Two of Homerton College's newest postgraduate students — both studying the part-time Master of Studies in Applied Criminology, Penology and Management at the University of Cambridge's Institute of Criminology — have spoken about what brought them to Homerton, and what they hope their studies will help them achieve.
James Cook is a polygraph examiner working in the probation service in the north east of England. Having completed an undergraduate degree in criminology, he was ready for his next challenge. "I wanted to further my career, increase my critical thinking and analytical skills, and hopefully one day make some good changes to policy and practice within the probation service," he explains.
James is particularly interested in exploring the potential use of polygraph in organised crime cases — a question, he says, that sits at the heart of how the justice system holds complex and difficult individuals to account.
Rachel Britton works at the headquarters of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service, where she has spent six years working on education strategy. Her focus is on improving educational provision for women in prison — a group she describes as underserved by a system largely designed around the male estate.
"Women are in prison for shorter sentences and often have very different needs — in terms of confidence building and timely support," she says. "I really want to figure out how we can do things differently for women going forward."
Rachel, who is the first in her family to go to university, had always wanted to do a master's degree but never thought the opportunity would come. Her advice to anyone hesitating? "Absolutely go for it. It's a bit daunting, but everyone is incredibly helpful, the content is so interesting, and you feel very supported. Put yourself outside your comfort zone — you know you're doing something right."
The course is designed for senior and future leaders working across criminal justice — from probation and prisons to the legal community, voluntary sector and allied professions. Applications for the 2027 cohort open in early September 2026.
Find out more at crim.cam.ac.uk/mst-applied-criminology-penology-and-management
