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Law with Criminology LLB (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): M1L3
- Start Date(s): September 2023
- Duration: Three years
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
A fascinating degree that combines our expertise in Law and Criminology to prepare you for employment in the legal profession and criminal justice system.
This degree draws upon our established expertise in both Law and Criminology, allowing you to gain an understanding of Law and an in-depth view of crime and criminality. The course has an applied, practical focus, which provides sound preparation for a career in the legal or criminal justice system. Like all our courses at Nottingham Law School, this degree is compliant with the requirements of the SRA and the BSB for the purposes of professional qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales, meaning you can progress on to further legal training if you choose to.
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All of our degrees are compliant with the requirements of the SRA and the BSB for the purposes of professional qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. -
Work on a business/law project with our Employer Challenge. -
You will gain a Certificate in Professional Practice by undertaking mini-placements during vacations. -
93% of LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (FT) students said staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey, 2022).
Why choose this course?
- You will study specialist topics in relation to victims, offenders and specific crimes.
- You can take part in our International Summer School Scheme.
- Students benefit from our renowned expertise in mooting. You will take certain modules which incorporate mooting skills and can also can get involved in international and national mooting competitions for which we have a winning track record.
- You can join our thriving LEX Student Law Society and get involved with a range of sporting, social, and networking activities.
- You will learn in outstanding facilities, including a suite of authentic mock courtrooms and mooting rooms.
- Upon graduation 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.
- 91% of LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (FT) students said the course has provided them with opportunities to apply what they have learnt (National Student Survey, 2022).
- NTU is 3rd for number of UG students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)
All of our courses are designed to provide our students with a number of work-based learning opportunities.
Employer Challenge
The Employer Challenge is an initiative designed to offer our students a '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 challenger.
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.
Law in Action
The Law in Action module compliments 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
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
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
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
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
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.
Core Modules
Applied Legal Knowledge - Civil Practice
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Core modules
Land Law and Professional Advice
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
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
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
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
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
Enhance your understanding of commercial law within a practical and business context.
Company Law
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
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
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
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
Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law.
Evidence
Study the rules and principles of evidence in legal proceedings, and learn how to apply the law of evidence to factual situations.
Family Law
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
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
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
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
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.
Insurance Law
Study the contractual, commercial and regulatory environment of the insurance market in the UK.
International Competition Law
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
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
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
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
Understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding the provision of medical treatment and care, and apply the law to solve medico-legal problems.
Mooting
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
Enhance your understanding of public international law and related current legal issues.
Sexuality and the Law
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Further information on what you'll study
Optional modules may be closed if they reach maximum capacity in terms of numbers. We reserve the right not to run an optional module if the number of students registering for it is below the minimum threshold. For this course, the threshold is 36. If a module is closed or does not run students will be advised of alternative relevant modules they may choose from.
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.
Each module is delivered through a series of lectures and there will be regular seminars linked to each lecture, which provides the opportunity to enhance your understanding through critical evaluation of your own reading and debate.
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.
Lecture Capture
Lecture recordings are ordinarily made available in respect of all lectures, enabling students to recap material and undertake revision.
How will I be assessed?
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, cases analysis, research projects, group projects, problem-solving assignments, and both seen and unseen examinations.
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.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme.
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.
Contact hours
- Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops 24%, independent study 76%
- Year 2 lectures/seminars/workshops 25%, independent study 75%
- Year 3 lectures/seminars/workshops 21%, independent study 79%
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 Written Coursework 33%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 50% and Practical Exercises 17%
- Year 2 Written Coursework 18%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 57% and Practical Exercises 25%
- Year 3 Written Coursework 57%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 33% and Practical Exercises 10%
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 legal 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
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
- family courtroom
- four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment
- NLS Legal.
NLS Legal is our onsite teaching law firm which has been granted Alternative Business Structure status by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, enabling students to practise pro bono under the supervision of a qualified solicitor.
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.
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.
Entry requirements
Three years full-time
- 112 – 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
- GCSE Maths or Science and English grade C / 4.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
Three years full-time
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
- GCSE Maths or Science and English grade C / 4.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
For those students who choose to take a placement year: students will be expected to pay for all accommodation, visas, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
NLS Summer School
There may be the opportunity to take part in optional NLS Summer School, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
For those students who choose to take a placement year: students will be expected to pay for all accommodation, visas, travel and living costs whilst on placement.
NLS Summer School
There may be the opportunity to take part in optional NLS Summer School, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
We've created application guidance pages to help you with the applying process. If you find yourself struggling at all, try these pages and hopefully you'll find the answers you're looking for.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! For hints and tips on what to write, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.