From Murder Mysteries to Cyber Crime: UWTSD Partnership Opens Doors to Exciting Careers

28 November 2025

A partnership between the University of Wales Trintiy Saint David (UWTSD), Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and South Wales Police, is providing an opportunity for Gower College Swansea students to step into the shoes of the emergency services professionals.

Gower College students attending Swansea Law School Academy events

The activities have been organised as part of UWTSD’s Swansea Law School Academy in collaboration with UWTSD’s Student Recruitment & Outreach team, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Police and Gower College. The partnership aims to demontrate that education isn’t limited to the classroom and opens doors to exciting careers, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

A series of immersive sessions, including intense Murder Mystery crime-solving days, Cyber Crime Days, and even E-Sports Challenges, have been a huge hit with the students, offering them an opportunity to extend beyond the classroom to gain hands on experience of these professions.

Victoria Slade of UWTSD’s Student Recruitment & Outreach team said: “We have launched a thrilling series of educational events that blend learning with real-world action, designed to bring out the future leaders of the legal and public service sectors.

“The activites include deciphering clues in gripping murder mystery simulations to analysing the complex layers of cybercrime, via role-playing the real-world of the professionals. From stepping into the boots of a probation officer or learning how to manage public safety challenges with the fire service, every moment is designed to be packed with real-world value”.

The Murder Mystery Sessions were a particular highlight of the experiences according to the students in which teams worked together to solve intricate crime cases, developing their investigative skills and deepening their understanding of criminal law. These sessions were not only designed to be a fun and high-energy experience but also fostered teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making under pressure - all key skills in law enforcement and legal practice.

In addition, the Cyber Crime Day gave students the chance to tackle the growing field of online security threats, providing them with practical tools to understand and combat cybercrimes - a skill that is becoming increasingly vital in today’s digital age. Meanwhile, the E-Sports Day offered an alternative perspective, bringing a sense of fun while also highlighting the growing intersections between technology, law, and competition.

Rebecca Mugford of Gower College Swansea said: “Swansea Law School Academy allows our second year learners to experience what university life is like at UWTSD.

“Our learners look forward to the sessions each week which allows them to gain and develop transferable skills necessary for higher education and future employment.

“The staff at UWTSD are extremely welcoming and friendly, they go above and beyond to give us the best experience.

“Our previous learners who have attended the Academy and applied to UWTSD, felt at ease to do so, having been in the environment previously and met the staff and academics.

“These learners have progressing through their degree programmes and are engaging in volunteering activities with various local sector organisations, thanks to UWTSD”.

Gower College Swansea students, Ella & Grace, who participated in the programme said:

“Since being at the Academy, it has opened our eyes to university, and this has shown us the opportunities that are available to us. It has proved that learning does not have to be in a classroom as we have been on many trips, for example to the fire service and police headquarters. When at the university we have spoken to many visitors and have engaged in activities. The staff are so helpful and are always willing to step in and give advice and tips to us. This has been an amazing experience to participate in and they have made us feel so welcome we even got pizza and hoodies”.

Laura Knight, Lecturer at Swansea Law School said: “After months of immersion in these innovative programmes, students will graduate at a graduation ceremony - the traditional mark of academic achievement, symbolising all the hard work, skills, and experiences they’ve gained throughout their studies.

“These events are more than just a chance to dress up; they represent the culmination of both academic rigour and hands-on, real-world learning.

“As Swansea Law School continues to bridge the gap between theory and practice, these collaborative events show that learning can be as dynamic and exciting as it is educational”.

By giving students, a chance to engage in crime solving, digital security, and public safety scenarios, Swansea Law School aims to shape the next generation of professionals who are prepared not just to study law, but to live it.

Laura Knight concluded: “It has been a pleasure working with the Gower College learners throughout their academy journey. Seeing the learner’s confidence grow week on week as they familiarise themselves with the university setting is invaluable. Feedback from the latest cohort has been overwhelmingly positive with many of the learners expressing that prior to joining the academy, they did not think university was an option for them but thanks to this experience, it is now something they are considering. I also wanted to express thanks to all of the team involved and for the local organisations who have provided invaluable inputs during the sessions”.