I grew up in a small town called Frodsham in Cheshire, in the northwest of England. Most of my family are from Manchester, and I’m a lifelong Manchester City fan. School wasn’t really my thing back then. I went to a grammar school, but it didn’t grab me, and after finishing my A levels I left education behind at nineteen and moved to London.
That move shaped the next thirty years of my life. I joined the police and worked my way up to inspector before eventually retiring. The job was demanding, often intense, but it gave me a deep understanding of people and communities, both the best and worst sides of human nature.

After retiring, I moved to Poland with my wife, who’s Polish. We built a house there and raised our children, and during that time, I decided to study psychology with the Open University. I’d always said education wasn’t for me, but something changed. I’d grown up surrounded by teachers, and perhaps that rubbed off. I found myself drawn to learning again, and I committed to it fully.

I ended up graduating with a first-class degree, something I never imagined I’d achieve. I almost didn’t attend the ceremony, but in the end, I decided to go. Sitting in the Bridgewater Hall surrounded by graduates in their caps and gowns was a wonderful moment. It reminded me that education is not just about qualifications but about growth, reflection and rediscovery.

When I returned to the UK, I began thinking about what was next for me. I missed working with young people, something I’d done throughout my policing career. I wanted to do something meaningful that built on my experience but also pushed me in new directions. That’s when I came across the MA in Youth and Community Work at the University of East London.
The course immediately felt right. It offered professional qualifications, placement opportunities and the academic challenge I was looking for. More than that, I loved UEL’s inclusive atmosphere including people from all walks of life, learning together, supporting one another. From my first day on campus, it just felt like the right place to be.

Going back into higher education at this stage of my life has been energising. I’m surrounded by students younger than me, full of enthusiasm and curiosity, and it’s inspiring. It reminds me that there’s always more to learn and more to give. The course itself has been eye-opening and has challenged my assumptions by helping me think more critically about youth work, policy and social impact.

The postgraduate scholarship has made it possible for me to fully commit to my studies without worrying about taking on extra work. It means I can give 100% to the course, to my placements and to building a new career that makes a difference.

My goal is to work with young people affected by violence or at risk of exclusion. Having spent years in policing, I’ve seen the devastating impact that violent crime has not just on victims and their families, but also on the families of those who commit it. No parent should ever have to hear that their child has taken someone’s life. If I can help even a few young people avoid that path, it will be worth it.

I’ve met families who’ve lost children to violence and others who’ve struggled to rebuild their lives after prison. Those experiences have stayed with me. They’re the reason I want to work with youth organisations, perhaps even within the prison system, helping people find hope and purpose again.
For me, this course is about more than a qualification. It’s about empathy, understanding and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Education has changed the way I see the world, and I’m passionate about showing others that it’s never too late to start again.

Tim Evans
MA Youth and Community Work