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Mature student Danielle never thought she would to go to university – but graduated from Staffordshire University with a first-class Masters degree and a dream job with the police.

Mum of two Danielle Boothby applied to Staffordshire University through Clearing to pursue her passion for policing.

“I always wanted to join the police force from a young age. My love for policing grew working as a special constable with Staffordshire Police and that made me wanted to study at university.”

“I didn't take A-levels or go to college. No-one in my family has been to Uni before but a friend encouraged me to apply so I just went for it.”

Danielle secured a place on BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminal Investigation and flourished on the course, winning first prize at student exhibition GradEX for her investigation into the UK's approach to human trafficking and achieving a first class degree.

Danielle enjoyed her studies so much that she stayed on for the MSCi with continued success and was a mentor for new students alongside her studies. Danielle’s postgraduate research focused on how the police identify and subsequently protect vulnerable people within the community.

Having graduated again with a first class honours Danielle now works as a police officer and is loving her job.

“I’m a prime example that hard work really can pay off. I’ve got the job I wanted so university has been amazing for me.”