LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

The LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology at the University of Kent is designed for students who want to explore the intersections between law, criminal behaviour, and the justice system. It’s perfect for those aiming to build a career in legal practice, criminal justice, or policy, offering a deep understanding of legal principles alongside insights into criminological theories and practices.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1: Students begin by building a solid foundation in core legal concepts and criminology. Modules such as Criminal Law, Contract Law, and Introduction to Criminology introduce students to the legal system, criminal offences, and the social context of crime, preparing them for more advanced study in later years.

Year 2: In the second year, students dive deeper into legal and criminological analysis. They study Tort Law, Public Law, and Criminological Research Methods, developing critical thinking and analytical skills while applying theory to real-world case studies.

Year 3: The final year allows students to specialise and integrate their knowledge. Optional modules such as Advanced Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Policy, and a Dissertation in Criminology or Law help students explore specific areas of interest and demonstrate independent research and problem-solving abilities.

Focus Areas: Law, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Legal Research, Policy Analysis.

Learning Outcomes: Develop critical legal and criminological knowledge, analytical and research skills, practical understanding of criminal justice processes, and the ability to apply theory to real-world contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for core law subjects, aligning with pathways to legal practice in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Kent Law School is consistently recognised for its strong teaching and employability outcomes, with graduates successfully entering law firms, governmental roles, and criminal justice agencies.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Kent, the LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology program isn’t just about studying theory — it’s designed to get you actively involved in real-world legal and criminal justice experiences. From day one, you’ll have opportunities to engage in hands-on learning through placements, workshops, and interactive projects that help you develop practical legal skills, critical thinking, and an understanding of criminological practices. The Law School’s facilities, combined with support from the employability team, ensure you gain professional confidence while building a network within the legal sector.

Some of the key practical experiences you can expect include:

Law Clinic Volunteering: Work on real legal cases under supervision, advising clients on issues like criminal law, housing, and welfare, giving you first-hand insight into legal practice.
Criminology Field Projects: Participate in research projects or community initiatives that explore crime, justice, and social policy in practice.
Mooting and Mock Trials: Take part in simulated court cases, client interviews, and negotiations, sharpening advocacy and legal reasoning skills.
Workshops & Seminars: Engage with law and criminology professionals in workshops focusing on negotiation, mediation, and crime prevention strategies.
One-to-One Employability Support: Receive guidance from the Law School’s employability team to help secure internships, placements, and networking opportunities with law firms, public sector, and NGOs.
Law Society Activities: Join competitions and events that enhance teamwork, leadership, and professional skills relevant to both law and criminology careers.
Digital Tools & Research Resources: Access legal databases, crime analytics software, and the extensive library resources to support both academic and practical learning.
Placement & Internship Opportunities: Undertake short-term placements within legal or criminology-focused organisations to gain industry experience and professional insight.

This experiential approach ensures that by the time you graduate, you’re not only well-versed in law and criminology theory but also confident in applying your knowledge in professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology program at the University of Kent leave well-prepared for a variety of legal and criminal justice careers. Many find themselves working as solicitors, barristers, legal advisors in government, policy analysts, or roles within law enforcement and the private sector, thanks to the combination of legal knowledge and criminology insight the program provides:

University employability support: Kent Law School’s Careers & Employability team offers one-to-one guidance, networking opportunities, CV and interview workshops, and connections with legal firms, chambers, and government agencies.
Employment stats and salary figures: Kent law graduates enjoy strong employment prospects, with many securing graduate-level roles within six months of completing their degree. Average starting salaries for legal roles range from £25,000 to £35,000, depending on sector and location.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from Kent’s links with local law firms, national law chambers, and public-sector criminal justice agencies, giving them access to internships, placements, and practical experience.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree is professionally recognised and provides a solid foundation for those pursuing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or other legal professional qualifications.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with both theoretical understanding and practical skills, making them versatile in law, criminology, policy, or advisory roles globally.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue postgraduate studies such as an LLM in Law, MSc in Criminology or Criminal Justice, or specialised courses in human rights, international law, or forensic psychology, further enhancing career opportunities and professional expertise.