Student Spotlight - Naomi Holland
“I love the freedom and flexibility.”
Are you interested in exploring and understanding the world around you, particularly in relation to globalisation and crime, via the theory and application of the social sciences?
The MSc Applied Social Sciences: Globalisation and Crime is a unique, multi-disciplinary programme that allows you to explore these critical issues using the disciplines of psychology, sociology, criminology, and politics, to gain in-depth understanding of these complex situations and employ your knowledge in the real world.
With this course being fully online, it allows students from all over the world to study at UHI Perth. Currently based in Canada, Naomi chatted to us about why she picked this course.
Can you introduce yourself?
Naomi Holland - Alberta, Canada.
Why did you decide to pick this course and how did you hear about UHI Perth?
I have worked in the anti-human trafficking field for a couple of decades now with, more recently, a focus on online crimes. However, I feel I lack sufficient academic training to advance my career in this field. That is why I started exploring master’s options.
After extensive research, and looking at many programmes, I somehow landed on the UHI website! Since I was looking for an online course, it was fun to explore my options globally.
Are you doing this course full-time or part-time?
I am full time, though I have a side business I run called Escalate the Conversation to raise awareness on online safety. Everything in my course compliments what I already study for my work.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
I have enjoyed all the encouragement from the lecturers. I find they are so supportive. My favourite course has been forensic psychology. I find this study so relevant for future crime prevention.
Have there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
The couple of classes I had on human trafficking and sexual exploitation, my areas of speciality, have been super exciting. I have enjoyed lively discussions with Dr. Taylor. I think we debated an entire class one day, not getting to one slide!
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you finish the course?
The skills that have been most helpful are having to prove your point, regardless of what the point is. I find this has been an extremely helpful practice. I love the process of researching and digging up articles to support your argument. It’s like a treasure hunt.
As this is a fully online course, how have you found studying online and using the UHI online learning services? Have your lecturers been supportive?
I could only do this course because it is online as I am in Canada. However, the thought of moving to Scotland to do a master’s is very dreamy! For some reason, my family wasn’t supportive of me moving away for two years. I did tell my husband though that it is a requirement that I must hand in my final paper in person! 😉
The time difference has worked out just fine as I attend my classes in my morning, which is in the late afternoon in Scotland. I have found all the lecturers very supportive and understanding of students’ limitations and life commitments.
You were recently invited to speak to the Canadian House of Commons on the effects of influencers and social media content on children and adolescents. How did this opportunity come about? Do you feel that the skills you have learnt so far on your MSc course helped you to prepare for this moment?
Many years ago, I lived in a frontline recovery home for women fleeing the sex trade in Canada. During the two years I lived there, I saw first-hand the devastation at the hands of ‘pimps and johns’. Several years later, as smartphones and social media became ubiquitous, I watched these same men move online and be given full access to children around the world. To raise awareness, and to protect children, I started a business called Escalate the Conversation and I have been doing that ever since. One member of parliament follows me on Instagram, so he recommended me to this committee.
Having to do research papers, and especially be held to a strict word count, really helped me prepare for my five-minute talk! You are not allowed to go over by 1 second. It was really hard to finalise that five-minute paper but writing for my classes definitely helped me in that regard.
Also, speaking in our zoom classes and having to formulate reasonable responses really helped me prepare for the 2-hour Q&A that followed my presentation! This was the most difficult part as several Members of Parliament asked me very pointed questions and I had to defend my argument. Thank goodness I had so much practice already with my online classes and my wonderful professors who challenged me to explain my opinion. Who knew I'd need that skill!
Watch my five-minute speech on the harms of social media 👇
Have you enjoyed studying at UHI Perth? Any highlights?
I love the freedom and flexibility. I love the flexible and understanding lecturers. I love the different accents I get to hear in class. I love my course content. I just wish I could study in person.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of your studies?
I am also a fitness instructor, so I get to dance out any mental frustrations I have when the content gets too heavy or dark. My husband pastors a small church where we live so being involved in church life keeps me busy as well.
After you finish this course, what do you plan to do next in your career?
I am passionate about continuing to educate youth and parents about online safety. I feel like the teen mental health crisis, which can be linked back to their phone use, is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Working for myself, by myself, I find it very difficult to self-promote and get speaking engagements. I’d love to work for a larger frontline organisation, perhaps in law enforcement, and focus on awareness and prevention. I am hoping this degree will open some doors for me to increase my impact.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at UHI Perth?
If you need flexibility, the online programme is a great option. The material is relevant, the lecturers are supportive, and it is self-paced.
