University Builds Prison Cell for Students to Experience Life Behind Bars

Students at Nottingham Trent University are getting a firsthand look at the stark realities of life in prison, thanks to an innovative on-campus project.

The university has created a life-size mock prison cell, dubbed the “PriSim” cell, to give students studying psychology and criminology a unique and immersive learning experience.

This initiative is designed for those aiming to pursue careers in the prison system, helping them better understand the environments they may work in.

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The simulated cell, located within the psychology department, is equipped with authentic items provided by HMP Nottingham.

Among the objects are an orange blanket, a blue plastic plate and bowl, and grey tracksuit bottoms, offering students a tangible glimpse into the standard issue gear prisoners use daily.

To ensure the setting feels as realistic as possible, Nottingham School of Art & Design students played a role in furnishing the two-by-three-meter space.

The cell features a lockable door and a one-way viewing panel, enabling lecturers to observe how students respond to the confined conditions.

The project extends beyond the cell itself, with the psychology department also boasting a replica prison wing.

This space is designed to mimic the communal areas where inmates spend much of their time, providing a broader perspective on life behind bars.

The cell was officially unveiled in October 2024, and its impact has already been resonating with students and staff alike.

Dr. Jenny Mackay, principal lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, highlighted the importance of realism in the design.

“We have dressed the cell to give it an authentic feel, right down to the toiletries, bedding, and clothing that would typically be found in a prison environment,” she explained.

The meticulous attention to detail ensures students can fully grasp the conditions faced by inmates.

Forensic psychology student Danielle Thompsett shared her thoughts on the experience.

“The space is incredibly small, and we’ve been told that it’s not uncommon for two people to share it,” she noted.

“Realizing that some prisoners are confined to such a space for up to 23 hours a day is truly sobering.

It really makes you think about the psychological toll.”

By providing students with this immersive environment, Nottingham Trent University is equipping them with a deeper understanding of the challenges within the prison system, offering invaluable insights into a career that deals directly with incarcerated individuals.

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SOURCE: Students experience life behind bars as uni knocks up PRISON CELL for them to learn in