Over 100 of our Psychology  and Criminology students attended The Behind Bars Conference at The Harlington Centre, Fleet over the summer.

The conference included 4 ex-prisoners speaking to students about the events that led to their crime(s), the court process and their experience in prison to help rehabilitate them into society. The crimes committed by the speakers included fraud, theft and murder. In the afternoon students were given the opportunity to ask the speakers questions, often asking about the remorse they feel or whether they felt prison was effective in reducing reoffending. 

The conference covered key debates such as whether behaviour is due to nature or nurture, which students will be able to implement within their courses next year. This unique and valuable experience gave students a true insight into life within prison, away from the dramatised recreations within the media. 

Amie Felton, Psychology Subject Tutor said “The Behind Bars Conference remains one of our favourite days of the year, over a decade after we first introduced the trip. The opportunity to ask questions to ex-offenders is a truly unique experience, allowing our students to bring in case studies within upcoming units in their course as well as guide better decisions in their future.”