Graduate Jord is celebrating after gaining a first class degree and job a straight out of university
“What we studied isn’t just academic, it’s applied, it’s detailed, and it matters,” commented Jord Andrews, who studied in BSc (Hons) Forensic Investigation at University of Staffordshire.
“It is quite a practical course which is what I wanted. I am very much a practical learner so it was better for me. We get to use facilities including the crime scene suites and the mock law court, so it has been great.”
The 25-year-old from Stafford continued, “I’ve never been very academic and I did really struggle at first. But in my second year I discovered that I have ADHD. When I got my diagnosis, everything changed. I got more help and support and I saw this reflected in my grades.”
Jord had the opportunity to put the skills she learned on the degree into practice during a forensic field school expedition to Bilbao, Spain, to study microplastic pollution with a group of course mates.
“It was an unforgettable experience — not just for the time spent in the sun or the laughs along the way, but for the opportunity to apply our skills in the real world, investigating microplastic pollution firsthand. It was insightful, eye-opening, and yes — genuinely fun.
“From the early morning city commute, to the late night filtering sessions, it was a perfect mix of science, teamwork and adventure. And of course, none of it would have been possible without our fantastic lecturers Claire and Sarah.”
Jord also completed two placements with Staffordshire police, through the Staffordshire Forensic Partnership, and developed a keen interest in digital forensics. Her final year project explored non-intrusive methods, such as thermal imaging, torch-based reflection, and smartphone detection, for identifying covert camera devices hidden in everyday environments.
Now, she will be applying her knowledge in the real world after securing a job in Bet365’s anti-fraud department.
Jord added: “I’m proper chuffed. I went through the whole of uni saying I’ll be happy with a 2.1. When I got a first I was over the moon! I’m very proud of myself – in the first year I was barley scraping a pass and I have ended up finishing with a first. It’s amazing!”
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