Whether you’re looking to swap industries, get back into work or accelerate your career, an Online Professional Course from the University of Essex Online could be the perfect fit.
We offer over 60 standalone modules that cover topics in business, computing, criminology, education, health, law and psychology. In this blog post, Applied Forensic Psychology student, Elisa Tsui, shares how she used an Online Professional Course as a stepping–stone into postgraduate education.
Welcome to our Q&A! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Elisa and I’m from Hong Kong. I’m a security professional with over 12 years’ experience in asset protection, loss prevention and corporate security within the private sector across the Asia-Pacific region. My career, which has included a role in Japan and collaboration with diverse international teams, has provided me with a rich global perspective.
Which Online Professional Course did you study and why?
I enrolled in the ‘Applied Forensic Psychology’ Online Professional Course and thoroughly enjoyed the three-month course. On a personal level, it got back me back into the routine of studying and completing assignments. Academically, it offered a rigorous foundation of the criminal justice system, specifically in assessing, treating and managing mentally disordered offenders.
What did you enjoy the most about this short course?
I enjoyed the focus on the complex links between mental disorder and crime, as well as the real-world ethical and practical issues facing psychologists. I also gained a clear understanding of the UK’s framework for handling offenders.
Which postgraduate degree have you progressed onto and how’s it going?
Inspired by the foundation gained in my Online Professional Course, I progressed to the MSc Criminology and Criminal Psychology. So far, this curriculum has been particularly relevant to my career, which involves investigating internal misconduct and financial crime. The academic theories on offender assessment have helped strengthen my practical experience in investigative interviews. Learning about the UK justice system also offers a fascinating contrast to my professional work in the Asia-Pacific region.
What are the benefits of studying online?
I can access study materials, watch recorded lectures and submit assignments from any location with an internet connection. This means I can easily study alongside my job. I can immediately apply theoretical concepts and strategic decision-making skills to real-world scenarios I encounter in the workplace. By studying remotely from Hong Kong, I also avoid the substantial expenses of relocating to a UK campus.
Finally, what are your career aspirations post-study?
While I’m still completing this degree, I look forward to upcoming modules such as the Criminology and Criminal Psychology Thesis and Practical Psychology for Policing. My future may lead me to the criminal justice system, perhaps as a probation officer or a specialist in offender rehabilitation or to a more senior role within the corporate security sector.
Ready to take your career forward with an Online Professional Course? Get in touch with our friendly Admissions team today!