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LLB Law with Criminology

Get exceptional teaching and understanding of both legal and criminological perspectives from our highly-ranked law school with London work placements providing you with an in-demand skill set

LLB Law with Criminology

Code
M29A
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
4 or 5 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr Mariette Jones

Why choose Law with criminology at Middlesex?

Our course has been specially designed to prepare you for a future career in criminal justice and law.

On this course, you will study two complementary perspectives – law and criminology – and gain the academic skills needed to become a qualified solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

You will also have access to our industry network. For example, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside professional barristers and solicitors at our local Legal Advice Centre.

What you will gain

The skills you will gain by studying law with criminology in London will prepare you for a range of careers in the criminal justice or legal systems, either in the UK or abroad. Other fields where you will be able to apply your skills include the Civil Service, education or government.

Our work placements, which are integral to the course, give s you vital hands-on experience and expertise, which will set you apart in the job market.

Former graduates have gone on to work for organisations like Irwin Mitchell, the US Treasury Department, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Home Office.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

What you will learn

Our course gives you the knowledge and vital transferable skills that make up the first stage of professional legal education.

You will learn the core principles of law in England and Wales while you develop your understanding of criminology, and the complexities that arise at the intersection of these two fascinating topics.

You will also put theory into practice with work-based modules that help you develop the hands-on skills and expertise to compete in both the criminal justice system and the legal profession.

You will learn through:

  • Being at the heart of legal innovation, with plenty of support from tutors who are nationally and internationally-recognised experts in their chosen fields
  • Engaging in vigorous debates with fellow students
  • Exploring different legal and criminological research skills
  • Putting your skills into action on work placements or as part of the School of Law’s Clinical Legal Education Programme
  • Support solicitors at Middlesex's Legal Advice Centre and assist local community members facing legal challenges.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Ranked 2nd in the UK
    Middlesex Law School is ranked second for Law in the UK and in the Top 100 globally – Times Higher Education – Young Universities Ranking 2022
  • Outstanding learning resources
    You will have access to our Legal Advice Centre and experience the buzz of the courtroom in our specialist chambers inside Hendon Town Hall
  • Excellent employment prospects
    You will be able to pursue a career in law or other fields, such as the Civil Service, government, education and many more

Keep informed

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Our communications are designed to support you in deciding your future and keep you up to date about student finance, employment opportunities and student activities available at Middlesex University.

Here is a brief overview of what you will study each year:

Year 1

You will study the English legal system, legal method, public law and contract law.

Year 2

You will explore criminal law, tort, contemporary criminological theory and victimology. You will also be able to choose between EU law and UK and European Human Rights as an elective. However, if you wish to become a barrister, then you must choose EU law.

Year 3

Land law and equity and trusts will be the focus plus you will be able to tailor your final year to your career prospects by choosing which of the various elective (optional) modules you study. Part-time students will study these modules over 6 years.

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • English Legal System (30 credits)

      This module aims to enable you to develop an understanding of the English legal system and how it works in order to provide a foundation for the further study of law. You will examine the nature and function of legal institutions and the role of the legal profession within the English legal system and explore the provision of legal services and methods of alternative dispute resolution. You will become familiar with, and be able to use, legal skills and knowledge in respect of issues and problems involving the English legal system.

    • Legal Method (30 credits)

      This module aims to broaden and expand your understanding of the common law system, legal reasoning, case analysis, the judicial hierarchy, handling precedents and statutory interpretation. After studying this module, you will comprehend the basic principles and debates underpinning the position of the courts in the UK constitution, appreciate how to read a case, and be able to pick out its material facts and ratio, as well as distinguish this from obiter dicta and develop an understanding of the different rules and approaches that courts use to interpret statutes. The module will also provide you with a grounding in legal ethics so as to instil a basic understanding of a lawyer's duties toward their clients and the court.

    • Contract Law (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide you with a sound knowledge and understanding of the law of contract, focusing on the main principles, cases and statutory provisions relevant to contract law. This will act as a firm foundation for subsequent law modules as well as for postgraduate and professional study after the programme. The module also aims to develop your competence in the analysis and solution of legal problems, develop your legal research skills and recognise the relationship between the law of contract and other areas of English and European law. This is a core module and is a requirement of the professional bodies.

    • Public Law (30 credits)

      This module aims to examine general principles relating to the UK Constitution and the organisation and powers of the State. You will gain an awareness of the law and practice relating to the control of the Administration of the UK State and will consider the law relating to Human Rights and aspects of Civil Liberties in the UK. This is a core module and is a requirement of the professional bodies.

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • Criminal Law (30 credits)

      This module aims to enable you to acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of criminal law, including a detailed knowledge of the key principles, cases and statutory provisions relevant to criminal law. You will develop skills in the analysis and solution of legal problems and in researching case law and statute law in relation to criminal law, while recognising the relations between criminal law and other areas of law. This is a core module and is a requirement of the professional bodies.

    • Tort (30 credits)

      The module aims to provide a general knowledge and understanding of tort law and lay a sound foundation upon which to develop knowledge, skills and competencies needed for the Vocational Stage of legal education and training, and subsequent careers in legal practice or higher qualifications in law. The study of case law will develop skills in extracting and communicating the meaning of written reports. Students will be challenged to achieve a higher level of understanding and application of the law in practice and attention will be given to the ethical issues that can arise. This is a core module and is a requirement of the professional bodies.

    • Contemporary Criminological Theory (15 credits)

      This module allows you to engage with recent theoretical developments and trends influencing criminological discussion, debate and research.

      These developments and trends are assessed in relation to emerging social, political and cultural patterns.

      Building upon your first-year modules, you will be able to apply theoretical knowledge to a range of contemporary issues and trends of prominent criminological interest and concern.

    • Victimology (15 credits)

      The module aims to expand thinking around victimisation and consider this topic from a broader perspective, assessing societal responses to victimisation and who we believe to be a victim.

      The module will explore multiple crime types such as sexual and domestic violence, homicide, sex work, hate crime, financial crime; state crime and other types of crime, comparing and contrasting different theories and perspectives in relation to the concept of victimisation.

      In addition, the module aims to develop your reflective learning skills by reflecting on your learning and formulating feedback for the work of others.

  • Year 2 - Optional

    • EU Law (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide a thorough understanding of the legal system of the European Union (EU) and of the rules and principles governing the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital within the EU’s internal market. You will apply knowledge of EU law to the analysis of legal issues and develop your skills of information retrieval from a range of sources. The module includes the study of the history and development of the EU, the EU’s institutional framework, sources of EU law and law-making procedures, the main substantive principles underlying EU Law and the relationship between EU law and national law. An exhaustive overview of the jurisdiction of the EU courts will also be offered. This is a core module and is a requirement of professional bodies.

      Please note that you must select EU Law as an optional module if you want to study the Barristers Training Course after graduating because EU Law is currently a requirement of the academic component of Bar training to become a barrister.

    • UK and European Human Rights Law (30 credits)

      This module aims to explore human rights in an international, historical and comparative perspective. You will be introduced to the rationale for this body of law and to major themes in international human rights jurisprudence. Special attention will be paid to the European Convention of Human Rights and its impact in the United Kingdom, in particular issues arising from the incorporation of the European regime through the Human Rights Act. In addition, the seminars and lectures will address specific human rights to provide you with in depth analysis of the application of human rights to factual scenarios. The course is designed to maximise your career potential, providing an insight into the extent to which universally protected values, articulated as legal claims impact domestic jurisdictions. The course also seeks to critically evaluate those values, their universal validity, and their implementation at regional level with the view of broadening your knowledge of law and to become sensitive to other values and normative regimes.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Land Law (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide a critical understanding of the law in the context of dealings in land. The module will build upon your knowledge of legal principles by bringing these together with rules of land law. Your ability to evaluate issues, including ethical issues, and to solve land law problems at a high level of understanding is enhanced, together with your personal and professional development and employability skills. This is a core module and is a requirement of the professional bodies.

    • Equity and Trusts (30 credits)

      This module aims to build upon your knowledge of legal principles by bringing these together with rules of trust law and principles of equity, including the ethical principles which govern the role of a trustee as fiduciary and principles relevant to the quantification of damages and availability of assets for their recovery. You will develop your critical understanding of the law of trusts and equitable principles, and your ability to present and argue positions in relation to issues of equity and trust law. You will analyse practical problems accurately and debate issues at a high level of understanding. This is a core module and is a requirement of the professional bodies.

  • Year 3: Year-long optional modules

    • Evidence (30 credits)

      This module aims to engage you in an active investigation of the practical rules and abstract principles underlying the operation of the Law of Evidence in criminal and civil trials. The module will enable you to subject the law of criminal and civil evidence to critical examination and will thus contribute to the shaping of your own value system. It builds on your knowledge of the substantive law by placing it in the context of trial practice. A key purpose of the module is training in advanced level writing, argument, analysis and legal research.

    • Advanced Mooting and Advocacy (30 credits)

      This module aims to provide an opportunity to develop practical skills in legal drafting, advocacy and litigation. It includes a taught element with a concentration on the drafting of documents and written submissions. The majority of the course is devoted to guided student participation in moot court exercises and internal/external competition(s) which will involve as appropriate domestic, European, Human Rights or international law. You will be assessed on the basis of written and/or oral submissions and such other assessments. It is limited to 16 students selected by the programme team.

  • Year 3: Term one optional modules

    • Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Policy Processes (15 credits)

      The module aims to explore competing responses to crime, deviance and harm, across different contexts, with a particular focus on class and race.

      It aims to support you in developing a critical awareness of the impact of current policy, or lack of it, on criminal justice practices and develop an awareness of alternative approaches and ideological perspectives, particularly a human rights frame.

      The focus is on understanding how key concepts and theories apply to criminal justice systems and practices and/or criminological work environments.

    • Comparative Criminal Justice: Courts, Sentencing and Prisons (15 credits)

      The module aims to teach you how to undertake comparative criminal justice analysis across jurisdictions, and how to justify the relevance and importance of the data used in a country (case) study approach.

      The module takes a comparative approach to understand the similarities and differences in criminal justice systems, penal policy, sentencing approaches and ‘cultures of punishment’ across jurisdictions.

      It builds critical appraisal skills on whether the approaches and philosophies in court sentencing and punishments in certain countries are more meaningful, socially just responses than in others, and from which policy transfer ideas can be learned.

    • Rehabilitation and Community Support (15 credits)

      This module enables you to evaluate the various interventions used to reform or rehabilitate offenders.

      The module will critically assess key agencies involved in rehabilitation and punishment, analysing the experiences of those subject to community justice.

      You will also learn to critically analyse the various barriers to successful re-entry, desistance and rehabilitation of lawbreakers, the role risk plays in assessing offenders, as well as addressing how to tackle intersectionality in the criminal justice system, promoting an ethics-based human rights perspective.

    • Investigations in Theory and Practice (15 credits)

      This module provides you with an overview of models of investigation from a theoretical and practical perspective.

      You will critically examine existing and evolving legislation, policies, processes and developments in investigative practice.

      It explores the role of investigations as a fact-finding exercise and goes beyond the confines of criminal investigation to consider investigation within the context of an examination of facts and the search for ‘truth’ within criminal, civil and administrative justice contexts.

    • Violent Crime (15 credits)

      This module discusses the dynamics of violence from a gender-informed perspective and how it is used by perpetrators, controlled, and used to control.

      The module highlights the interconnections between violence, gender, sexuality and crime and illustrates the blurred boundaries between interpersonal, self-inflicted, community and structural violence.

      In completing the module, you will learn about the social and spatial parameters of violent crime, theoretical and layperson perspectives on violence, the links between sex, sexuality and violence, and how violence is gendered.

    • Crimes of the Powerful (15 credits)

      This module aims to facilitate your critical engagement with crimes of the powerful, defined as illegal conducts perpetrated by offenders who hold an exorbitant degree of resources (both material and symbolic) as well as power when compared to those they victimise.

      The module follows the tradition of study established by Edwin Sutherland. However, the focus moves from the generic interest in white-collar crime to the crimes of the powerful (or power crimes).

    • 'Learning Together' Contemporary Issues in Criminology and Policy Processes (15 credits)

      This module provides students with the unique experience of studying alongside people accommodated in prison. It uses the criminal justice system as a point of reference to examine contemporary issues and debates relating to crime control and theories of punishment and in which ideas of rehabilitation, system reform, and social justice are embedded. You will participate in the co-creation of a model of learning that develops your critical engagement with knowledge through dialogue and in-class exchange of perspectives and ideas.

  • Year 3: Term two optional modules

    • Environmental Justice and Green Criminology (15 credits)

      This module explores a green perspective on crime and criminal justice as well as the implications of crime and criminal behaviour involving the environment and animals. It explores perspectives on green criminology as a sub-discipline of criminology and examines crimes against the environment, crimes against animals, corporate environmental harm and ecological justice and species justice. The module critically evaluates the failure of traditional forms of criminal justice and policing in dealing with environmental harms and considers the impact that environmental harms have on society.

    • Forensic Mental Health and Offending (15 credits)

      This module introduces you to the key theoretical perspectives surrounding mental health and offending, and ensure they are familiar with the key legislation, policy and practice in this area. This will enable you to critically question the relationship between mental health and offending, develop a practical understanding of the current legal framework and service provision in England for ‘mentally disordered offenders’, and support them to critically evaluate the key debates and controversies in the field.

    • Drugs, Crime and Criminal Justice (15 credits)

      This module aims to introduce you to the key debates in drug policy, mainly focusing on the interface with the criminal justice system.

      It will facilitate their abilities to critically analyse and evaluate the laws, policies and institutions of drug control and their social, political and economic contexts.

      The module aims to develop your understanding of the roles of the key agencies and stakeholders involved in drug policies and interventions and to foster critical interest in drug policy reform.

    • Cyber-Security (15 credits)

      This module aims to introduce you to the key debates in drug policy, mainly focusing on the interface with the criminal justice system.

      It will facilitate their abilities to critically analyse and evaluate the laws, policies and institutions of drug control and their social, political and economic contexts.

      The module aims to develop your understanding of the roles of the key agencies and stakeholders involved in drug policies and interventions and to foster critical interest in drug policy reform.

    • Children as Victims and the Child Protection System (15 credits)

      This module examines the relevant theories, literature and public discourses surrounding the concept of children as victims and the child protection system.

      The module critically reviews the concept of victimisation and contemporary issues relating to child protection in England and Wales.

      In addition, you will learn about the range of challenges surrounding child protection, including situations leading to failures in multi-agency approaches and child safety and protection strategies.

    • Gangs, Group Offending and Joint Enterprise (15 credits)

      Gangs and youth violence are a ‘hot’ topic in the media and a primary concern of government and police, and joint enterprise has emerged as a significant justice issue.

      Drawing on a rich history of gang research and theory, this module explores debates over how these social problems should be understood and addressed.

      It seeks to engage you in these debates, equipping them to critically analyse and evaluate representations of the issue and current policy and practice.

    • Transnational Crime (15 credits)

      This module explores and critiques the globalisation of crime and the extent to which a ‘globalised’ response to transnational crime exists.

      You will discuss, evaluate, engage and critically analyse various topics, including corruption (corporate and public), democracy, legitimacy, the drugs trade, arms trade, and smuggling and trafficking of humans and body parts.

      The focus will be on the international policing and justice systems and various and rapidly changing responses to these crime types, allowing you to discuss, argue and evaluate their effectiveness.

    • Learning at Work (15 credits)

      This module uses the workplace as a site of learning and professional development.

      It fosters the growth of essential employability skills and a critical understanding of workplace policies and practices.

      A central theme of this module is reflective practice, and you are engaged in the process of action and reflection.

      The module also supports the meaningful integration of theoretical knowledge and placement practice and a critical awareness of ethical and professional behaviours.

      In summary, this module cultivates various skills and valuable knowledge useful for further studies and employment.

To find out more about this highly regarded course, please download the LLB Law with Criminology specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and learning
  2. Assessment and feedback
  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for 2024/25:

UK1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

  • Free access to the resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Student Starter Kit. Get help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad. Find out about our MDX Student Starter Kit.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

An LLB Law with Criminology will help you stand out when it comes to looking for jobs in the criminal justice system in the UK and abroad, as well as in legal practice.

There are many sectors where a law degree is highly desired, including business (human resources, tax and insurance), charity, management, administration, the Civil Service, education and government. You can also choose to pursue a career as a solicitor, barrister, legal executive, paralegal, or in a community advisory role.

Many students pursue professional qualifications which for solicitors will be the Solicitors Qualifying Exam and for barristers, the Bar Practice Course/Barrister Training Course. The LLB complies with the Bar Standards Board's requirements for the academic component of Bar training comprising the seven Foundations of Legal Knowledge modules.

The LLB also provides a very good basis for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE).

Once you graduate, you may also choose to study for a master’s degree, before pursuing the professional exams.

MDXworks

Our Careers and Employability Service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023 

A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

Dr Mariette Jones
Senior Lecturer

After qualifying as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Dr Jones embarked on an academic career focusing primarily on commercial law.  She is currently the Programme Leader for the University’s LLB programmes, and lectures Tort, UK Company Law and Comparative Corporate Governance.

Dr Jenni Ward
Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Programme Leader for the MSc Criminology with Forensic Psychology

Dr Ward main areas of research are young people living in state care, illicit drug use, and youth transitions to adulthood, and she has held funding awards from the ESRC and Home Office to examine the lives of care leavers making the transition to independent living. She is currently researching the magistracy and transformations to summary justice in the lower criminal courts.

  • David Eniolorunfe Oshame

    LLB Law student

    I was motivated to study the LLB as, not only is it a prestigious course, I felt it was the best option for me to achieve my goal of becoming a lawyer. I was also confident the course would allow me to work in a large number of organisations either as a legal practitioner, legal advisor or legal representative after I graduate.

    Every aspect of the course has been really exciting, as you can apply what you learn in modules to everyday legal issues. Most importantly, the course has improved my ability to think logically and it has taught me about the importance of precision in my work, which is essential if I'm going to work in the field of Law.

  • Jane-Bridgette Gathinji

    LLB Law student

    This course provides the opportunity to learn the foundations of our legal system and opens up many opportunities post graduation, including the option of exploring work as a solicitor or legal secretary.

    During this course I've learnt a lot, including Protection Laws that I never knew existed. I've had the chance to moot and take part in practical, case-based, projects. This course has been a great stepping stone to educating me on the rights and laws of the people, and I hope I'll be able to use this knowledge in helping and support those less fortunate in the world.

  • Aida Negel

    LLB Law and Criminology student

    I chose to study the LLB Law with Criminology course at Middlesex University because MDX made me feel welcome and at home. The programme is interesting and challenging, ensuring that you are confident to face the outside world after you graduate.

    I felt it would best help me achieve my ambition of becoming a barrister through a large variety of opportunities both throughout the course as well as extra curriculum activities – from mooting to volunteering and work experience as well as national and international competitions. I took part in the prestigious Middle Temple Access to the Bar scheme which enabled me to get paid experience shadowing a Barrister and a Judge.It was a phenomenal experience.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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Code: M100

Criminology BA Honours

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 4 years full-time with placement, 4 years part-time

Code: L350

LLB Law with International Relations

Start: September 2024

Duration: 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time

Code: M29C

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