Why study this course?
On our joint honours Criminology and Law BSc degree, you’ll learn about British and European Union law, as well as the methodological and theoretical tools that criminological practitioners use. This is an ideal degree for those looking to work in a range of roles within the criminal justice system and criminology or in sectors where a broad knowledge of the law is useful.
More about this course
Crime continues to be a central focus of public concern and political debate, particularly in global cities such as London. This specialist course will delve into the causes and effects of crime and criminal behaviour. It will also explore the criminal justice system, including the police, judiciary and prisons, examining the concept of justice and sentencing.
The course is delivered through a range of teaching methods including formal lectures, seminars, workshops, project-based research activity and individual tutorials. There’s an emphasis on the link between teaching, practice and research. A number of staff in our criminology and law subject areas are active researchers and their research findings often provide the basis for teaching on the course. Lecturers have published articles on a range of topics including gang culture, international organised crime, cybercrime, child protection and the probation service.
You’ll have access to our very own mock courtroom, where you’ll get a feel for a legal environment and find out how courtrooms across the country are run. We’ll also provide you with detailed knowledge and understanding of legal rules and their contexts, and support you in developing general skills such as independent research, critical judgement, debating, communication and teamwork. These skills will prepare you for the world of work and a range of careers.
London’s location means that MPs, visiting professors, successful graduates and representatives from legal organisations are often guest speakers at London Met. It also provides easy access to London’s many legal resources, as well as a range of opportunities for voluntary work and work placement opportunities.
This is not a qualifying law degree for training for the legal professions. Please the Law LLB, Business Law LLB or Law (with international Relations) LLB course if you’re interested in a qualifying law degree.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 1 modules include:
Administrative Law (core, 15 credits)
Criminal Law I (core, 15 credits)
English Legal System (core, 15 credits)
Introduction to Criminological Theory (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (core, 30 credits)
Legal Method (core, 15 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Crime Control and Penology (core, 30 credits)
Criminal Law II (core, 15 credits)
Legal Research Methods (core, 15 credits)
Measuring and Interpreting Crime (core, 30 credits)
Social Control, Drugs and Organised Crime (core, 30 credits)
Criminal Law Extended Essay (alternative core, 15 credits)
Criminological Research Practice (alternative core, 15 credits)
Criminology Project (alternative core, 30 credits)
Civil Liberties and Human Rights (option, 15 credits)
Crime, Media and Technology (option, 15 credits)
Criminology Work Experience (option, 15 credits)
Gender and Sexuality (option, 30 credits)
Jurisprudence (option, 15 credits)
Law of Evidence (option, 15 credits)
Penal Policy (option, 15 credits)
Perspectives on Policing (option, 30 credits)
Public International Law (option, 15 credits)
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (option, 15 credits)
Youth Resistance and Social Control (option, 15 credits)
Youth, Crime and Violence (option, 15 credits)
Where this course can take you
Graduates have gone on to careers in the police service, the probation service and other areas of the criminal justice system as well as undertaking further professional training in the legal field. The programme is also excellent preparation for further study. The analytical, methodological and legal skills acquired on successful completion provide a strong grounding for development within many different careers.