Posted: 1 May 2025
In April, eight final-year Criminal Justice degree students from University Campus Doncaster had the rare opportunity to step inside HMP Doncaster and experience first-hand what life is like behind the prison walls. The educational visit offered valuable real-world insight into the workings of the UK prison system—insight that goes far beyond what can be taught in the lecture theatre.
Located in South Yorkshire, HMP Doncaster is a Category B local resettlement prison that houses up to 1,145 male inmates, including around 200 young offenders aged 18 to 20. Organised by the Criminal Justice degree team, the visit aimed to give students a deeper, practical understanding of the environments and systems they may one day work in.
Throughout the guided tour, students explored key areas of the prison, including an inmate cell, the gym, and education spaces where prisoners engage in rehabilitation through maths and English lessons. These behind-the-scenes experiences gave students a realistic view of day-to-day operations and highlighted the complex balance between security, rehabilitation, and resettlement.
Curriculum Lead for the Criminal Justice programme, Thaleia Ashley, emphasised the educational value of the visit: “Experiences like this are an invaluable part of our students’ learning journey. Being able to step inside a working prison and engage directly with staff and the environment brings a level of understanding that simply can’t be achieved through textbooks alone. It helps students connect their academic knowledge to real-world practice and envision the impact they can have in their future careers.”
The visit also included a conversation with the Senior Custodial Manager – Head of Training, who shared upcoming training opportunities and discussed potential career pathways. This interaction not only provided practical guidance but also sparked further interest and motivation among the students as they prepare to take their next professional steps.
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many described the experience as eye-opening, inspiring, and a turning point in shaping their career ambitions. The visit helped reinforce their understanding of the justice system and gave them a clearer sense of where they might contribute.
Programme Leader Carmen Hancox reflected on the visit’s impact: “For many students, this kind of experience sparks clarity and motivation about their future direction—whether that’s in the prison service, probation, youth justice, or policing. We’re incredibly grateful to HMP Doncaster for opening their doors and playing a key role in preparing the next generation of criminal justice professionals.”
Photo credit: BBC/Mick Lunney