering with Leicestershire Victim First, working alongside the Restorative Justice Lead to deliver restorative justice awareness sessions in local schools, youth clubs, and prisons. I’m currently in HMP Fosse Way every month to promote restorative justice to inmates and assist them with starting the initial process if they are interested, and work alongside my supervisor to support both offenders and victims through the restorative justice process. I’ve also shadowed victim awareness sessions within HMP Fosse Way, talking to group leaders about the programme delivery, and asking inmates what they have enjoyed or found useful, and why. Following a job application, I was offered a voluntary position within the psychology department at HMP Fosse Way, allowing me to gain custodial experience and confidence in working within secure settings and with offenders.

The advice I’d give to undergraduates interested in this career path would be that experience is just as important as your degree. Spend your time volunteering and building up your CV so that you have something to make you stand out once you graduate.

Passions developed, skills strengthened, and future career foundation built. That’s how I’d summarise my UON experience.