Law with Criminal Justice - LLB (Hons)

When you study Law with Criminal Justice at Birmingham City University, you don’t just sit in lectures and memorise legal theory—you actually learn how law works out in the world. From the very beginning, you’re encouraged to tackle real issues, work with real clients, and practise the skills that legal professionals use every day. You’ll also be based in a modern teaching space with professional-style facilities, so everything you learn feels practical and connected to real life.

Here’s how that experience really unfolds:

• You’ll have the chance to get involved in the University’s Law Clinic, where students work under supervision on genuine cases. Many of these involve helping people who otherwise might not receive legal support, which makes your learning feel meaningful and socially useful right from the start.

• If you’re particularly interested in criminal justice, there are opportunities to shadow legal professionals, observe how cases progress, and gain insights into the work of organisations involved in prosecution, courts and advocacy.

• There’s also the option to take a professional placement year between your second and third year. Many students spend this time with law firms, legal advice charities, community organisations or NGOs, and come back with real professional experience that employers genuinely value.

• Students who would like international exposure can take part in a well-established US legal internship opportunity, where you learn directly from attorneys and see a different legal system in action.

• Outside the classroom, you can join student-led groups such as the Mooting Society or the Student Legal Society, where you practise argument, courtroom presentation, legal reasoning and public speaking. It’s a great way to build confidence and professional communication skills in a supportive environment.

• The course is based in the Curzon Building, which includes simulated courtrooms that look and feel like real legal settings. You also have access to a specialist law library and well-equipped study areas, helping you learn in a space that encourages professional growth and confidence.

All of this means you’re constantly applying your knowledge, not just learning the theory. You learn how to think like a lawyer, communicate like a legal professional, and build the confidence you’ll need for your future career.

After completing the LLB Law with Criminal Justice at Birmingham City University, many students feel confident stepping into a variety of career paths, both inside and outside traditional legal roles. Graduates commonly continue towards solicitor or barrister training, move into criminal-justice roles, or take on legal and advisory positions in organisations that support communities and public services.

Typical roles graduates aim for include:

• Trainee solicitor or paralegal

• Criminal justice or probation roles

• Human rights and legal-advice work

• Public-service and policy positions

BCU is known for being very career-focused, so you’ll be supported throughout your studies. The university provides personalised careers guidance, employer networking, CV support, interview coaching, and advice on securing placements or professional training routes. Many graduates progress into employment or further study shortly after graduation, and the strong practical focus of the degree gives you a real advantage when applying for early career roles.

You also benefit from the university’s connections with law firms, legal charities, community-justice projects, and public-sector organisations, which often lead to work experience, voluntary placements or even job offers. The course is a recognised qualifying law degree, meaning you complete the academic stage required if you plan to become a solicitor or barrister, giving you a strong long-term foundation for professional progression.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, you could continue into solicitor or barrister training, pursue a specialist LLM in areas such as criminal law or human rights, or study a related postgraduate field like criminology, public policy or international justice if you decide to continue into academic or justice-sector careers.