Westminster strengthens international partnership with FH Potsdam with educational trip and student exchange

The University of Westminster has hosted a student from Fachhochschule Potsdam University (FH Potsdam), translated to English as the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, to strengthen the partnership between both institutes and give students the opportunity to learn across cultures. The exchange follows a trip Westminster students took to Berlin and Potsdam, Germany, earlier this year where they gained real world experience in the field of Criminology.

Emily Wehr outside St Paul's Cathedral

The University of Westminster has welcomed Emily Wehr to study for a semester on the University's Criminology BA Honours course. She studies Social Work at Westminster's partner university FH Potsdam and is doing her study-abroad semester through the European-funded Erasmus programme.

Emily visited the University of Westminster in March 2023 and was inspired to apply for the exchange semester after sitting in on a criminology lecture given by Dr Andreas Aresti, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology. Since then, she has thrown herself into Westminster life, meeting new friends and taking part in activities and clubs available on campus including Muay Thai and Dance.

As a Social Worker working with people in prisons, Emily is striving to even out existing inequalities in society and hopes to use her studies to develop an understanding of how to deconstruct criminological structures that disproportionately disadvantage certain minorities. Through her semester she aims to learn more about the theoretical frameworks within criminology to develop a better understanding of what drives people to commit crimes. Through this she will examine what other factors intersect with the probability of committing crimes to uncover underlying inequalities that might be woven into the modern criminal justice system.

About the exchange she said: "London, and particularly the University of Westminster, has shown me what I love about these kinds of exchanges: a diverse, open-minded and lively community, which has provided me with a very strong sense of belonging. I never felt like a stranger here and I'm very grateful for that.''

Since the beginning of the partnership, students from both universities have had the chance to learn from each other through a variety of trips. The most recent visit took place in June 2024 when Westminster students visited Berlin and Potsdam to explore the city and the University. Led by Dr Aresti and Dr Sinem Bozkurt, Lecturer of Criminology, the group went on a tour of the Heidering Maximum Security Prison, a modern facility that offered a unique insight into contemporary correctional practices in Germany. They were shown around various areas, including visiting rooms, wings with single and segregation cells, workspaces and recreational zones, and had the chance to talk with prison workers on the attitude towards inmate education and mental health support.

They also visited Stasi prison, a remand facility used during the Soviet occupation of East Germany. At the time, the Ministry of State Security (MGB) functioned as the Soviet secret service, recruiting citizens across the German Democratic Republic to spy on unsuspecting individuals and conduct arrests as they deemed necessary.

Criminology BA Honours students Camilla Randaccio and Yara Stieninger had the chance to write a newsletter about the trip. About the Stasi prison they wrote: "The eerie atmosphere of the corridors, marked by traffic light systems to limit prisoner interaction, left a profound impression on us. Exploring the interrogation rooms and hearing about the brutal methods used to extract confessions from innocent individuals underscored the harsh realities of that era. It was a stark reminder of the impact of state control on personal freedoms."

Students also visited the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in Oranienburg. Open until April 1945, this site serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust. With the help of an audio guide, the group heard testimonies from survivors that conveyed the harrowing experiences of those who suffered within its walls.

To conclude the trip students took part in a workshop hosted by FH Potsdam. The day provided an enlightening perspective on academic life in Germany, as students and colleagues had the chance to talk with academics and fellow students. These conversations gave the team an eye-opening insight into the German university system and gave them a deeper appreciation for the cultural and educational differences between the two institutions.

About the trip Dr Aresti said: "Our annual field trips to Potsdam and Berlin are legendary. It is such a rewarding experience for our students, who get the opportunity to visit a range of sites, which have both historical and criminological significance. Equally rewarding, are the educational, social and cultural activities our students engage in, alongside our partner institution's students, in Potsdam. Both sets of students really enjoy the collaboration and always tell me how amazing the experience was."

He added: "This trip could not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our teaching team, who went above and beyond to make this experience both educational and enjoyable. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the University for funding the trip."

Westminster's partnership with FH Potsdam directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Find out more about studying Criminology and Sociology courses at the University of Westminster.

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