BA (Hons) Criminology with Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Hull

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Criminology with Law at the University of Hull combines the study of criminal behaviour with a strong foundation in legal principles, offering a unique perspective on how law and society interact. This program is ideal for students interested in understanding crime, justice, and the legal system while developing practical skills for careers in law, policing, or criminal justice.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students begin by exploring the fundamentals of criminology and law, including modules such as Introduction to Criminology, Foundations of Law, and Crime and Society. The focus is on understanding key theories, legal structures, and the social contexts of crime, preparing students for more in-depth study in later years.

Year 2:
The second year builds on this foundation with modules like Criminal Law, Research Methods in Criminology, and Policing and Criminal Justice. Students develop critical thinking and research skills, gain insight into investigative practices, and explore the workings of the criminal justice system through case studies and practical exercises.

Year 3:
In the final year, students focus on advanced topics and can tailor their learning through optional modules such as Human Rights Law, Offending and Victimisation, and Sentencing and Penal Policy. The year emphasizes independent research, applied legal analysis, and preparation for professional life or further study, including the completion of a dissertation project.

Focus Areas: Criminology theory, criminal law, legal processes, research methodology, social policy, human rights law.

Learning Outcomes: Understand crime and justice from both sociological and legal perspectives, apply legal knowledge to real-world scenarios, conduct independent research, critically analyse crime and legal policy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Prepares students for careers in law, policing, public service, or criminology research; foundational knowledge for further professional legal qualifications.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Hull is highly regarded for social sciences and law-related degrees, with strong graduate employability rates in criminal justice and legal sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Hull, the BA (Hons) Criminology with Law degree is designed to give you practical, real-world experience alongside your academic studies. From early on, you’ll engage with projects, placements, and interactive learning opportunities that help you understand how law and criminal justice systems operate in practice. The program blends classroom learning with hands-on experiences, giving you the chance to develop professional skills, work with real cases, and gain insights from experienced practitioners.

Here’s how the program helps you gain practical skills and prepare for a future career:

Work Placements: Complete practical placements in your second year with law firms, probation services, youth offending teams, or community justice organisations to gain hands-on experience.
Mock Trials & Mooting: Participate in simulations of legal proceedings to build advocacy, public speaking, and courtroom skills.
Professional Guest Lectures: Learn from visiting legal experts, law enforcement professionals, and criminologists who share real-world insights.
Research & Digital Tools: Access legal databases, crime statistics software, and library resources to support research, case studies, and analysis.
Field Visits: Explore courts, police stations, and correctional facilities to see the justice system in action.
Capstone Projects: Undertake independent or group projects on topical issues in criminology and law, applying theory to practice.
Career Support & Mentoring: Benefit from University Careers services, professional mentoring, and networking opportunities with local and national organisations.

This blend of academic study and experiential learning equips you with the confidence, skills, and professional insight needed to succeed in legal and criminal justice careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BA (Hons) Criminology with Law programme at the University of Hull leave with a strong understanding of criminal justice, legal principles, and research skills, making them well-prepared for a variety of professional pathways. Many go on to work in law enforcement, legal support, policy development, or advocacy roles, applying both their criminology insight and legal knowledge:

Typical Career Roles: Paralegal, Legal Assistant, Policy Advisor, Probation Officer, Youth Offending Officer, Crime Analyst, Social Researcher, Victim Support Officer, Compliance Officer, Community Development Worker.
University Careers Support: The Careers and Employability Service helps students with CV building, interview practice, placement opportunities, and professional networking.
Employment Stats & Salary Insights: Hull graduates have strong employability rates, with many securing roles in law, criminal justice, or public service sectors soon after graduation.
Industry Partnerships: The programme collaborates with legal firms, criminal justice agencies, and local authorities to provide students with practical insight and potential placement opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The degree equips students with foundational legal knowledge alongside criminology expertise, making it valuable for further professional qualifications or postgraduate study.
Graduation Outcomes: Students develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and professional competence, enabling them to pursue careers across legal, social, and public sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in criminology, law, criminal justice, or related social sciences. Options include LLM courses, MA Criminology, or professional law conversion courses, which can further enhance career prospects and specialization in legal or criminal justice fields.