LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Leeds Beckett University

Program Overview

If you’re someone who cares about justice, society and wants to understand not only how law works — but why crime happens and how society responds — this degree blends both. You’ll learn core legal principles and case-law, while also studying criminological theory, crime, victimisation, policing and justice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You start with the basics — modules like the English legal system, contract law, criminal law, public law — giving you a solid foundation in how law works in practice and in theory. Alongside, you’ll get your first taste of criminology, starting to explore what crime, deviance and social justice mean in a modern society.

Year 2:
Now you delve deeper: on the law side you might study Property Law, Tort Law, EU / Comparative Law or Equity & Trusts; on the criminology side you examine ideas like victimology, policing, crime inequality and how punishment or rehabilitation is handled. This part really builds your analytical and critical thinking skills about both law and social issues.

Year 3 (Final Year + Optional Specialisation):
You choose elective modules tailored to your interests — maybe in commercial law, human rights, criminal evidence, media and crime law — or focus more on criminology with modules covering violent or sexual offending, criminal justice policy, or other advanced topics. You might also get hands-on experience via placements or pro-bono work, helping you apply what you’ve learnt in real-world settings.

Focus areas: “Criminal law; Legal systems and case law; Criminological theory and crime causes; Victimology; Policing, justice and society; Optional specialisms such as human rights, commercial law or criminal evidence.”

Learning outcomes: “You’ll be able to interpret and use UK law confidently; understand crime and social structures; analyse criminal justice problems critically; write well-argued legal/criminological essays; and prepare for careers in law, criminal justice or social policy.”

Professional alignment: This degree fulfils the academic foundation required under UK legal training paths — meaning after graduation you’re eligible to move forward toward qualification as a solicitor or barrister (or alternative legal careers) in England and Wales.

Reputation / Employability: Students from this course leave well-placed — with a strong record of graduates moving into further training, work in legal or criminal-justice roles, or further study. The course is also praised by students for clear teaching and valuable real-world opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Leeds Beckett, learning goes beyond the classroom. From the very first year, students gain hands-on experience by applying legal principles and criminological theory in practical settings. You’ll have the chance to engage in simulated court exercises, pro‑bono work, and interactive group projects that mirror real-life legal and criminal justice scenarios. The university also provides dedicated resources and facilities to support your learning, helping you develop the skills employers are looking for.

This practical approach is complemented by access to legal research tools, online databases, and the university’s extensive library resources, giving you the ability to explore case law, legislation, and criminological research in depth:

Law Clinic: Participate in real client cases under supervision, gaining experience in legal research, drafting documents, and client interviews.
Moot Court & Mock Trials: Practice advocacy skills in simulated court settings, preparing you for courtroom and litigation scenarios.
Group Projects & Collaborative Workshops: Work with peers on problem-solving tasks, policy analysis, and case studies to develop teamwork and critical thinking skills.
Legal & Criminology Software: Access digital tools and databases for legal research, case management, and criminology analysis.
Placements & Internships: Opportunities with law firms, criminal justice agencies, or community organizations to gain real-world experience.
Specialist Libraries & Research Facilities: Extensive law and social sciences resources, including access to case law, journals, and criminology texts.
Guest Lectures & Seminars: Interactions with industry professionals, practicing lawyers, and criminology experts to provide insight into the profession.

This combination of practical experience, digital tools, and professional engagement ensures you graduate ready to apply your knowledge confidently in the legal and criminology fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave with a strong combination of legal knowledge and criminological insight, ready to enter roles where they can make a real impact in law, justice, and society. Many go on to careers as criminal solicitors, barristers, probation officers, or crime analysts. Your degree also equips you with transferable skills such as critical thinking, research, and advocacy, making you highly employable in a range of professional settings:

University Careers Services: Dedicated employability support, career workshops, mock interviews, and networking events to help you secure placements and graduate roles.
Employment Stats & Salary: Leeds Beckett law graduates have a high employment rate, with many entering roles that offer competitive starting salaries in law and criminal justice sectors.
University–Industry Partnerships: Strong connections with local law firms, criminal justice agencies, and charities provide work placements, internships, and networking opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The degree meets the academic requirements for progressing toward solicitor or barrister qualifications in England and Wales.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates often continue in legal practice, enter policing or probation services, join government or non-governmental agencies, or pursue roles in policy and research.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with postgraduate courses such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), a master’s in criminology, criminal justice, or international human rights law. You might also choose specialist postgraduate programs in areas like forensic investigation, public policy, or law and social justice, further enhancing your expertise and career prospects.