LLB Law with Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Royal Holloway University of London

Program Overview

This degree is designed for students who want a solid legal education while also understanding the deeper social issues behind crime and justice. You’ll study core areas of law alongside criminology, giving you a blend of analytical, legal and investigative skills that prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year builds your foundation in the core principles of English law while introducing you to the world of criminology. You’ll study modules such as Criminal Law, Public Law, and Foundations of Criminal Justice, helping you understand both the legal system and the social factors that shape crime. This year helps you develop your academic writing, legal reasoning and early research skills.

Year 2

In your second year, you begin to explore more specialised areas. Modules like The Criminal Process, Law of Torts, and Social Problems and Social Policy allow you to understand how the justice system operates in real life. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in debates, case discussions and group research projects that strengthen your critical thinking.

Year 3

Your final year lets you tailor your degree to your interests. You can choose modules such as Criminology of War and Conflict, Medical Law, Company Law, or Youth Justice. You’ll also complete a substantial piece of independent research, giving you the chance to delve into a topic that genuinely excites you and showcase your analytical abilities.

Focus Areas

Law, Criminal Justice, Crime & Society, Social Policy, Legal Reasoning, Criminological Theory

Learning Outcomes

Strong legal research skills, clear argumentation, understanding of criminal behaviour and justice systems, confidence in analysing cases, policies and real-world legal issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree satisfies the academic component of legal training required for progressing toward professional legal qualifications in the UK.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Royal Holloway has a strong reputation for law and social sciences, with graduates known for their analytical capability and readiness for professional roles within the justice sector, public policy, and legal practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Royal Holloway, you won’t just study law and criminology in theory — you’ll constantly apply what you learn through real cases, hands-on projects, and professional-style environments. Students gain practical skills by working in the university’s dedicated Moot Court, engaging in legal workshops, using digital research tools, and taking part in criminology field investigations. The School of Law and Social Sciences is known for blending academic study with immersive, practice-focused learning, so you build confidence long before you graduate.

To show you how these experiences come together, here’s what students engage with throughout the degree:

Moot Court practice, where you prepare arguments, present cases, and simulate real courtroom situations.
Pro-bono opportunities through Royal Holloway’s Legal Advice Centre, giving you a chance to help real clients under supervision.
Use of specialist legal databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis for case research and legal analysis.
Criminology fieldwork, including observational studies, community research, and exposure to real policing or justice-system environments.
Group projects that mirror professional teamwork in areas like crime analysis, policy evaluation, and legal reasoning.
Guest lectures and workshops with practitioners from law firms, NGOs, policing bodies, and criminal justice organisations.
Access to the on-campus libraries, including extensive collections in law, social sciences, criminology, and justice studies.
Research training within the Department of Law and Criminology, giving you early exposure to investigative methods used by professionals.
Digital learning tools, including Royal Holloway’s virtual learning platform for case simulations, legal drafting tasks, and interactive criminology modules.
Opportunities for internships or summer placements, supported by the university’s Careers Service and employer partnerships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Once you complete this degree, you step out with a strong mix of legal knowledge and real insight into how crime and justice work in the real world. Graduates from this course often move into careers where analytical thinking and an understanding of society are essential. Many go on to roles such as solicitor, barrister, policy researcher, or positions within policing and probation services. Because you understand both the legal system and the social factors behind crime, you’re well prepared for roles that demand critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.

Here’s how Royal Holloway helps you get there:

The university’s Careers & Employability Service offers tailored support for Law and Criminology students, including CV guidance, mock interviews, placement preparation, and access to employer events.
Students benefit from strong connections with legal firms, criminal justice agencies, and public-sector partners, giving you opportunities for placements, volunteering, and hands-on experience.
A large proportion of graduates progress into skilled employment within a short period after finishing the course, reflecting the degree’s strong reputation.
Earnings for new graduates typically start in the mid-£20,000 range, with significant growth as you move into professional training or specialised roles.
The degree provides the academic foundation needed for future legal training, supporting pathways toward becoming a solicitor, barrister, or working within regulatory and compliance sectors.
Many students also enter roles in social justice, public administration, youth work, community safety, and the wider criminal justice sector.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to continue your studies, you’ll have several strong options. Many graduates go on to study for a Master of Laws (LLM), specialising in areas such as criminal law, human rights, or international law. Others choose to prepare for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or pursue Bar training. Those interested in research can continue into postgraduate study — including master’s research degrees or even a PhD focusing on crime, justice, or legal theory.