Law with Criminology (Study Abroad) LLB Hons

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (Study Abroad) program at Lancaster University offers students the unique chance to study the foundations of law while exploring the social and psychological aspects of crime and justice. Ideal for those curious about how legal systems interact with criminal behaviour, this degree combines legal study with global experience through an international study year, giving students a broader and deeper understanding of law in practice.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: Students begin with essential modules that build a strong foundation in legal knowledge, including Criminal Law, Public Law, and Contract Law. Alongside, they are introduced to criminological concepts through topics like Crime and Society and Criminal Justice System in England and Wales. This year focuses on developing analytical and legal reasoning skills that underpin future study.

Year 2: The second year delves deeper into core legal areas such as Tort Law and Land Law, while advancing criminological insight with modules like Policing and Criminological Theory. Students begin to explore the connections between law enforcement, punishment, and societal responses to crime, gaining both theoretical and applied perspectives.

Year 3 (Study Abroad Year): In this exciting year, students study at one of Lancaster’s partner universities overseas. This experience allows them to explore comparative legal systems, develop intercultural understanding, and gain global perspectives on justice and legal frameworks. It’s a valuable opportunity to build independence and adaptability while studying international approaches to law and criminology.

Year 4: Returning to Lancaster, students specialise in areas that match their career interests. Optional modules may include Human Rights Law, Criminal Evidence, and Penology. The year also includes an independent research project, allowing students to critically examine a topic that links both legal and criminological disciplines.

Focus Areas: Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Policing, Human Rights, Legal Systems, International Law, Crime and Society

Learning Outcomes: Critical understanding of law and criminal justice, ability to evaluate legal frameworks, awareness of global legal issues, research and analytical proficiency, communication and advocacy skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited as a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), meeting the academic requirements for entry into professional legal training in England and Wales.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top 15 UK universities in major league tables and recognised globally for its strong law faculty and employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Law with Criminology (Study Abroad) LLB Hons at Lancaster University offers students an exceptional mix of academic depth and real-world legal experience. From mock trials and research projects to professional placements, you’ll gain hands-on exposure that prepares you for both legal and criminal justice careers. The study abroad year enhances this even further, giving you the chance to experience international legal systems and broaden your global perspective. You’ll also work closely with expert academics and legal professionals, using modern digital tools and participating in collaborative group projects that develop critical thinking and advocacy skills.

Students at Lancaster have access to a range of interactive facilities and professional opportunities designed to enhance practical learning:

Moot Courtroom – Practice advocacy and debating skills in a fully equipped courtroom used for simulated trials and competitions.
Law Clinic – Gain experience providing free legal advice under supervision, dealing with real clients and live cases.
Placement Year Experience – Complete a professional placement in the legal, governmental, or criminal justice sector, applying your knowledge in a practical setting.
Study Abroad Year – Spend a year at a partner university overseas, studying comparative legal systems and criminal justice frameworks.
Research Institutes – Engage with the Centre for Crime, Law and Justice and the Centre for Law and Society for research-based learning and project opportunities.
Workshops and Group Projects – Develop teamwork and communication through joint research projects and group presentations.
University Library and Digital Tools – Access one of the UK’s top academic libraries, extensive e-resources, and legal databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.
Career and Employability Services – Receive tailored guidance, mock interviews, and networking opportunities with legal practitioners and alumni.

This blend of academic study, practical experience, and international exposure ensures graduates develop both the legal expertise and the global awareness needed to succeed in the modern legal world.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Lancaster University’s Law with Criminology (Study Abroad) LLB Hons emerge with a rich combination of legal knowledge, criminological insight, and international experience, equipping them for diverse career paths. The program prepares students for roles not only in traditional legal careers but also in criminal justice, public policy, and international organisations. Typical job roles include solicitor, barrister, policy advisor, criminal justice analyst, or legal researcher.

The university provides strong support to help students transition into their careers and maximise their professional potential:

Lancaster Careers Service: Offers one-to-one guidance, CV and interview preparation, and tailored networking events with legal and criminology employers.
Placement and Study Abroad Opportunities: Enable students to gain professional and international experience, enhancing employability and global awareness.
Industry Connections: Partnerships with law firms, criminal justice organisations, and international institutions provide internships, mentoring, and real-world exposure.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Lancaster Law graduates report high employability rates, with many entering competitive legal, policy, or public sector roles shortly after graduation.
Long-term Accreditation: The degree is a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), recognised for progression to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar training in England and Wales.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the program, students can pursue postgraduate studies such as an LLM in International Law, Human Rights, or Criminal Justice. Alternatively, graduates can move on to professional legal training through the SQE or Bar Course, or even continue into research-focused programs like a PhD in Law or Criminology, deepening expertise and opening doors to academic and high-level professional careers.