Course summary

Law and criminology are inextricably linked. This degree gives you a solid grounding in law, as well as an understanding of criminology: the basis for criminalising behaviour, penal theory, the nature of crime, its causes, prevention, and management. This is a joint honours course in which more than half of your modules are in the foundation subjects of law, plus some law options, with criminology modules accounting for the remainder. Our degree prepares you for a variety of careers in criminal justice, whether as a legal professional or public servant focused on criminal justice or supporting prosecution, defence, rehabilitation or law and penal reform. You’ll benefit from dual perspectives; working with experts in both legal and criminology disciplines. You will develop skills in legal and academic reasoning and research, and an appreciation of social policy and the principles of justice, underlying the fundamental principles of law and the criminal justice system. You will study modules from both Leicester Law School and the School of Criminology which examine the nature, extent, causes, and control of criminal behaviour in both the individual and wider society in addition to the essential foundations required for an LLB degree. You will also explore the factors that underscore processes of law-making, law-breaking and law enforcement. Leicester is ranked #2 in the country for teaching criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2021), and you'll benefit from our expertise at every step. You can broaden your perspective with a year studying overseas, or make a difference by giving free legal advice to real clients through our Pro-Bono group. We will also encourage you to build practical skills through our award-winning extracurricular activities. Law and Criminology are inseparable. Each discipline informs the other - changes in law inevitably lead to criminologists adapting their understanding, and vice versa. This course is ideal if you are interested in criminal law and want to broaden your knowledge to include what goes on outside the courtroom, in prison and working on offender behaviour. Topics that are typically explored in criminology include: What is the nature of criminal behaviour? Why do individuals commit crime? How and why do definitions of crime change over time and between societies? How should society deal with criminal activity? By combining the study of Law with Criminology you can complement and contextualise your Law studies for a broader and deeper understanding of your subject. Optional modules in law and criminology allow you to examine criminology issues in more detail, develop higher level legal skills or diversify to explore contrasting or complementary areas of law.