Law and Criminal Justice LLB (Hons)

The Law and Criminal Justice LLB (Hons) at Edge Hill University combines the study of core legal principles with a deep understanding of how the criminal justice system works in real life. It’s an excellent choice if you want to develop strong legal skills while exploring policing, courts, sentencing, and the social factors that shape crime and justice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Law and Justice

Your first year introduces you to the essential building blocks of both law and criminal justice. You’ll explore subjects such as Legal Skills and Methods and Public Law, which help you understand how the legal system operates and how to interpret and apply legal principles. Alongside this, modules like Introduction to Criminal Justice give you insight into policing, courts and the wider justice process, setting a strong foundation for deeper study.

Year 2 – Developing Legal Knowledge and Justice Expertise

In your second year, you’ll broaden your understanding of legal rules while exploring the complexities of the justice system. You’ll study core modules like Criminal Law, where you analyse offences and defences, and Tort Law, which examines how the law resolves disputes and protects individuals. At the same time, subjects such as Criminal Justice Processes and Policing and Society help you understand how justice is delivered and how criminal behaviour is managed in practice.

Year 3 – Advanced Legal Study and Career Preparation

Your final year allows you to specialise in areas that reflect your interests and future ambitions. You’ll take advanced legal modules such as Equity and Trusts and choose from a selection of optional subjects in areas like prisons, rehabilitation, human rights or youth justice. You will also complete a major research project or dissertation, giving you the chance to investigate a topic you care about and demonstrate your ability to think critically and work independently.

Focus areas (in a string):

Legal foundations, criminal law, criminal justice systems, policing, courts and sentencing, tort, public law, research skills.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Develop strong legal reasoning, understand criminal justice processes, analyse cases with confidence, communicate clearly, and apply legal and criminological knowledge to real-world issues.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

This LLB provides the academic foundation required for further legal training while also preparing you for roles across criminal justice, policing, probation, legal support and public service.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Edge Hill University is known for its practical, supportive approach and strong graduate outcomes, helping students move into meaningful careers in both legal practice and the justice sector.