Duncan Lally :
What made you choose to study in the United Kingdom rather than in Switzerland or another European country
Mathilde:
Honestly, they are all very good options, but the UK felt more flexible and more dynamic to me. Degrees are generally shorter: three years for a Bachelor’s degree, one year for a Master’s, and there is a strong emphasis on research and independent thinking. I am on a four-year course because I chose to include a paid placement year, which means I will graduate with real professional experience. That was a major advantage for me.
There is also greater institutional autonomy. Universities can adapt their programmes very quickly. For example, in my policing course, a recent study on police uniforms has directly influenced what will be taught next year. That kind of responsiveness is quite rare elsewhere.
Duncan Lally:
How would you describe the academic environment?
Luca:
It is demanding, but in a supportive way. Academic standards are high, but there is a great deal of support. Lecturers are approachable, you can email them at any time, and there are dedicated office hours. Independent research is an integral part of university life: from the first year, you can take part in research projects or contribute to academic papers. It’s an incredible asset for your CV.
The workload also depends on the subject. In my first year, I had around seven hours of contact time per week, which may sound light, but there is a lot of reading and preparation outside of class. The following years become more intensive.
Duncan Lally:
In what ways is studying in the UK different from Switzerland or other European systems?
Luca:
The biggest difference is the level of support. In the UK, especially in the first year, universities really help you transition into higher education. The aim is not to “weed students out”. In Switzerland, from what my friends tell me, it’s more a case of: here is the content, good luck.
Assessment methods are also different. In the UK, there is a strong focus on essays, particularly at the beginning. That suits me well, as I struggle with exam anxiety, and essays allow you to carry out in-depth research and truly understand a subject. Many European systems rely much more heavily on exams.
Duncan Lally:
How did you choose your field of study?
Mathilde:
I asked myself some very honest questions: what do I enjoy learning? How do I learn best? Do I prefer essays or exams? Am I creative? I also looked closely at career prospects. I started in Politics and International Relations, then switched to Criminology and Sociology after three weeks, as Lancaster has strong links with organisations such as Interpol and the NCA. Knowing where graduates go after their degree is really essential.
Duncan Lally:
Why choose a university like Lancaster rather than London?
Luca:
The cost of living, for a start. London is incredibly expensive. In Lancaster, I live comfortably on around £600 a month. Smaller universities also make it easier to stand out. There are more leadership opportunities, easier access to internships, and less competition for roles in student societies.
Two months after arriving, I was already a committee member of a society and a paid student ambassador. And you can always move to a more prestigious university later for a Master’s degree. This combination — saving money at the beginning and “trading up” later — makes a lot of sense.
