LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

This program combines an in-depth study of law with insights into criminology, giving students a clear understanding of legal systems and criminal behavior. It is ideal for those interested in pursuing careers in legal practice, criminal justice, or social policy, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students build a foundation in core legal principles and criminology. Key modules include Introduction to Law, Criminology and Crime Analysis, and Law and Society, which develop understanding of the legal system, the causes of crime, and the role of law in society.

Year 2:
The focus shifts to applying legal knowledge in real-world contexts and examining criminal justice systems in detail. Modules such as Criminal Law, Law of Evidence, and Penology and Sentencing equip students with analytical skills, legal reasoning, and insights into how laws are enforced and interpreted.

Year 3:
Students explore advanced topics and gain practical experience through research and case studies. Core modules include Advanced Criminology, Human Rights Law, and a Law Dissertation or Independent Project, encouraging critical thinking, legal research, and preparation for professional practice.

Focus Areas: law, criminology, criminal justice, human rights, legal research, sentencing

Learning Outcomes: demonstrate legal knowledge, critical thinking, analytical skills, research competence, practical application of criminology theories

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Recognized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and Bar Standards Board (BSB) for progression to legal practice

Reputation (Employability Rankings): University of Plymouth is ranked among the top UK universities for law graduate employability and professional readiness

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Plymouth, students on the Law and Criminology program gain hands-on experience that brings legal and criminological concepts to life. From engaging in mock trials to conducting in-depth research, students develop practical skills that are essential for future legal and criminal justice careers. The program also provides access to a variety of digital tools and learning platforms to support independent study and collaborative projects.

Students benefit from a range of facilities and practical experiences, including:

Participation in simulated courtrooms and advocacy workshops to practice legal procedures.
Access to the Roland Levinsky Learning Centre for extensive legal and criminology resources.
Use of digital tools and software for legal research and case analysis.
Group projects and case studies that mirror real-world criminal justice scenarios.
Opportunities for work placements or internships within legal firms, probation services, or law enforcement agencies.
Field visits to courts, police stations, and correctional facilities to observe professional practice firsthand.
Dedicated criminology and law research laboratories for independent or supervised projects.

These experiences ensure students graduate not just with theoretical knowledge, but also with practical insights, ready for careers in law, criminology, and related fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for careers in law, criminology, and related fields, combining practical legal knowledge with insights into criminal justice. They develop the skills to work effectively in professional settings, making them competitive candidates for roles in legal practice, policing, and public sector organizations:

Career Support: The University’s Careers and Employability Service offers one-to-one advice, CV workshops, interview preparation, and law-specific employability events.
Employment Outcomes & Salary: Graduates can expect starting salaries typically ranging from £22,000 to £30,000, depending on sector and role.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with law firms, probation services, and criminal justice agencies provide students with networking opportunities and work placements.
Accreditation Value: The LLB component is recognized for progression toward qualifying as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.
Graduate Destinations: Graduates commonly move into roles such as paralegal, legal advisor, probation officer, policy officer, and crime analyst.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can enhance their career prospects by pursuing postgraduate study such as the Legal Practice Course (LPC), Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), or master’s degrees in criminology, criminal justice, or law, enabling further specialization and advanced career opportunities.