The LLB Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth is perfect for students fascinated by both the legal system and the factors that drive criminal behaviour. It combines rigorous legal training with criminology insights, helping you understand, analyse, and respond to crime and justice issues from multiple perspectives.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: You’ll start with foundational modules such as Criminal Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, and Introduction to Criminology. These courses give you a strong legal grounding while introducing key concepts in criminology, research methods, and understanding the social context of crime.
Year 2: You’ll build on this foundation with more specialised topics like European Law, Public Law, Criminological Theory, and Research Methods in Criminology. This year allows you to explore the intersection of law and criminology, while developing analytical and investigative skills essential for a career in law or criminal justice.
Year 3: Your final year focuses on advanced legal and criminology topics and independent research. Modules such as Advanced Criminal Law, Penology, Criminal Justice Policy, and a dissertation or independent project give you the chance to specialise and demonstrate your ability to conduct in-depth analysis of complex legal and criminological issues.
Focus areas: criminal law, criminology, public law, European law, criminal justice, research methods, penology
Learning outcomes: ability to analyse legal principles and criminological theories, conduct independent research, evaluate crime and justice policies, communicate legal and criminological arguments effectively
Professional alignment (accreditation): recognised qualifying law degree for England & Wales, providing a pathway to professional legal training and criminal justice careers
Reputation (employability rankings): graduates are well-prepared for careers in law, criminal justice, policy-making, and research, with strong employment outcomes in both public and private sectors
Studying Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth is not just about theory — it’s about applying what you learn to real-world situations. From understanding the legal framework to analysing the causes of crime, you’ll gain practical skills that prepare you for careers in law, criminal justice, or policy-making. The program offers hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and access to specialist facilities to ensure you can put your knowledge into practice.
Here’s how your experiential learning will be brought to life:
Mooting and advocacy practice: Participate in mock trials and courtroom simulations to develop argumentation, public speaking, and litigation skills.
Legal and criminology research: Use the law-focused library and digital databases to conduct research for assignments, projects, and independent studies.
Group projects and collaborative work: Work in teams on case studies and criminology projects, honing problem-solving, teamwork, and analytical skills.
Professional placements and internships: Optional placements with law firms, community legal services, or criminal justice organisations provide real-world experience and networking opportunities.
Extra-curricular opportunities: Join law and criminology societies, attend workshops, and participate in seminars or field visits to enrich your understanding of the legal and criminal justice landscape.
Graduates from the LLB Law and Criminology program leave Aberystwyth well-prepared for a range of careers where they can make a real impact. The combination of legal knowledge and criminology insight equips you to work in law, criminal justice, policy-making, or research. Typical roles include criminal solicitor, legal advisor, probation officer, or policy analyst:
Career support services: The university’s Careers Service offers tailored guidance, including CV and application support, interview preparation, networking events, and connections with law firms, NGOs, and criminal justice organisations.
Employment outcomes and salary prospects: Graduates frequently secure employment or progress to further study soon after graduation, entering roles where their expertise in law and criminology is highly valued.
University–industry partnerships: Aberystwyth collaborates with local and national law enforcement agencies, legal organisations, and community projects, offering placements and practical exposure.
Long-term professional value: This LLB is a recognised qualifying law degree in England & Wales, providing a clear pathway to professional legal training and careers in law or criminal justice.
Graduation outcomes: Students develop strong analytical, research, and advocacy skills, making them competitive candidates in law, criminal justice, policy development, and related fields.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing your LLB, you can advance your studies with postgraduate programs such as an LLM in Law or Criminology, or research-focused degrees like an MPhil or PhD. You can also pursue professional legal training to qualify as a solicitor or barrister, or specialise in areas such as human rights, international law, or forensic criminology, tailoring your career path to your interests.



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