Course summary

What makes the criminal mind tick? How do police and lawyers seek to understand the social and psychological causes of crime? How does the legal system provide justice for victims while balancing punishment and rehabilitation for offenders? Criminology and Law explores the answers to these questions, examining criminal behaviour from a range of legal, social, policing and social justice viewpoints. You’ll learn about the structure and nature of the legal system of England and Wales, which includes the criminal justice system. We’ll give you an overview of the processes through which criminal behaviour is addressed – from profiling and arrest, to sentencing and rehabilitation – as well as exploring important related aspects, such as family law and comparative law. You’ll work with a range of theories and methodologies used to understand and respond to criminal behaviour, as well as gaining an understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, looking at serious and violent crime in particular. And you’ll have the chance to examine different types of criminal groups, such as football hooligans and crime gangs, as well as different social perceptions of crime. Professional work placements will provide you with insights into the range of professional careers available. You’ll have the chance to specialise in your preferred area of criminology and law in a substantial research project, along with getting the option to complete a year-long professional project module with an employer in your final year. Professional work placements Leeds is one of the UK’s major centres for legal services, making it an ideal setting for placement and graduate opportunities. We have links to local youth justice, policing, and penal justice placements. Graduate opportunities You’ll graduate with a solid grounding in criminology and law, which will prepare you for a range of careers in youth justice, the Criminal Justice System and local government. You’ll also have the chance to develop a set of transferable skills to prepare you for the further study needed to become a barrister’s clerk.