Law and Criminology LLB
This three-year course covers the foundational legal subjects and combines them with a thorough study of the principles of criminology.
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A Levels
AAB -
UCAS code
M930 -
Duration
3 years -
Start date
September
- Course fee
- Funding available
- Optional placement year
- Study abroad
Explore this course:
Course description
Why study this course?
If you plan to be a barrister, our LLB degrees satisfy the 'foundations of legal knowledge' set by the Bar Standards Board. If you plan to be a solicitor, you can also complete your Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) with the University of Law, right here at the University of 91ÖÆƬ³§.
Do real client work, advise start-ups and small businesses, and offer advice that can make a positive difference to the people of 91ÖÆƬ³§, all through our many pro bono schemes.
Work with international experts in the field of law and criminology, and experience learning informed by research rated as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent.’
Gain a critical understanding of the Common Law of England and Wales in combination with a thorough study of the principles of criminology.
During your first two years at 91ÖÆƬ³§, you’ll gain a strong grounding in the key areas of law and criminology, through the study of the foundations of legal knowledge subjects and an introduction to criminological theory and research. These include criminal justice, explanations of crime and punishment and other responses to the phenomenon of crime.
In your final year, you can tailor your degree around your passions and career aspirations - choosing from criminology and law modules like criminal evidence, restorative justice or policing in a global context.
The flexibility of this degree means by your final year, you can choose to specialise more in either law or criminology topics, or you can choose a range of both.
The spine of this degree is the Core Legal and Study Skills module, which runs through all three years and introduces you to mooting, employability workshops and study skills sessions. Because we want you to build confidence in these areas, this module isn’t part of your final grade.
With law at 91ÖÆƬ³§, you have the option to study your third year abroad in one of our many partner universities, for an insight into another legal system. And you can gain real-world experience right here, with 91ÖÆƬ³§â€™s pro bono schemes.
Whatever way you customise this degree, you’ll ultimately graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to start a successful career.
Modules
UCAS code: M930
Years: 2026
Core modules:
- Introduction to Law
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This module introduces students to key concepts relating to law. This includes exploring what 'law' is, its role and its impacts within society. It examines how law is categorised and made, including looking at the role of the common law, legislation and equity. It also considers the individuals and organisations involved in making, interpreting and enforcing the law. The module highlights the ways in which the law interacts with ethics and includes case studies, examining the law in practice. It also explores key legal and academic skills, including reading and interpreting different sources of law, conducting legal research, and studying healthily.
20 credits
Aims:
1. Enable students to think critically about the functions, role and impacts of the law within society.2. Introduce students to key concepts relating to law, with a particular focus upon the English legal system.3. Introduce students to key legal and academic skills relating to the study of law.4. Equip students with core knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to successfully study other substantive legal topics. - Criminal Law and Justice
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This module will introduce students to the concepts, theories and institutions of criminal law and justice, and its place in society. It will develop an understanding of the essential concepts of criminal liability. It will focus on the main institutional and procedural features of the criminal justice system, with the aim of stimulating an enquiring attitude towards the practice of criminal process. Students will have the opportunity to practise applying these processes to factual scenarios. The module provides a firm foundation for the more advanced study of criminal law and also of criminal evidence, criminal justice and criminal process.
20 credits - Public Law in the UK and the EU
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This module is one of the core foundation subjects of the degree, through which students cover the Foundations of Legal Knowledge. It covers the key principles of constitutional, administrative, EU and Human Rights Law, enabling students to acquire knowledge of the key institutions and laws of the UK and the EU relevant to the constitutional and administrative justice systems of those legal orders. The module challenges students to explore at least one contemporary constitutional debate in some depth. The module provides a firm foundation for the more advanced study of a range of areas of public law.
20 credits - Contract Law
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This module is one of the core foundation subjects of the degree which cover the Foundations of Legal Knowledge.The module will be delivered by a combination of in person lectures and seminars/workshops, where students will be encouraged to participate in discussions and develop their own skills as independent learners.
20 credits
The Contract Law module provides the opportunity for students to explore issues of contract formation and variation including an analysis of the doctrines of estoppel, duress, undue influence, mistake and misrepresentation. Â The module also extends to an evaluation of the law relating to the interpretation and construction of contractual terms including implied terms, exclusion clauses, the doctrines of frustration and remedies. Â Students will be expected to critique existing legal solutions and apply complex legal principles to mock scenarios. - Comprehending Criminology
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This module introduces students to key areas of criminological definitions, empirical study, theory and the development of criminal justice systems. The module looks at case studies of crime and deviance from contemporary life to help students understand how some of the history and theory of criminology can be brought to bear on social and legal issues. Topics may feature, for example, youth crime, spouse murder, football hooliganism and credit card crime but also other areas if and when interesting cases arise.
20 credits - Introducing Criminological Research
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This module focuses on how crucial criminological topics have been investigated. The module is taught by lectures and seminars/classes and assessed by two 'take-home' exercises. In the seminars/classes students will work in small groups to examine real research studies, and work out how to tackle research problems.
20 credits
You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests by taking a range of modules spanning areas such as constitutional law, administrative law, EU law, contract, international law, criminal law and criminal process.
You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your degree to your interests by taking a range of modules spanning areas such as trade law, torts, family law, policing, international human rights, criminal process, jurisprudence, healthcare law and intellectual property law.
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we will inform students and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Learning and assessment
Learning
You'll learn through lectures, tutorials, seminars and group work. You’ll also undertake independent study involving reading and preparatory work.
In the early stages of your course you’ll be supported in developing the skills you need to carry out effective independent study. You’ll be assigned an academic tutor who will support you throughout your degree and oversee your personal and academic progress.
Study with us and you'll receive a research-led teaching experience, in which you'll benefit from the latest thinking and teaching by experts.
We're proud that 91 percent of our research is rated in the highest two categories in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Assessment
We use a range of assessment methods to build your confidence and prepare you as you progress through your degree.
These include:
- coursework (essays and reports)
- exams
- presentations (group and independent)
Entry requirements
With Access 91ÖÆƬ³§, you could qualify for additional consideration or an alternative offer - find out if you're eligible.
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
AAB
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 34; 33, with B in the extended essay
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + A at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAAAB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AA
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities, Social Sciences or Criminology, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit
The A Level entry requirements for this course are:
ABB
- A Levels + a fourth Level 3 qualification
- ABB + B in a relevant EPQ
- International Baccalaureate
- 33
- BTEC Extended Diploma
- DDD in a relevant subject
- BTEC Diploma
- DD in a relevant subject + B at A Level
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Welsh Baccalaureate + 2 A Levels
- B + AB
- Access to HE Diploma
- Award of the Access to HE Diploma in either Law, Business Management, Humanities, Social Sciences or Criminology, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit
You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification
Equivalent English language qualifications
Visa and immigration requirements
Other qualifications | UK and EU/international
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the school/department.
Graduate careers
School of Law
Many of our students enter the legal profession, either as barristers or solicitors.
Our former students have joined global, national and regional law firms, barristers' chambers and have become judges. Three Lord Justices of Appeal are among our former graduates and regularly visit to support us.
With all the opportunities and skills on offer, our students have also taken up careers in the criminal justice system and in a wide range of managerial professions.
School of Law
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-21
Five reasons to study at the School of Law
- Tailor your degree - choose from a wide range of optional modules to shape your degree to your interests and career aspirations.
- Gain real world experience - apply to join one of our pro bono schemes, which gives you the chance to do real client work that has a positive impact in the community, while building professional experience.
- Study abroad - learn a new legal system whilst having an unforgettable experience. The year abroad is compulsory for students on our four-year degrees.
- Learn from experts - our academic staff are researching at the forefront of law and criminology and amongst them are practising legal professionals. Their discoveries become yours, as their research filters into teaching.
- Become career ready - we provide you with the skills that employers value, ensuring that when you graduate you are prepared for the global workplace.
School of Law students are based in Bartolomé House which is in close proximity to the whole University campus. Teaching takes place in Bartolomé House and across the University campus, all within walking distance.
Facilities
You'll have access to our very own Moot Court where you'll have the opportunity to argue a fictional case as if representing a client and can also take part in national and international mooting competitions.
University rankings
A world top-100 university
QS World University Rankings 2026 (92nd) and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 (98th)
Number one in the Russell Group
National Student Survey 2024 (based on aggregate responses)
92 per cent of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
Research Excellence Framework 2021
University of the Year and best for Student Life
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024
Number one Students' Union in the UK
Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017
Number one for Students' Union
StudentCrowd 2024 University Awards
A top 20 university targeted by employers
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Student profiles
I chose the University of 91ÖÆƬ³§ to study law and criminology because it looked like the full package: a reputable department and a course that would prepare me well for a career in law, with an award-winning students' union, too many extracurricular opportunities to count, and a friendly and close-knit city.
Kyra Bradley, Graduate
Fees and funding
Fees
Additional costs
The annual fee for your course includes a number of items in addition to your tuition. If an item or activity is classed as a compulsory element for your course, it will normally be included in your tuition fee. There are also other costs which you may need to consider.
Funding your study
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for a bursary, scholarship or loan to help fund your study and enhance your learning experience.
Use our Student Funding Calculator to work out what you’re eligible for.
Placements and study abroad
Placement
Study abroad
Visit
University open days
We host five open days each year, usually in June, July, September, October and November. You can talk to staff and students, tour the campus and see inside the accommodation.
Subject tasters
If you’re considering your post-16 options, our interactive subject tasters are for you. There are a wide range of subjects to choose from and you can attend sessions online or on campus.
Offer holder days
If you've received an offer to study with us, we'll invite you to one of our offer holder days, which take place between February and April. These open days have a strong department focus and give you the chance to really explore student life here, even if you've visited us before.
Campus tours
Our weekly guided tours show you what 91ÖÆƬ³§ has to offer - both on campus and beyond. You can extend your visit with tours of our city, accommodation or sport facilities.
Events for mature students
Mature students can apply directly to our courses. We also offer degrees with a foundation year for mature students who are returning to education. We'd love to meet you at one of our events, open days, taster workshops or other events.
Apply
The awarding body for this course is the University of 91ÖÆƬ³§.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read and the .
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.