Law with Criminology LLB Hons

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Lancaster University

Program Overview

The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology at Lancaster University offers an exciting combination of legal study and the exploration of criminal behaviour, justice, and social order. Designed for students who want to understand both the letter of the law and the human stories behind it, this program blends rigorous legal training with an analytical look at why people commit crimes and how society responds.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your journey begins with the fundamentals of law, including Criminal Law and Public Law, which introduce you to the core principles of the legal system. Alongside, you’ll study Criminological Theory, exploring what drives crime and how justice systems operate in practice. These foundations help you understand both the legal framework and the social context of crime.

Year 2:
In the second year, you’ll move deeper into specialist areas such as Tort Law and Land Law, while exploring topics like Criminal Justice and Policing. This year focuses on applying legal principles to real-world issues, developing critical thinking through debates, group projects, and case analysis. You’ll also gain insight into how legal and criminological perspectives intersect in shaping public policy and social justice.

Year 3:
Your final year gives you the freedom to specialise in areas that match your career goals. You might study Human Rights Law, Equity and Trusts, or Advanced Criminology, alongside completing an independent dissertation. This stage is about developing a professional edge—linking theory, research, and practice to prepare for roles in law, justice, or public policy.

Focus Areas: Criminal justice, legal systems, criminological theory, social inequality, policing, human rights, and justice reform.

Learning Outcomes: Deep understanding of law and criminal behaviour, strong analytical and research skills, ability to apply legal reasoning to complex social issues, and awareness of ethics and justice in modern society.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program satisfies the academic requirements for the first stage of legal training in England and Wales, forming a strong foundation for careers as a solicitor, barrister, or legal advisor.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Lancaster University is nationally recognised for its excellence in both Law and Criminology. It is ranked among the UK’s top universities for student satisfaction and graduate employability, with its law graduates highly sought after across multiple sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Lancaster University, students studying Law with Criminology don’t just learn theory — they experience the realities of the legal and criminal justice systems firsthand. The program emphasises practical learning through interactive workshops, simulated legal exercises, and real-world case analysis. You’ll gain valuable exposure to the professional world of law and criminology through opportunities that develop both critical thinking and practical advocacy skills. Alongside this, the university’s exceptional facilities and resources give you the space to apply classroom knowledge in realistic, hands-on environments:

Moot Court Room – Experience real courtroom settings where students practice advocacy, argumentation, and case presentation.
Law Clinic – Work on live legal cases under supervision, providing genuine support to clients while developing essential professional ethics and communication skills.
Criminology Fieldwork – Engage in criminological research projects, crime data analysis, and community-based initiatives exploring policing, criminal behaviour, and justice reform.
Law and Social Sciences Library – Access an extensive range of legal databases, journals, and criminological research tools to support case study work and dissertations.
Guest Lectures and Workshops – Learn directly from legal professionals, criminologists, and policy experts who share real-world insights and emerging trends in justice.
Study Abroad and Placement Opportunities – Gain global exposure by studying with partner universities or completing placements in law firms, NGOs, or justice organisations.
Digital Tools and Legal Databases – Use professional platforms such as Westlaw and LexisNexis for research and case analysis.

This hands-on learning approach ensures that graduates leave Lancaster not only with academic excellence but also with practical experience that stands out to employers across the legal and criminology sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Lancaster’s Law with Criminology LLB (Hons) are well-equipped for a wide range of careers that blend legal expertise with a deep understanding of criminal behaviour and justice systems. The program opens doors to professions such as solicitor, barrister, criminal law advisor, probation officer, or policy analyst in both public and private sectors. With its dual focus on law and criminology, students graduate ready to make an impact in shaping fair and effective justice policies, legal frameworks, and community safety initiatives.

Lancaster University places a strong emphasis on employability and professional growth through personalised support and connections with the legal sector:

Specialised career services such as the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Career Hub offer tailored guidance, mock interviews, and internship opportunities.
Strong employer links with local law firms, the Crown Prosecution Service, and public policy organisations enhance practical exposure.
Work-based learning through the Law Clinic and placements gives students first-hand experience handling real client cases and legal research.
High employability rate with most graduates progressing into professional legal training or policy-related roles within six months of graduation.
The degree also provides Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) status, a valuable foundation for progressing toward professional legal qualifications in England and Wales.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies by pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) in specialised fields such as International Law, Criminal Justice, or Human Rights. Many also progress to the Bar Course or Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) for professional legal training, or advance into postgraduate research degrees in Law or Criminology.