Swansea Law School Academy Students Celebrate Graduation at UWTSD
Students from Gower College Swansea came together at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) to celebrate the completion of the Swansea Law School Academy, a year-long programme delivered in partnership with the University and designed to give learners first-hand experience of university life and public service careers.
The final Academy session in the IQ building at UWTSD SA1 Waterfront campus included student presentations reflecting on their learning, followed by a graduation ceremony where students got to wear a cap and gown to receive their certificates in recognition of their achievements.
Delivered in collaboration with UWTSD’s academic staff and Student Recruitment & Outreach Team, the Academy provides learners with insight into careers across law, policing, fire and rescue, and criminal justice. Through immersive activities, students develop practical skills such as investigative interviewing, report writing, teamwork, and decision-making, while gaining confidence and understanding of the pathways available to them in higher education.
Celebrating Achievement
The final presentations marked an important milestone for students, offering them the opportunity to demonstrate how their confidence and skills had developed throughout the programme. Activities covered during the Academy included investigative interviewing, report writing, teamwork and decision-making, all designed to mirror real-world public service scenarios.
Presenting to peers, academics and instructors encouraged students to reflect on their progress and consider future academic and career options.
Rebecca Mugford, an academic at Gower College Swansea, said:
“The Academy allows our second-year learners to experience what university life is really like at UWTSD. They take part in a wide range of activities, including cybercrime, forensics and immersive room learning, which helps them understand what the University has to offer.
“Our learners look forward to the sessions each week and gain valuable transferable skills that are essential for higher education and future employment. The staff at UWTSD are extremely welcoming and go above and beyond to provide an outstanding experience.
“Many previous Academy learners who progressed to UWTSD felt confident applying, having already experienced the environment and met staff and academics. A number are now progressing through their degree programmes and taking part in volunteering opportunities with local organisations.”
For students Ella and Grace, the Academy has already had a lasting impact:
“The Academy has really opened our eyes to university and the opportunities available. We’ve learned so much, not just in the classroom but through visits to places like the fire service. It’s been a great experience.”
Immersive Learning in Action
UWTSD’s Immersive Team highlighted the value of collaborative, real-world learning experiences. A member of the team said:
“Working closely with the Student Recruitment team to support local schools and community groups has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve really enjoyed engaging with students at different stages of their education and helping them explore the wide range of careers available in law, policing, fire and rescue, and criminal justice.
“Drawing on student feedback and professional practice, the team has supported Swansea Law School in developing innovative learning activities. These include immersive workshops such as virtual reality simulations for missing persons investigations (MISPER) and cyber defence scenarios (TDD), designed to develop both technical and interpersonal skills.
“Hearing directly from students about how these experiences have shaped their learning is incredibly encouraging. Many have spoken about being challenged to think critically, make decisions under pressure and work collaboratively, which reflects the impact of a practical, student-centred approach.”
Victoria Slade from the Student Recruitment & Outreach Team said:
“It’s wonderful to see how the Academy influences students’ future choices. Many of last year’s participants are now studying on our public service degree programmes, including BA (Hons) Fire and Rescue Leadership. Seeing their confidence, professionalism and ambition grow has been incredibly rewarding.”
Aidan George, Student Recruitment Outreach Manager at UWTSD, added:
“Raising aspirations and helping young people see what’s possible is at the heart of our outreach work. Programmes like the Academy clearly help students build confidence, direction and ambition for the future.”
Laura Knight, Programme Lecturer at Swansea Law School, said:
“We’ve marked the end of our Academy journey with the Gower College learners, where the students conducted a reflective presentation on their journey through the Academy. To hear that the project has proved such a positive and valuable experience for the learners has left me feeling extremely humbled. A particular highlight of the Academy this year was the opportunity to bring in current UWTSD students who previously took part of the Academy project to showcase their success. This provided tangible and relatable evidence of the project’s effectiveness in addressing barriers to higher education. I want to take this opportunity to wish all learners the best of luck for the future, and I very much look forward to seeing some of you in September.”
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476