Law and Criminology | LLB (Hons) | University of Lincoln

Dr Richard Hedlund - Programme Leader

Dr Richard Hedlund is a senior lecturer in law and is the programme leader for the LLB and LLB Law and Criminology programmes.

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Welcome to LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology

A deeper understanding of the causes and effects of criminal behaviour or specialist legal expertise, or knowledge of the law governing trade and commercial relationships, can set legal professionals apart, enhancing their practice and enabling them to pursue employment in a wide range of professions. Graduates would be well-placed to work in the Law, Public, and Corporate sectors.

Law and Criminology at Lincoln offers an introduction to the fundamental elements of law, enabling students to develop legal skills and a sound knowledge of the professionally-required foundation areas of law, while specialising in an area that interests them.

How You Study

The LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology degree at Lincoln offers students the chance to study for a law degree while deepening their understanding of the causes and consequences of crime.

The programme considers the rules by which society is organised, how they can be changed, and what happens when they are broken. It draws on a range of disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and psychology, as well as law, meaning that graduates can progress to a diverse range of careers.

In addition to the fundamentals of law, a third of the course consists of criminology modules, which can include Applying Criminology; Images of Crime and Criminal Justice; and Human Rights (Social Sciences).

What You Need to Know

We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. To help you choose the course that’s right for you, we aim to bring to your attention all the important information you may need. Our What You Need to Know page offers detailed information on key areas including contact hours, assessment, optional modules, and additional costs.

Find out More

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Constitutional and Administrative Law 2023-24LAW1017MLevel 42023-24This module aims to examine the principles and operation of the British Constitution and system of government. In particular, it is concerned with the law about government', and the relationship between the institutions of government and between government and the citizen. The module is designed to introduce key legal and political concepts and to foster critical appraisal of legal rules and of the institutions and processes of government, and the legal and political constraints placed upon the exercise of governmental power. The study of Administrative Law is designed to provide a critical understanding of the extent of judicial control on governmental bodies through an examination of the law of judicial review.CoreContract Law 2023-24LAW1009MLevel 42023-24The aim of this module is to introduce students to general principles of contract law. The module aims to develop an understanding of enforceable civil law obligations based on agreements and, in doing so, is designed to complement civil law obligations in respect of tortious wrongs covered by the Tort Law module. The modules aims to provide a sound grounding in the general principles of contract law which may equip students to deal with those legal subjects which are based on contract and which are subsequently encountered in their legal studies. Although there is general academic agreement on what constitutes the substantive content of the law of contract, in any year of operation due emphasis will be given to issues of current concern. Students will also have the opportunity to be introduced in this module to the civil process and they can be given an overview of the various stages in bringing an action for breach of contract up to and including the courts and the benefits of settling a contractual dispute through some form of alternative dispute resolution such as arbitration. As with the study of any legal subject, students will be encouraged to engage in intellectual development and to develop transferable skills.CoreImages of Crime and Criminal Justice 2023-24CRI1151MLevel 42023-24The aim of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the main components of the Criminal Justice System, through an analysis of criminal justice policies and practices. The module seeks to explore popular images of criminal justice, and contrasts these depictions with an informed examination of a number of the central pillars of this alleged system. Students also have the opportunity to examine the complexities and contradictions which exist within the so-called system of criminal justice. The relationship between images of crime and the resulting criminal justice response forms the basis of the module, and it is hoped that this introduction will encourage students to consider the extent of the so-called problem of crime and the limits of current criminal justice solutions.CoreLegal Systems and Skills 2023-24LAW1018MLevel 42023-24This module assumes no prior knowledge of law. It aims to introduce students to legal thinking both in terms of philosophy of law and also how judicial decisions are made. Students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the history of the English Legal System and its modern operation and processes. Students have the opportunity to be introduced to human rights as a cornerstone of the English legal system and also look at other legal systems by way of comparison. This module also aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop the skills necessary, such as legal research and construction of arguments, to be successful in their degree and subsequent career. The legal profession can be examined as well as consideration of legal ethics.CoreApplying Criminology 2024-25CRI2068MLevel 52024-25The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to develop a rudimentary and student-centred grasp of 'crime', developed through the more general approach to law, crime and order fostered at foundation level and to subject it to more sustained theoretical, political and practical interrogation. Above all, the module aims to explore the way in which the emergence of Criminology as a discipline is of theoretical, practical and political importance. The module seeks to examine different public images and theoretical conceptions of crime and criminal justice and the variety of ways in which Criminology can be constructed and used.CoreCriminal Law 2024-25LAW2001MLevel 52024-25This module aims to introduce students to the general principles of English criminal law, with particular emphasis on the essential elements of a crime, namely 'actus reus' and 'mens rea', strict, vicarious, and corporate liability and the defences. The module also explores the nature of liability in relation to offences against the person, for example, murder, manslaughter, assault and battery, sexual offences, and offences in relation to property, for example, theft, fraud, and criminal damage. This module is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the relationship between criminal and civil law and introduce them to the criminal justice system.CoreEuropean Union Law 2024-25LAW2154MLevel 52024-25The aim of the European Union Law module is to develop students' understanding of the Constitution and Institutions of the European Union and, in particular, the constitutional principles, the administrative and procedural law, and substantive policies of the European Union. Students will be given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the relationship between European Union law and national law; and to appraise the principles of supremacy and direct effect, and the principles of interpretation and Member State liability. The role and jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union can be examined concerning enforcement, preliminary rulings and judicial review. Students will have the opportunity to develop an understanding of substantive European Union law through the study of the free movement of goods and workers; the freedom to move and reside of citizens of the Union; social policy and equality of treatment and pay in employment; and, in an area of freedom, justice and security, the European arrest warrant and migration and asylum issues.CoreLand Law 2024-25LAW2156MLevel 52024-25The aim of this module is to develop an in-depth knowledge of the complex subject of land law. Students will have the opportunity to explore the property rights which can exist with respect to land law and the relationships that individuals and organisations have with each other and with the state. Students can consider freehold and leasehold estates, and registration of land. The nature of legal and equitable rights can be identified with the concept of a trust. Students will have the opportunity to study how property rights can be acquired, how they may need protection, and how they may be alienated. Third party interests in land, such as easements, covenants and mortgages, can also be examined. There will also be an opportunity to consider the obligations existing as between landlord and tenant in leases.CoreFinancial Services Regulation 2024-25LAW2169MLevel 52024-25The financial services industry has undergone extensive regulatory reforms, particularly after the financial crisis. This module is focused on the law governing the regulation of the financial industry. It starts by unearthing the rationale for regulation, particularly for banking institutions. It then focuses on the role and responsibilities of regulatory bodies that operate within the sphere of the Financial Services Act 2012. The module specifically examines the process of authorisation and supervision throughout the lifespan of financial industries. It also looks at how the regulators facilitate good governance in regulated institutions, effect sanctions to mandate compliance with the legal framework or assist in the restructuring or resolution of such institutions.OptionalStudy Abroad 2024-25LAW2168MLevel 52024-25Lincoln Law School believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. The optional year is intended to: - enable students to benefit from studying within a cross cultural environment; - expose students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - enhance future employment opportunities; - increase cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for students within Lincoln Law School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the Universitys approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalStudy Abroad 2024-25CRI2009MLevel 52024-25OptionalEquity and Trusts 2025-26LAW3154MLevel 62025-26The aim of this module is to provide students with an opportunity to build on skills they are expected to have developed in the previous two years through other subjects such as legal reasoning and problem solving. Initially, students can be introduced to the doctrine, maxims and remedies of Equity but the main emphasis will be upon the nature of a trust which has always been the principal concern of Equity. The classification, nature and creation of various types of express and implied trusts can be considered together with the appointment, powers and duties of trustees. The law relating to charitable trusts may also be examined and the module aims to conclude with an investigation of the implications of a breach of trust.CoreHuman Rights (Social Sciences) 2025-26SOS3152MLevel 62025-26This module is designed to introduce students to human rights at both the conceptual and practical level. It aims to explore the theoretical arguments around the source of human rights and identifies some of the problems and possibilities which emerge from such readings.CoreLaw of Tort 2025-26LAW3004MLevel 62025-26This module aims to introduce students to the general principles of civil liability for tortious wrongs. It is designed to complement the Contract Law module which is taught in the first year. The Law of Tort is predominantly a common law subject although there are certain statute based torts which are covered by the module.CorePenology and Penal Policy 2025-26CRI3073MLevel 62025-26This module aims to locate the theory, practice and history of punishment and penal policy in the context of social control in general. As well as aiming to address the philosophy of punishment, in terms of core concepts of justice, desert, deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation and reparation, it seeks to examine the way in which social control is a fundamental aspect of social relations.CoreWar Crimes and Genocide 2025-26SOS3062MLevel 62025-26This module is constructed as an attempt to understand the anatomy of war crimes and genocide their origins, ideological basis, socio-political contexts, the techniques and technologies used and relevant theoretical perspectives.Core

"The course provided me with an excellent understanding of the theory and practice that underpins many of the agencies within the criminal justice system and helped me to develop the skills required to be an academic."

Gary Saunders, Law and Criminology graduate

Fees and Scholarships

Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

Course Fees

For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. The University of Lincoln offers a variety of merit-based and subject-specific bursaries and scholarships. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

How you are assessed

In addition to closed and open book examinations, students are assessed by coursework which takes the form of assignments, mooting, individual and group presentations, and workbooks. Written assignments may be in the form of an in-depth case study, an essay, or writing a review. Coursework aims to provide students with an important opportunity to gauge how they are coping with various subject areas and levels of study before having to sit an examination.

Study Abroad and Placement Opportunities

Between their second and final years, students are able to take time out to study abroad or gain experience through a work placement. Those who choose to do so are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs. Please note that places on the study abroad scheme are limited and allocated competitively.

Career Opportunities

Both Law and Criminology graduates have career prospects both within and outside of the legal profession. Some pursue paths to become barristers or solicitors, while those specialising in criminology may follow careers in the police and criminal justice networks. Those wishing to embark on careers in corporate law may take further legal qualifications to qualify as solicitors.

Professional Practice

Students are encouraged to gain as much experience as possible during the degree. They can develop their practical legal skills in the University’s moot court, and by entering competitions in mooting and negotiation. There is a University pro bono Law Clinic, where students have the opportunity to give legal advice to real people, under supervision.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

United Kingdom

A Level: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent qualifications).

International Baccalaureate: 29 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit or equivalent qualifications.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 112 UCAS Tariff points.

A combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTEC, EPQ etc

Applicants will also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, which must include English. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.

The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry. We will also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

We also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

International

Non UK Qualifications:

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

Visit Us in Person

The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to join us for one of our Open Days. Visiting us in person is important and will help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

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Key Information

LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology