Student Spotlight: Soyoung Kim

Name: Soyoung Kim

Course: BSc Crime and Security Science

Department: Security and Crime Science

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am currently a first-year undergraduate student studying BSc Crime and Security Science at UCL. For a long time, I was interested in forensic science and planned to focus my studies on traditional sciences such as biology and chemistry, and later on pursue a career in crime science. However, I realised I wanted to challenge myself to try something that was not directly taught to me during A-levels, and also wanted to learn how the sciences are applied to real-world problems, which led me to study this course at UCL.
 

What first sparked your interest in this subject, and why did you choose to pursue it at UCL? 

I remember watching crime and mystery TV shows beside my parents when I was younger, which sparked my initial interest in forensic science and the application of core sciences, such as biology and chemistry, to solving real-world crime. What stood out to me the most about the Crime and Security Science course here at UCL was the course’s approach to crime science - due to its interdisciplinary nature, the course focuses not only on the perpetrators and solving crime, but also on researching the initial roots of crime and developing prevention strategies. The opportunity to study crime science at UCL felt like a gateway to opening so many potential pathways that I was not aware of, and I would still be able to continue pursuing my initial interest in forensic science, along with trying out new and unfamiliar fields within crime science.
 

How would you describe your experience on the programme so far, both academically and as part of the UCL community? 

Academically, it has been challenging at times, especially as the course covers multiple areas that were initially unfamiliar to me. However, I have always been able to overcome those challenges and gradually make progress throughout the academic year. The course has helped me push myself out of my comfort zone without feeling overwhelmed and build knowledge and confidence in areas I never expected to learn during my A-levels. As a part of the UCL community, I always felt welcome and accepted. It is such a diverse and supportive community, and I was able to meet so many amazing people throughout the year, which made my first year overall enjoyable.
 

What has been the highlight of your time in your degree?

One of the highlights of my degree so far has been visiting the Leadenhall Building in the second term. We were able to learn about the building’s security measures and how the security team continuously adapts its strategies in response to the frequently changing circumstances. I was grateful to have multiple opportunities to step outside the lecture rooms and see how the concepts that we learned throughout the course are applied in real-world crime prevention.

What opportunities, such as placements, research, or internships, have you been involved in during your degree? 

Not only are there multiple opportunities to go on field trips as a part of the course, but in the second year, we are also able to take up work placements instead of modules. The work placements cover multiple areas such as biosecurity, cybersecurity, and developing programmes that spread awareness of crime to multiple audiences, which allows students to apply knowledge from the course to real-world problems and also gives insight into various career paths. 
 

Have you taken part in any projects, societies, or extracurricular activities that have shaped your experience?

As a part of the course, I have taken part in multiple group projects, which allowed me to collaborate with other students in my course and work together to develop creative and unique solutions to real-world crime problems. These projects have been a key part of my first-year experience so far, allowing me to build teamwork and learn how to approach real-world problems from various perspectives.

What is the student community like at UCL, especially for international students? 

As an international student, I felt that the student community here at UCL was very welcoming and supportive. UCL has a very vibrant and diverse community, and I felt comfortable settling in and adapting when I first joined. There are multiple societies which allow students to connect and build friendships with people both within and outside their culture, creating a stronger sense of community.
 

What are some of your favourite things about living in London? 

One of my favourite things about living in London has to be how social and culturally diverse the city is. There are always opportunities to meet new people in different areas and spend time with friends around campus. During the weekdays, I would be able to hang out and get lunch with my friends in between lectures and at the weekends, I can explore different parts of London and meet new people along the way.

What career goals are you working towards, and how is your degree helping you get there? 

At the moment, I am not entirely certain what career path I want to pursue, but my degree has helped me explore my options as it has opened up so many new opportunities and fields that I was unaware of. I am currently interested in forensic psychology and hope to deepen my knowledge in this area in my second year, but I also want to continue exploring the field of crime science and not limit myself to a single direction, and my course allows me to achieve this

What’s one thing you wish more applicants knew about this programme or your department? 

I wish applicants knew that crime science is truly an interdisciplinary field. The course combines different areas such as pure sciences, law, computer science, and geography, and applies them to developing crime prevention strategies. Even if you are unsure of what career path you want to pursue, like I was, but have a strong interest in crime science, the course will help you to explore new paths and interests within the field and guide you to various potential directions. 
 

What are your plans after you graduate?

I am not entirely sure yet, but I hope to pursue further study and research on either forensic science or forensic psychology. Throughout my first year, I have developed a strong interest in both areas and would like to continue exploring them at a postgraduate level. Simultaneously, I want to still keep my options open and explore new areas of interest throughout my time in the course.