LLB Hons Criminal Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London Metropolitan University

Program Overview

The LLB Hons Criminal Law at London Metropolitan University gives you a strong grounding in all aspects of criminal law while preparing you for a professional legal career. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about criminal justice, law enforcement, or pursuing a future as a solicitor or barrister, combining academic study with practical insights into the criminal legal system.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a foundation in core legal principles. Modules include Legal Systems and Sources of Law, Criminal Law, and Contract Law, helping you understand how the law operates in practice and develop skills in legal research, reasoning, and analysis.

Year 2

The second year focuses on deeper exploration of criminal and public law. You’ll study Tort Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Evidence and Procedure, applying legal principles to realistic scenarios and beginning to specialise in criminal law topics.

Year 3 (Final Year)

In your final year, you’ll refine your knowledge and develop professional expertise. Modules such as Advanced Criminal Law, Sentencing and Punishment, and a Dissertation or Research Project allow you to focus on areas that interest you most, while enhancing your critical thinking, legal writing, and advocacy skills.

Focus Areas

“Criminal law, evidence and procedure, constitutional law, tort and contract law, sentencing, legal research, professional legal skills.”

Learning Outcomes

“You will graduate able to analyse and apply criminal law, conduct legal research, communicate effectively in professional contexts, understand criminal justice processes, and develop the critical thinking skills needed for a legal career.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This LLB meets the academic stage required for progression towards qualifying as a solicitor or barrister in the UK, while also equipping you with transferable skills for roles in criminal justice, public service, or corporate legal environments.

Reputation & Employability

London Metropolitan University focuses on practical, career-ready legal education. Graduates leave with strong knowledge of criminal law, hands-on experience, and professional skills, preparing them for roles in law firms, legal departments, criminal justice organisations, or further professional training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At London Met, the LLB Hons Criminal Law is designed to give you real-world experience alongside your academic studies. You won’t just learn about criminal law in theory — you’ll develop practical skills that are essential for a legal career, from research and analysis to advocacy and professional communication. The programme offers numerous opportunities to engage with the legal system directly, helping you gain confidence and career-ready experience:

Here’s how this practical learning takes shape:

Mooting and mock trials: Participate in simulated courtroom sessions to practise advocacy, legal reasoning, and public speaking.
Work placements and internships: Gain hands-on experience with law firms, probation services, or criminal justice organisations, providing a direct view of professional practice.
Group projects and collaborative research: Develop teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills through real-life legal scenarios and case studies.
Digital and research tools: Use legal databases, case management software, and online platforms to conduct research, draft reports, and support your learning.
Student societies and networking opportunities: Join the Law Society or Mooting Society to engage in competitions, workshops, and networking events with peers and professionals.
Campus facilities: Access London Met’s well-equipped law library, study spaces, and IT infrastructure to support both academic and practical learning activities.

Overall, this approach ensures that your degree is more than just academic — you’ll leave with practical experience, professional skills, and the confidence to step into the legal field successfully.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with an LLB Hons Criminal Law from London Met opens doors to a range of careers within the legal and criminal justice sectors. Many graduates move into roles such as trainee solicitors, paralegals, legal advisors, or probation officers, while others explore opportunities in public service, law enforcement, or corporate compliance. The programme equips you with both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to confidently step into professional roles:

Career support services: London Met’s Careers and Employability team offers tailored guidance, including CV and application reviews, mock interviews, and one-to-one mentoring to help you secure your first role.
Employment outcomes: A high proportion of graduates find employment soon after completing their degree, often entering legal practices, public-sector organisations, or criminal justice roles with competitive starting salaries.
Industry connections: The university has strong links with local law firms, courts, probation services, and criminal justice organisations, providing valuable opportunities for placements, internships, and professional networking.
Accreditation and long-term value: This LLB meets the academic stage required for progression towards becoming a solicitor or barrister in the UK, while also developing transferable skills applicable in broader legal or public service careers.
Graduation outcomes: Students leave ready to apply legal knowledge in practical contexts, think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute confidently in professional environments.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue their studies by enrolling in professional legal training to qualify as solicitors or barristers. Alternatively, they may pursue postgraduate qualifications such as an LLM in Criminal Law or International Law, or explore related fields like public policy, forensic studies, or criminology, enhancing both career prospects and professional expertise.