Gained more self-confidence while studying at the Department of Preliminary Studies

Ásta Karen Magnúsdóttir graduated from RU’s Department of Preliminary Studies last Friday. She says that her studies at the Department have been a great experience, from the teachers and administrators who have encouraged and done a lot for her experience, to her fellow students. All of this has made the experience memorable.

"I chose to study at the Department of Preliminary Studies as I was advised that it would be good preparation for further studies at university. Initially, I aimed to study radiology, which is why I chose the technical and engineering foundation, but over time my direction has shifted to police science. The studies really helped me find my field of interest and where I want to go in the future," says Ásta Karen.

She was returning to studying after taking a break for a while and says she was surprised how much fun it was to learn again.

"I was also surprised at how much support I have felt from my colleagues and teachers through everything. It has made a big difference to my experience of studying again."

But what has stood out at the Department of Preliminary Studies?

"What stands out is how the studies have helped me gain more self-confidence. I was nervous about going back to school, but I managed to do it and it has been incredibly empowering," says Ásta Karen.

As an elective course in the 4th session, she chose ethics.

"I chose ethics as my elective course because I want to go into police science and I believe that ethics will be useful in that field. In ethics, we are analyzing ethical issues and examining the main ethical theories. The course has deepened my knowledge of concepts such as justice, responsibility and what our role is as individuals and as a society."

Ásta Karen says that studying police science has long been a dream.

"I have always wanted to work in something that is important for society, where responsibility, justice and human relations are important. My studies at the Department of Preliminary Studies have laid a solid foundation and I am convinced that this is the right path for me."