About this course
Law is at the heart of everything. Dive deep into specialist topics, gaining a thorough understanding of specific crimes and the dynamics between victims and offenders. Our Law with Criminology course paves the way for a career in law or in the criminal justice system.
At Nottingham Trent University (NTU), learning means doing. You'll be immersed in a real-world environment, utilising our courtrooms and engaging in opportunities that provide hands-on experience. Studying law at NTU places you in the heart of Nottingham City Centre, offering numerous opportunities to work with our strong partnerships, established through us being one of the largest law schools in the UK.
Our students can become the change makers of tomorrow; they advocate for families without legal assistance, help small businesses achieve big changes, and lead the way in transforming policies.
We are the only UK Law School with its own on-campus teaching law firm - NLS Legal
Our award-winning on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Our practical learning environment allows our students to get involved in all aspects of the firm, from administrative and business support, such as dealing with new enquiries and being involved in monitoring risk and compliance, through to case work such as research, client interviewing, legal drafting, and even representing clients before the tribunal.
NTU is also the only UK university hosting Support Through Court's National Services - the National Helpline and National Online Service. This exclusive partnership provides our students with unparalleled opportunities to gain practical work experience.
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Experience practical teaching like no other; NLS is the only UK Law School with its own on-campus law firm - NLS Legal. -
Enjoy a first-class experience; 93% of Law with Criminology students are positive that the teaching staff are good at explaining things. -
Be industry-ready; exclusive to NTU, NLS hosts Support Through Court's National Remote Services, offering hundreds of work experience opportunities. -
Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools.
What you’ll study
This course has an applied, practical focus which aims to develop your key skills for working life. It provides a sound grounding in the Law of England and Wales, which allows you to progress on to further legal training, and also addresses the foundational areas of crime and criminal justice. You will be able to select specialist modules in relation to victims, offenders and specific crimes.
All modules bear 20 credit points.
Year One
Law in Action (15 credits)
The Law in Action module complements and builds upon the Law School’s induction programme, to encourage students’ engagement, attendance and appreciation of the place of law in a wider context right from the start of their degree.
Law of Contract and Problem Solving (20 credits)
Develop your understanding of the law of contract. You will study the underlying theories and classifications of contracts and learn how to apply your knowledge to solve legal problems. You will also be introduced to the skill of mooting.
Legal and Professional Environment (20 credits)
Gain a foundational knowledge and understanding of the legal system in England and Wales. Develop transferable intellectual, employability and professional skills.
Public Law and Research Skills (20 credits)
Examine and research constitutional law concepts to develop an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the state. Exploring the protection of liberties and fundamental rights of the individual within the UK.
Constructing Crime (20 credits)
In this module, you’ll understand how crime, deviance and victimisation are legally and socially constructed. Looking at the bigger picture, you’ll explore the answers to questions such as: what is crime? Who determines this? What is the role for morals and ethics? How do different stakeholders shape the conversation about crime and why does it matter?
The Criminal Justice Process (20 credits)
In this module, you’ll be introduced to the systems, processes and agencies that have evolved to deliver justice to offenders, victims and wider society. You’ll consider how competing philosophies and models of justice have helped to shape the modern Criminal Justice System in England and Wales (and beyond), whilst applying your knowledge to real world practice through case-studies, probation reviews, court visits and practitioner insights.
Studying for Success in the Digital Age (5 credits)
This fully online, flexible module builds upon the Law in Action module; you will learn how to utilise online legal databases, explore approaches to legal problem solving, and be introduced to contemporary technological and sustainable considerations of law.
Year Two
Applied Legal Knowledge - Civil Practice (20 credits)
Enhance your fundamental understanding of the law by revisiting areas of core law modules from a new practical and professional skills-based perspective.
Criminal Law with Mooting (20 credits)
Expand your knowledge of criminal law and develop practical mooting skills that will enhance your employability. You will learn how to argue within a ground of appeal, how to research and write skeleton arguments, and how to use legal language effectively.
Law of Torts and Legal Reasoning (20 credits)
The law of torts concerns civil wrongs, and in this module you will learn to interpret case law, determine relevant legal principles, and assess the merits of legal reasoning.
International, European and Comparative Law and Group Presentations (20 credits)
Gain an international and comparative perspective on the establishment, development and operation of international and European Union law, while developing team working and presentation skills.
Managing Justice (20 credits)
Building on the justice process foundations developed in Year 1, this module explores the way in which ‘offenders’ and ‘victims’ are constructed and managed within the contemporary Criminal Justice System. You’ll learn about issues relating to governance and accountability, diversity and discrimination in the Criminal Justice System, how we assess and manage risk and dangerousness, media narratives and the impact of populist discourse, implementing effective multi-agency and joined-up criminal justice, and future directions in managing justice (e.g., restorative justice).
Explaining Crime (20 credits)
By assessing the merits of competing theories relevant to crime, victimisation and responses to crime together with the role of criminology in society, you’ll explore the developments in criminological thought through the lens of disciplines such as sociology, psychology and criminology.
Final year
Core modules
Land Law and Professional Advice (20 credits)
Apply rules to solve legal problems in relation to land ownership. You will study the distinction between real and personal property, and begin to draft professional advice in a property law context.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning (20 credits)
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and examine decided cases in detail. Learn how to apply your legal knowledge to the classification of property, creation and dispositions of property interests and management of trust property.
Plus:
Path to Professional Practice (20 credits)
Develop key transferable skills in preparation for professional practice. You’ll hone your legal writing, drafting, negotiation and client-interviewing skills through a series of case scenarios and related case materials.
Or:
Applied Legal Knowledge (NLS Legal) - Criminal and Business Practice (20 credits)
Learn how to put theory into practice by revisiting areas of core law modules from a practical and professional skills-based perspective, with input from the School’s teaching law firm NLS Legal.
Or:
Law in Practice (20 credits)
Develop key transferable skills in preparation for professional practice. You’ll hone your legal writing, drafting, negotiation and client-interviewing skills through a series of case scenarios and related case materials. You will undertake at least 35 hours' work either in one of our pro bono projects or with a law firm, advice agency, or other voluntary organisation in the UK or abroad.
Plus choose one module from the below options:
Commercial Law (20 credits)
Enhance your understanding of commercial law within a practical and business context.
Company Law (20 credits)
Acquire high-level knowledge of company law. You will solve legal problems and study a number of topics, including limited and unlimited liability, shareholder rights, and the dissolution of companies.
Comparative Law (20 credits)
An introduction to the essential characteristics of different foreign legal systems. Learn to critically compare and contrast these systems, both with each other and with the English legal system.
Critical Legal Thinking (20 credits)
What makes a legal argument good or bad? Can legal decisions be justified by purely rational argument, or are they ultimately determined by more subjective influences? Explore these questions in this module designed for those with an interest in law, philosophy and human reasoning.
Current Issues in International Law (20 credits)
You will be introduced to foundational theories and current issues in international law, including access to justice, security issues, counter terrorism and criminal justice.
Employment Law (20 credits)
Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law.
Evidence (20 credits)
Study the rules and principles of evidence in legal proceedings, and learn how to apply the law of evidence to factual situations.
Family Law (20 credits)
An introduction to the principal themes of English Family Law including marriage, divorce law, civil partnership, cohabitation, protection against domestic violence, and parental responsibility.
Human Rights (20 credits)
Develop your understanding of human rights in an international context, exploring topics including the right to life, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression.
Immigration and Asylum Law (20 credits)
Study the principal themes of UK immigration and asylum law and consider the scope for reform. You will learn about the current legal framework of immigration, international refugee law and asylum.
Independent Legal Research Project (20 credits)
Plan, research and write your own project on a chosen legal subject. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide expertise in your chosen area and guide you throughout the process.
Intellectual Property Law (20 credits)
An introduction to intellectual property law, its rationales, economic function and international influences. You will gain an awareness of design law and study the law of copyright and patents.
International Competition Law (20 credits)
Explore the differing approaches to international competition law and the key institutions and initiatives. You will develop your knowledge of the role of economic theory and consider future developments.
International Criminal Justice (20 credits)
An introduction to the key elements of international criminal justice - the body of laws and procedures by which individuals are held criminally responsible, at an international level, for serious offences such as genocide and war crimes.
International Trade Law (20 credits)
Provides the professional skills required in a modern commercial environment. You will learn about the international sale and carriage of goods, and about the application of principles to solve international trade disputes.
Laws of Armed Conflict (20 credits)
Develop your knowledge of the international laws relating to armed conflict, terrorism, and the self-determination of peoples. Consider the growth and scope of modern international war crimes and current debates in the field.
Medical Law (20 credits)
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical treatment and care, and apply the law to solve medico-legal problems.
Mooting (20 credits)
Develop a range of advocacy techniques through the medium of mooting. This module covers a range of topics including written pleadings, courtroom etiquette, and the skills of oral advocacy.
Public International Law (20 credits)
Enhance your understanding of public international law and related current legal issues.
Sexuality and the Law (20 credits)
Develop an awareness of the concept of sexuality from legal, moral and sociological perspectives, balancing the needs of the victim and the defendant.
Sports Law (20 credits)
Acquire knowledge of the law pertaining to the regulation of sporting activity and an appreciation of the impact of globalisation on sports law.
United States Law (20 credits)
Understand the essential characteristics of law in the United States and critically compare and contrast these characteristics with those of the English legal system.
And:
Choose two criminology modules from the following option groups:
Options Group One: The Lens of Criminology
Media and Crime (20 credits)
This module will help you develop a critical understanding of theories that shape the connections between criminology and media studies and discover distinct approaches and representations of crime by mass and new media. You’ll explore current issues faced by the media, such as discussions about fake news and how the media approach criminal and antisocial behaviours.
Or:
Cultural Criminology (20 credits)
On this module, you’ll explore the limitations of existing orthodox explanations of crime, deviance and transgression and understand the relationship of cultural criminology within a broader criminological theoretical landscape.
Or:
Crime, Race and Empire (20 credits)
Develop an understanding of the relationship between punishment and society in colonial contexts and a familiarity of non-westernised perspectives of justice and punishment. This module will help you develop a critical awareness of historical resistance to punishment and understand and critically apply post and decolonial critiques of crime and punishment.
Or:
Gender and Crime (20 credits)
Explore the theoretical links between gender, crime, justice and the socio-historical context in which these theories emerged. You will critically assess classical and contemporary feminist criminological perspectives and critically evaluate the debates surrounding the differential treatment of women and men in the Criminal Justice System as victims, offenders and/or professionals.
Options Group Two: Vulnerabilities and Crime
Hate Crime, Identity and Citizenship (20 credits)
As criminologists, we are aware that human societies are characterised by diversity yet some minority groups have radically different experiences of offences that are motivated by bias, prejudice and ‘hate’. It is also the case that criminal justice responses to tackling hate crimes sometimes fail to meet their stated outcomes and in some cases, worsen the experiences of victims. As such, this module aims to explore the ways in which crime and responses to it are shaped by prejudicial attitudes towards disability, race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality and religion. The module will explore the nature of hate crimes, and legislative and policy responses to such behaviours, whilst also assessing the impact of the intersectionality, which exists between social divisions within the UK.
Or:
Drugs, Crime and Justice (20 credits)
On this module you will critically assess the local, national and international significance, prevalence and nature of drug use, misuse and harm. You will explore the complexities and impacts of drugs on society and gain a critical understanding of the political, legislative and criminal justice responses to drug-related activity in England and Wales.
Or:
Young People, Crime and Justice (20 credits)
On this module you will critically assess the local, national and international significance, prevalence and nature of drug use, misuse and harm. You will explore the complexities and impacts of drugs on society and gain a critical understanding of the political, legislative and criminal justice responses to drug-related activity in England and Wales.
Or:
Inequalities and Crime (20 credits)
This module will build your understanding of the roles that inequalities can play in crime and our responses. You’ll evaluate complex social problems in terms of criminological theories of crime, class, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance and explore the ways which crime control strategies can help both alleviate and compound wider inequalities in experiences of crime and victimisation.
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
At NLS, embedding work experience and practical skills development into the curriculum is a priority focus as we know it helps produce well rounded graduates with increased employability skills. Here are just some of the ways you'll be able to get involved:
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Support Through Court
Through NLS Legal, you can gain legal work experience through our partner organisation, Support Through Court, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation (litigants in person).
NLS hosts Support Through Court Nottingham and Support Through Court National Online services, providing NLS students with hundreds of on-campus work experience opportunities every year.
Employer challenge
The Employer Challenge is an initiative designed to offer our students work-like experience during their Law degree. During your second year module, Applied Legal Knowledge - Civil Practice, you will work on a legal or business related challenge set for you by a professional employer. It is a chance for you to make a real difference to their business by working on a current or hypothetical issue facing them. After meeting with your employer and receiving your challenge, you will work to research the issue and develop your recommended solution. You, or your team, will get to present your results to your challenger a few weeks later and see what they think. There will be team and individual challenges, but you are assessed individually based on a reflective report, written by you after feedback from your challenge.
Additional opportunities
Find out more about your NLS experience, including the opportunities to engage in competitions and extra-curricular activities.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you're taught
Skills are integral to the course and you will build and refine these as your degree progresses. Initially you will focus on the key skills of problem-solving, case analysis, report writing, and teamwork. You will also be introduced to oral presentation through the Law of Contract and Problem Solving module.
In Years Two and Three these core skills will be developed to a more advanced level. You will be expected to address more complex, multi-issue assignments and apply legal analysis. Assignments will require increasing levels of independent research and critical evaluation and your writing will become more specialised, focusing on specific client advice with reasoned and logical arguments.
All our LLB courses operate within a common framework. This not only ensures consistently high standards but also means that should your circumstances change then we are normally able to facilitate a change in your programme and study mode. You should discuss any request to change course with your personal tutor.
As a student you will also have access to our virtual learning environment (NOW), which allows you to access your university timetable, NTU email, module documents and the NTU online library from your own laptop, anywhere at any time.
Assessment methods
Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by a diverse range of methods that reflect the skills required. You will take part in:
- Oral presentations
- Mooting exercises
- Case analysis
- Research projects
- Group projects
- Problem-solving assignments
- Both seen and unseen examinations
Access to Resources
Nottingham Law School is delighted to announce that it will continue to provide access to the Oxford University Press (OUP) online resource - Law Trove.
Law Trove provides online access to a range of online resources, including over 200 textbooks published by OUP, and covers core and optional subject areas. Students on all courses will be provided with unlimited access to the resources within Law Trove in order to further enhance your experience during your time with us.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Research informed teaching
By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Law submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
Careers and employability
Your career development
A Law degree is highly valued and provides a solid foundation for a variety of careers.
Upon completion of your degree you can choose to apply for one of our courses preparing you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. It also enables you to progress on to the LLM Barristers Training Course (BTC) or PGDip BTC for intending barristers.
We do encourage you to submit your application for these courses as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These courses can reach maximum capacity prior to the course start date.
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a common assessment that those wishing to qualify as a solicitor must pass. Find out more about the SQE and what it means for you.
A Law degree doesn't just have to lead to a career as a solicitor or barrister however. On this LLB course you will gain a host of transferable skills and an appreciation of the law and criminal justice system that many employers will value. In the last few years our graduates have gone on to positions including:
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- In-house counsel
- Trade mark attorney
- Trade union consultant
- Freedom of information adviser
- Human resources officer
- Investment banker
- Auditor
- Victim support caseworker
- Review and features editor
- Quantity surveyor
- Business development manager
- Sports marketing analyst.
Excellent placement opportunities
LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology students have the opportunity to take a year long work placement in their third year, returning to complete their degree in Year Four. All LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology students have a chance to undertake voluntary work as part of the final year Law in Practice option or as an extracurricular activity.
You will find the work experience associated with this course invaluable in the employment market. You'll gain vital real-life skills that will make you stand out from the crowd and enhance your employability.
We encourage all students to obtain relevant work experience during the vacations. If you undertake at least ten weeks' relevant work experience this will be recognised by our Certificate in Professional Practice. This qualification demonstrates you have developed practical skills and work-based competencies. You will be responsible for organising your own placements with the support of the University. You will receive an introduction to the Certificate and advice on securing placements in the first year.
You can work towards the University’s Developing with NTU Award, which has been designed to provide formal recognition of everything you do as an NTU student, and in your wider life, in support of your whole person development. You can also choose from these specialised employability awards: Digital Award, Global Award, Enterprise Award, Sustainability Award.
Campus and facilities
Chaucer
Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the City Campus. It is a vibrant place to study with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes' walk from everything Nottingham has to offer. Not only will you study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but the Law School has also invested in:
- A mock courtroom
- A family courtroom
- Four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment
NLS Legal
Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.
Fantastic facilities
You'll also have access to a great combination of facilities on the City Campus, including:
- the 24-hour Boots Library, with learning resources specific to your course
- IT open areas in the Newton and Chaucer buildings
- Nottingham Trent Student Union, including sports facilities, a shop, cafes and music venues
- a range of student accommodation
We've recently invested a massive £90 million into our buildings and facilities, providing you with inspiring places to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
There are no additional requirements for this course.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
Sign up for emails
Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.
Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
