LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Sheffield Hallam University

Program Overview

This LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology degree combines core legal studies with an understanding of criminal behaviour and the justice system, giving you a unique perspective on law in action. It’s ideal for students who are interested in both legal theory and the practical issues of crime, justice, and societal impact, preparing you for careers in law, policing, or criminal justice agencies.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You start with the foundations of law and criminology, exploring modules such as Introduction to Law, Foundations of Criminology, and Legal Skills and Reasoning. These courses introduce you to legal systems, crime theories, and how law interacts with society, while developing essential skills like research, critical thinking, and legal argumentation.

Year 2:
The second year builds on your knowledge with Criminal Law, Criminological Theory, and Public Law. You’ll explore deeper legal concepts, understand the causes and consequences of crime, and examine how laws are applied in practice, preparing you for more complex legal and criminological studies.

Year 3:
In your final year, you focus on specialised areas such as Advanced Criminal Law, Policing and Society, and a Research Project in Law and Criminology. This allows you to combine your knowledge in law and criminology through independent research, case studies, and practical applications, equipping you with skills directly relevant to professional practice.

Focus Areas (string):
“Criminal law, public law, criminology, policing, legal research, societal impact of crime, law application, independent research, professional legal skills.”

Learning Outcomes (string):
“Ability to analyse legal problems, understand and apply criminological theory, conduct independent research, develop professional legal skills, and prepare for careers in law, policing, and criminal justice.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
This degree is accredited to meet the academic requirements for legal practice and integrates criminology insights, giving students a strong foundation for further professional training or legal careers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Graduates benefit from Sheffield Hallam University’s strong connections with law firms, policing agencies, and criminal justice organisations, equipping students with practical experience and high employability within law and criminology sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Sheffield Hallam, this program goes beyond theory, giving you real-world opportunities to apply legal and criminological knowledge. From interactive workshops and live case studies to group projects and research activities, you’ll develop practical skills that employers value. The course also makes full use of the university’s dedicated facilities, digital resources, and support services to prepare you for a career in law, policing, or criminal justice.

Students gain hands-on experience through a variety of activities and resources, including:

Live Case Studies & Mooting: Engage in simulated court cases and legal debates to practice advocacy, negotiation, and legal reasoning skills.
Group Projects & Seminars: Collaborate with peers to solve complex legal and criminological problems, enhancing teamwork and analytical skills.
Research Projects: Conduct independent research on criminology or law topics using the university’s libraries, databases, and research tools.
Industry Visits & Field Work: Experience real-world legal and criminal justice settings through visits to courts, law firms, or policing organisations.
Internships / Placement Opportunities: Optional placements allow students to gain professional experience and develop workplace-ready skills.
Access to Facilities & Digital Tools: Use dedicated law and criminology labs, digital learning platforms, and modern study spaces to support your practical learning.
Support Services: Careers and employability teams provide guidance on internships, CV building, interview preparation, and professional development.

This combination of practical exercises, industry exposure, and professional support ensures you graduate confident, experienced, and ready to pursue a career in law or criminology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this degree leave with a strong foundation in both law and criminology, making them well-prepared for a range of careers within the legal system, policing, or criminal justice. Many go on to work as legal assistants, probation officers, policy advisors, or criminal justice practitioners, using the knowledge and skills gained during their studies to make a real impact in their field.

The course supports your career journey in multiple ways:

Careers and Employability Support: Sheffield Hallam’s team helps with CVs, interview preparation, networking opportunities, internships, and placements to enhance your employability.
Employment Outcomes: Graduates often secure roles in law firms, local authorities, or criminal justice agencies, benefiting from practical experience and professional skills developed during the degree.
Industry Partnerships: The university maintains connections with legal firms, police departments, and criminal justice organisations, providing students with networking opportunities, work experience, and insights into professional practice.
Accreditation and Professional Recognition: The degree is structured to meet the academic requirements for legal professional training, giving graduates a strong platform for careers in law or related sectors.
Graduate Versatility: Graduates are equipped to pursue careers in law, policing, probation services, legal research, policy development, or continue into further studies.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students may continue their studies with a master’s in law, criminology, or related fields, or undertake professional legal training to become solicitors or barristers, depending on their career goals.