Criminology and Law BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East London

Program Overview

This program combines the study of criminology with a solid grounding in law, giving you a clear understanding of how the legal system operates and how it intersects with social issues and criminal behaviour. It’s ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice, legal services, or policy-making, offering a mix of practical skills and academic knowledge.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll explore the fundamentals of criminology and law, including modules like Introduction to Criminology, Foundations of Law, and Crime and Society. You’ll develop critical thinking skills, learn how laws are applied in real-world scenarios, and understand key theories of crime and criminal behaviour.

Year 2:
The second year builds on your foundational knowledge with more specialised modules such as Criminal Law, Policing and Crime Prevention, and Research Methods in Criminology. You’ll engage in group projects, case studies, and applied research, learning how to analyse crime patterns and legal processes effectively.

Year 3:
In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced topics like Criminological Theory, Law in Practice, and a Final Year Dissertation or Independent Project. This year emphasises independent research, professional skills, and preparing for careers or further study, giving you the opportunity to specialise in areas that interest you most.

Focus areas: Criminology, Criminal Law, Policing, Legal Systems, Crime Prevention, Research Methods.

Learning outcomes: Critical thinking, legal analysis, research skills, understanding of criminal justice policy, practical application of law.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Law Society recognition, alignment with criminology professional standards.

Reputation (employability rankings): University of East London is known for strong employability support and industry links in law and criminal justice sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Criminology and Law BA (Hons) at the University of East London gives students a practical and immersive learning experience, combining the study of legal systems with insights into criminal behaviour and justice. Students don’t just learn theory—they develop real-world skills through interactive workshops, group projects, and hands-on simulations that reflect modern legal and criminological practice:

Access to the university’s Law and Criminology labs for mock trials and investigative exercises
Group projects and case studies to build teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Internships and placements with local law firms, community justice organisations, and social services
Use of specialised legal databases, digital research tools, and analytical software
Field visits to courts, prisons, and police facilities to observe law in action
Guidance and support from experienced tutors and industry professionals
Dedicated libraries with extensive collections of legal and criminology resources
Participation in seminars and workshops hosted by professional institutes and guest speakers

This hands-on approach ensures that students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with practical experience directly relevant to a career in law or criminology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A degree in Criminology and Law from the University of East London prepares you for careers where you can genuinely influence society, justice, and public policy. Graduates develop strong analytical thinking, legal awareness, and communication skills that are highly valued across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Many go on to roles such as crime analyst, legal or policy researcher, civil servant, or work within charities and organisations focused on justice and human rights.

What this means for your career:

Career-focused support: You will be supported by UEL’s Career Zone, offering personalised career coaching, employer events, internships, mentoring, and access to job opportunities aligned with law and criminology careers.
Real-world exposure: The course encourages practical learning through work-based projects, volunteering, and engagement with professionals working in law, criminal justice, and public services.
London advantage: Studying in London places you close to courts, legal institutions, government bodies, and non-profit organisations, giving you valuable networking and work-experience opportunities during and after your degree.
Recognised employability skills: UEL’s Mental Wealth programme helps you build and evidence transferable skills, boosting your confidence and employability when applying for jobs or further study.

Graduates from related social sciences and law programmes at UEL typically move into employment or further study soon after graduation, with earnings increasing steadily as they gain experience and specialise within their chosen field.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you can confidently take the next academic step:
You may progress to postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws, a Master’s degree in Criminology or International Justice, or pursue research-focused programmes for those interested in academia, policy analysis, or specialist legal fields. These pathways allow you to deepen your expertise, specialise your interests, and strengthen your long-term career prospects in law, justice, and public affairs.