Social Science students from Selby College recently visited Amsterdam to explore the country’s legal system, infrastructure and culture.

The students, who are studying Criminology, Law and Psychology, compared the Netherlands’ legal system to the UK’s, discussing why prostitution and cannabis are criminalised in the UK but not in the Netherlands.

They also studied Amsterdam's urban landscape and police presence, analysing if the environment's design and high police visibility contributed to its low crime rates. Sightseeing excursions were also on the cards, including a canal cruise along Amsterdam’s renowned canal system, a tour through the Red Light District and a visit to the Body Worlds Museum.

This allowed the students to draw comparisons between the city’s features and their local city of York.

Lyndzay Wetherill, Lecturer in Science and Social Science at Selby College, said: “The Amsterdam trip allowed the students to experience a whole different perspective on why crimes that are illegal in the UK are decriminalised and socially accepted in the Netherlands. This has linked all our curriculum units together, broadened the students’ perspectives and provided them with a fantastic learning opportunity outside of the classroom that can be utilised in future applications for further study or employment.”

Selby College staff sightseeing in Amsterdam Students studying A Level Criminology and Law, commented on how the trip broadened their understanding of the differences between the Dutch and English legal systems.

A Level Criminology and Law student, Casey Brewitt, said:

“Visiting Amsterdam was great because we got to experience a different culture. I enjoyed seeing the city’s architecture on the canal trip as it was so different to any English city. It helped me understand how the Dutch government tackle crime and how effective it is compared to England.”

During their visit to Body Worlds Museum, A Level Psychology students explored human anatomy, focusing on the brain and nervous system which links to their Biopsychology unit.

A Level Psychology student, Ami Chadwick, said:

“The Body Worlds Museum was my favourite part of the trip – observing all the layers and details inside the body was especially fascinating as we learn about the connection between the mind and body in Psychology.”

The department chose to travel via ferry to minimise carbon emissions which also provided the students with a unique, onboard experience across the North Sea.

Alongside trips abroad, students at Selby College are offered a wealth of opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, workshops and university visits to help enhance their CVs, support their university applications and enrich their time at college.

Students and staff from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge recently visited the College to talk to current A Level students about the application process and what it’s like to study at both universities.