LLB Hons Law with Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology at UCLan is ideal if you’re interested in understanding both the law and the social, psychological, and criminal factors that influence it. Over three years, you’ll gain a strong foundation in UK law while exploring criminology, giving you the skills to analyse crime, legal processes, and criminal behaviour with confidence.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you’ll cover the fundamentals of law alongside introductory criminology. Modules such as Public Law, Contract Law, Law of Tort, and Introduction to Criminology help you build a strong foundation in legal principles while exploring the causes, consequences, and measurement of crime.

Year 2

Year two goes deeper into both legal and criminological studies. Core law modules include Criminal Law, Land Law & Property Practice, and Constitutional & Administrative Law, while criminology modules such as Criminal Justice Systems and Crime Prevention and Intervention help you understand real-world crime analysis and social implications. You’ll also participate in activities that enhance legal research and professional skills.

Year 3

In your final year, you’ll focus on advanced legal and criminology topics. Modules like Equity & Trusts, EU / International Law, Advanced Criminology, and Criminal Behaviour & Offending provide hands-on experience in analysing cases, evaluating policies, and applying law and criminology theory to practical scenarios. Moots, case studies, and research projects help you gain confidence in applying your knowledge professionally.

Focus areas: “Public law, contract law, tort law, criminal law, property law, constitutional law, criminology, criminal justice, crime prevention, legal research, professional legal skills.”

Learning outcomes: “Comprehensive understanding of law and criminology; ability to analyse criminal behaviour and legal cases; strong research, analytical, and communication skills; prepared for careers in law, criminal justice, policing, or related fields.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): This LLB is a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) recognised by UK legal regulators, allowing graduates to progress to professional legal training or careers in the criminal justice system.

Reputation (employability & practical experience): UCLan combines academic teaching with practical opportunities such as law clinics, mooting, research projects, and links with local police and law enforcement agencies, giving students hands-on experience and strong employability skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

1. Research Opportunities

a. Student Research Internships

UCLan runs a Undergraduate Research Internship Programme (URIP) during summer. Law students can apply to assist faculty members on legal research projects (e.g., case law analysis, legal reform, or human rights).

Example topics:

Criminal justice and reform
International human rights
EU and Brexit-related legal implications

Tip: Engage with faculty early on—ask if they’re working on a paper or project and express interest.

🏛️ 2. Legal Clinics & Pro Bono Work

a. UCLan Law Clinic

Offers real legal advice to the public under supervision. This gives you hands-on experience dealing with clients and real-life legal problems.

Skills gained: Client interviewing, case handling, legal drafting, professional ethics.

Tip: This is a strong CV-booster—highlight specific types of cases you worked on (e.g. housing, employment, immigration).

🧠 3. Mooting & Mock Trials

a. Moot Court Competitions

You can join internal or external mooting competitions to develop advocacy skills.

Facilities: UCLan has its own moot court room to simulate real courtroom experiences.

b. Mock Trials with Local Firms

Sometimes UCLan collaborates with local law firms and courts for mock trials or practical legal training workshops.

💼 4. Internships and Work Placements

a. Law School Placement Scheme

The university has links with local law firms, legal aid agencies, and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), where students can intern during summers or final-year modules.

Examples:

Placements with Lancashire Law School’s partners
Internship with local council legal departments

Tip: Visit the Careers Edge Team at UCLan early—they help students apply and prepare for these roles.

📁 5. Final-Year Legal Project / Dissertation

If you’re doing an LLB (Hons), you’ll likely have the chance to do a research-based dissertation on a legal issue of your choice.

Example topics:

Impact of AI on legal practice
Gender rights in UK law
Environmental legislation and corporate accountability

🌍 6. International Opportunities

a. Study Abroad / Erasmus+ (if available)

Students may get the opportunity to study law for a semester in another EU country or internationally under exchange programs.

b. Global Legal Projects

Participate in global legal research or virtual internships related to international law, NGOs, or policy organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

⚖️ Legal Career Pathways:

Solicitor: Graduates can pursue the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as solicitors. UCLan offers SQE-aligned support and practical legal training.
Barrister: Those aiming for the Bar can undertake a Bar Training Course (BTC) and apply for pupillage.
Other roles include paralegal, legal executive, advocate, or tribunal officer.

📚 Further Study & Specialisation:

LLM (Master of Laws) in areas like Criminal Justice, Human Rights, or International Law
Postgraduate diplomas in legal practice, dispute resolution, or compliance
PhD or MPhil for research or academic careers

💼 Careers Outside the Traditional Legal Route:

Public sector and civil service roles, including local government and policy-making
Regulatory and compliance roles in finance, healthcare, and corporations
Charity, advocacy, and NGO work, especially in legal aid, immigration, or social justice
Careers in education, human resources, and corporate governance

🧠 Transferable Skills Developed: