LLB (Hons)
Law and Criminology
LLB (Hons)
Law and Criminology

Key Information


Duration

3-4 Years

Part-time

Up to 6 Years

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

M930

Duration

3-4 Years

Part-time

Up to 6 Years

Typical Offer

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

UCAS Code

M930

Academic Years

Course Overview

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.

Course Overview

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.

Why Choose Lincoln

Professional practice through the Lincoln Law Centre

Extensive links with the local legal profession

Gain hands-on experience on industry placements

Explore principles of modern legal practice in our moot court

A range of optional modules to choose from

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

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).

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).

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 2024-25LAW1017MLevel 42024-25This 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 2024-25LAW1009MLevel 42024-25The 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.CoreCrime and the Media 2024-25CRI1155Level 42024-25The 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 system. You will have the opportunity to examine the complexities and contradictions which exist within the so-called ‘system’ of criminal justice. You will also study the relationship between images of crime and the resulting criminal justice response which form the basis of this module. It is hoped that this introduction will encourage you as new students to consider the extent of the so-called ‘problem of crime’ and the limits of current criminal justice ‘solutions’.CoreLegal Systems and Skills 2024-25LAW1018MLevel 42024-25This 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 2025-26CRI2068MLevel 52025-26The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to develop a student-centred grasp of 'crime' and our responses to crime through the application of diverse criminological theory. Applying Criminology will enable you to consider the variety of ways in which Criminology can be constructed and used. Through the application of criminological theory to real world and simulated scenarios you will develop the ability to both critically evaluate theories of crime and deviance and to analyse contemporary policy and practices of crime control.CoreCriminal Law 2025-26LAW2001MLevel 52025-26This 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 2025-26LAW2154MLevel 52025-26The 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 2025-26LAW2156MLevel 52025-26The 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.CoreCoSS Study Abroad Module Law 2025-26LAW2172MLevel 52025-26OptionalEquity and Trusts 2026-27LAW3154MLevel 62026-27The 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.CoreInternational Human Rights (Social Sciences) 2026-27CRI3086Level 62026-27This module introduces you to human rights at both the conceptual and practical level. You will explore the theoretical arguments around the source of human rights and identifies some of the problems and possibilities which emerge from such readings. You will produce a report on a real-world contemporary human rights challenge or injustice and link that challenge back to underlying theoretical concerns.CoreLaw of Tort 2026-27LAW3004MLevel 62026-27This 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 2026-27CRI3073MLevel 62026-27In this third-year criminology module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of penology and penal policy within the wider context of social control. The module combines historical and theoretical perspectives with contemporary practices, equipping you with the knowledge to critically analyse and understand the complexities of punishment and social control. You will study the foundational theories of punishment, explore the philosophy of punishment including justice, deterrence, and rehabilitation, and engage with current debates in criminal justice.CoreWar Crimes and Genocide 2026-27IST3013Level 62026-27This module explores the origins of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. It investigates a diverse range of reasons for mass atrocities and genocides through placing them historical, political, philosophical and social contexts to illuminate the origins of such harms and their impact on societies.Core

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 2025-26LAW1017MLevel 42025-26This 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 2025-26LAW1009MLevel 42025-26This module introduces students to the core principles of contract law. It aims to provide a strong grounding in the general principles of contract law, which the students are able to continue to develop in later modules. The module seeks to cover the theoretical underpinnings of contract law, explore current developments, and allow students to develop key skills, such as drafting basic contracts.CoreCrime and the Media 2025-26CRI1151MLevel 42025-26The 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 system. You will have the opportunity to examine the complexities and contradictions which exist within the so-called ‘system’ of criminal justice. You will also study the relationship between images of crime and the resulting criminal justice response which form the basis of this module. It is hoped that this introduction will encourage you as new students to consider the extent of the so-called ‘problem of crime’ and the limits of current criminal justice ‘solutions’.CoreLegal Systems and Skills 2025-26LAW1018MLevel 42025-26This 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 2026-27CRI2068MLevel 52026-27The aim of this module is to provide you with an opportunity to develop a student-centred grasp of 'crime' and our responses to crime through the application of diverse criminological theory. Applying Criminology will enable you to consider the variety of ways in which Criminology can be constructed and used. Through the application of criminological theory to real world and simulated scenarios you will develop the ability to both critically evaluate theories of crime and deviance and to analyse contemporary policy and practices of crime control.CoreCriminal Law 2026-27LAW2001MLevel 52026-27This 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. Students will also develop their legal skills further, including by participating in a criminal law moot.CoreEuropean Union Law 2026-27LAW2154MLevel 52026-27The 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 2026-27LAW2156MLevel 52026-27The 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.CoreCoSS Study Abroad Module Law 2026-27LAW2172MLevel 52026-27OptionalEquity and Trusts 2027-28LAW3154MLevel 62027-28The 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.CoreInternational Human Rights 2027-28SOS3152MLevel 62027-28This module introduces you to international 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 2027-28LAW3004MLevel 62027-28This 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 2027-28CRI3073MLevel 62027-28In this third-year criminology module, you will gain an in-depth understanding of penology and penal policy within the wider context of social control. The module combines historical and theoretical perspectives with contemporary practices, equipping you with the knowledge to critically analyse and understand the complexities of punishment and social control. You will study the foundational theories of punishment, explore the philosophy of punishment including justice, deterrence, and rehabilitation, and engage with current debates in criminal justice.CoreWar Crimes and Genocide 2027-28IST3013Level 62027-28This module explores the origins of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. It investigates a diverse range of reasons for mass atrocities and genocides through placing them historical, political, philosophical and social contexts to illuminate the origins of such harms and their impact on societies.Core

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. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

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. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

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.

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.

Moot Court

Our mock-court environment allows students to explore key principles of modern legal practice in a variety of courtroom roles to strengthen their studies and practice their mooting skills. It features a judge's bench, witness stand, clerk's desk, and prosecution and defence solicitor's benches to simulate the environment of a working court room.

Students practising law in the moot court

Placements and Study Abroad

Between their second and final years, you'll be able to take time out to study abroad or gain experience through a work placement. Please note, you'd need to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and general living costs. Places on the study abroad scheme are limited and allocated competitively. 

Professional Practice Year

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.

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.

What Can I Do with a Law and Criminology Degree?

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.

 

Entry Requirements 2024-25

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications.

International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma from a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.

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 104 UCAS Tariff points.

Applicants will also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 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 and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

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.

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

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

Entry Requirements 2025-26

United Kingdom

104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent qualifications.

BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit.

T Level: Merit

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points.

International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.

GCSE's: Minimum of five at grade 4 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 and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

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.

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

Contextual Offers

At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages.

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. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

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. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

Find out More at an Open Day

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.

Book Your Place
Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine
The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.