BA Hons Criminology and Law

The BA (Hons) Criminology and Law at Edge Hill University gives you the chance to explore the world of crime, justice and legal systems from both a social and legal perspective. It’s a great choice if you’re fascinated by why crime happens, how society responds, and how the law shapes everyday life, offering a combination of academic insight and practical understanding.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Crime, Society and Law

Your first year introduces you to the core ideas behind criminology and the legal system. You’ll study modules such as Introduction to Criminological Theory, which explores why people commit crime, and Understanding the Criminal Justice System, where you’ll examine how policing, courts and corrections operate. Alongside this, you’ll begin learning essential legal concepts through introductory law modules that prepare you for more detailed study.

Year 2 – Expanding Legal Knowledge and Criminological Insight

In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into key legal subjects and explore more complex criminological themes. Modules like Criminal Law and Civil Law help you understand how legal decisions are made and how disputes are resolved, while subjects such as Policing and Community Safety or Crime Prevention give you a practical understanding of how justice systems work on the ground. You’ll also develop research skills that help you analyse real issues in crime and law.

Year 3 – Advanced Specialisation and Independent Research

Your final year gives you the chance to specialise in areas that match your interests and career goals. You might choose modules on topics such as youth justice, human rights, punishment and rehabilitation or advanced legal issues. You’ll also complete a major research project or dissertation, giving you the opportunity to investigate a criminological or legal topic you care about and showcase your ability to think independently and critically.

Focus areas (in a string):

Criminological theory, criminal justice systems, policing, criminal and civil law, research methods, crime prevention, social justice.

Learning outcomes (in a string):

Understand crime and its causes, interpret legal principles confidently, analyse justice systems, conduct independent research, and communicate findings clearly.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The degree provides strong academic grounding for careers across criminal justice, policing, community safety, legal support roles and wider public-sector pathways.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Edge Hill University is known for its supportive teaching, practical learning focus and strong graduate outcomes within criminology, justice and legal-related careers.