BA(Hons) Law and Criminology (with Foundation Year)
This course is open for applications
Get access to advanced computing systems, laboratories, mock courtrooms and simulations that give you real-world experience to succeed in your career.
About
Why study law and criminology?
Studying criminology gives you a deep understanding of offending and victimisation and the realities of societies' responses to crime. This knowledge both complements and critically contextualises the study of the laws through which criminal justice is applied. You'll develop an understanding of how law is applied, which will benefit you whether you wish to practise criminal law or work in the criminal justice system.
Why UWE Bristol?
Here at UWE Bristol, we acknowledge the intrinsic link between law and criminology. In this course, you won't just learn what the law is but how and why it has come about. You'll consider law, criminal justice and society from different perspectives, and learn how concepts and institutions work and could be improved.
You'll be able to explore modules spanning criminal justice, criminal law, crime patterns, policing, media, youth justice, drugs, terrorism, serious offending and penology. You'll gain a solid grounding in criminological research methods and practice, plus you'll develop valuable legal skills such as mooting and negotiating.
Our course gives you real-world insight and you'll be able to develop professional abilities through community engagement and work-based learning. Within your first two years, you'll have bespoke law and criminology modules designed to give you the knowledge and skills required of this joint discipline. In years two and three, you'll select optional modules that allow you to specialise more in law or criminology or study both in equal measure.
Where can it take me?
If you wish to pursue a career in law, our BA(Hons) Law and Criminology will prepare you to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
For those who aspire to become barristers, the course can include the subjects you'll need to satisfy the academic stage of training before studying the Bar Training Course (BTC). To do this, you'll need to select certain optional modules within years two and three, which we'll be able to advise you on.
As a full-service Law School, you can study the LLM/PGDip Bar Training Course (BTC), PGDip/PGCert Solicitors Training Course (SQE prep) and LLM/PGDip Solicitors Training Course (SQE Prep) at UWE Bristol.
Entry
Typical offers
You will need to meet the following Level 2 requirements:
- GCSE: Grade C/4 in English and Mathematics, or equivalent.
In addition to the above Level 2 qualifications, you'll need to achieve the published tariff points from your Level 3 studies prior to entry. Below is an indicative list of the main qualification types. However, we will consider any Level 3 qualifications towards meeting our entry requirements.
- Tariff points: 48
- Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
- English Language Requirement:
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page. - A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
For information on required Guided Learning Hours please see our minimum entry requirements page.
- Access: No specific subjects required.
- Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
- Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
- Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
- Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required.
- T Levels: No specific subjects required.
Entry requirements
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BA(Hons) Criminology and Law.
International applicants
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
How to apply
Read more about undergraduate applications.
For further information
- Email:
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.ukInternational/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk - Telephone:
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644
Structure
Content
You'll study:
Foundational Concepts in Business and Law
You'll build your academic and practical skills by engaging in collaborative projects and undertaking self-managed learning, making use of academic theory and relevant professional practice to address relevant problems and societal issues.
Foundations in Professional and Personal Development Planning
This module introduces you to professional and personal development, encouraging you to evaluate your skills and to set and monitor progress towards your own specific development goals.
You'll study:
Foundations for Law and Criminology
You'll be introduced to and explore the relationship between law and criminology allowing you to develop skills including - but not limited to - research, critical analysis, communication and application.
Criminal Law (LnC)
You'll examine the fundamental principles of criminal law, with a focus on the inter-relationship of statute and case law, encompassing offences and defences, developing the skills of research, critical analysis, evaluation and application.
An Introduction to Applied Criminal Justice and Community Policing
You'll explore how the criminal justice sector has developed over time, considering new ideas and criminological theories that underpin community working, alongside the impact of collaborative partnerships.
You'll study:
Contract Law
You'll study the fundamental principles of the Law of Contract and the application of the law to a diverse range of practical situations, developing the skills of identifying relevant legal issues and authorities, evaluation, and application.
Tort Law
You'll study the fundamental principles of the Law of Torts and the application of the law to a diverse range of practical situations, developing skills in identifying relevant legal issues and authorities, evaluation and application.
Problem-solving in Law and Criminology
You'll study a range of research methods that are used in legal and criminological research and examine the ethical implications that research can present, further developing your skills in research, critical analysis, academic writing, and communication.
Policing and Crime Prevention
You'll engage with key areas of research, policy and practice in the study of the modern police service in England and Wales and contemporary approaches to crime prevention.
Optional modules:
You'll study, Law modules (the number depending on credit requirements) from:
- Environmental Law and Sustainability (LnC)
- Land Law (if you wish to take the Bar Training Course you must study this module)
- Migration, Law and Policy (LnC)
- Public Law (if you wish to take the Bar Training Course you must study this module)
- Sexual Offences and Offending (LnC).
Plus, Criminology modules (the number depending on credit requirements) from:
- Angels or Demons?: Understanding and Managing Youth Offending
- Drugs, Crime and Society.
Placement year (if applicable)
If you study on the five year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement or study year abroad after year two.
You'll complete a placement or study year abroad learning module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
You'll study:
Criminal Justice
You'll question, develop understanding of and critically analyse issues related to the criminal justice system of England and Wales, developing your legal and research skills within this subject area.
Criminology and Law Project
You'll have the opportunity to complete in-depth research into a particular area of law and/or criminology. This is a chance for you to practise and showcase the skills and knowledge that you have learnt throughout the programme.
Optional modules:
You'll study, Law modules (the number depending on credit requirement) from:
- Equality and the Law
- Equity and Trusts
- European Union Law in Context
- Family Law
- International Human Rights Law.
Plus, Criminology modules (the number depending on credit requirement) from:
- Hate Crime and Criminal Justice System
- Green Criminology: Environment, Crime and Justice
- Risk and Risk Management
- Transnational Crime and Comparative Criminology
- Victims and Victimology.
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going onto year one.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
Our student-centred learning approach supports you to develop the skills you need to have a successful professional career. Our modules take different learning approaches, so you can choose those that match your style best.
We use a variety of teaching methods which will include lectures, seminars and workshops. You'll be encouraged to participate in discussions and activities throughout to enhance your learning and experience.
You'll be allocated an academic personal tutor who'll support you academically throughout your degree.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Study time
During your degree, you'll have a minimum of 12 hours contact time with a lecturer each week.
For every hour of contact time there is an expectation that you will spend three hours studying independently.
In year one and year two, you'll receive one hour of peer assisted learning (PAL) each week.
Assessment
You'll be assessed using problem and essay questions, exams, research-based assessments, reflection on skills acquisition, report writing, portfolio submissions and presentations.
Within your first year you will be assessed using a full range of assessment methods. In years two and three you will have the option to select modules which suit your interests, strengths and learning style.
In year one, 50% of the year will be assessed with 'pass/fail'. This allows you to concentrate on gaining the knowledge and skills that underpin this discipline with opportunity to practice and improve.
Learn more about assessments.
Fees
Full-time; Sandwich
Indicative Additional Costs
Supplementary fee information
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the five year course and then transfer to the four year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
This refers to items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
Features
Placements
We encourage you to do a 40-week paid work placement in the UK or overseas, supported by an award-winning placement team. You'll gain valuable real-world experience, develop key skills and increase your employability on graduation.
If you choose the four year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two. In addition to this you can study the final year 'Law in Action' module where you'll gain experience in a local law firm or voluntary organisation for one day a week. Previous students have worked with Bristol Law Centre, Watkins Solicitors, Red Cross, Death Row, Citizens Advice and local schools.
Fieldwork
Field trips are an important part of your studies, particularly our annual visit to Lincoln's Inn where you'll dine in court with barristers and judges and learn more about this exciting career. Other study visits include the Houses of Parliament, European Court of Justice, World Trade Organisation and magic circle law firms.
Study facilities
You'll study in our Bristol Business School building, where you'll have access to modern learning spaces, including a dedicated law resource room. Mock courtrooms help you practise legal submissions, take part in recorded mock trials and gain experience of being in court.
In our specialist library, you can access books, trade press, academic journals, and industry databases both on and off campus.
You'll also have access to the College of Business and Law (CBL) Learning Hub, which provides one-to-one support and workshops.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Pro Bono Unit
You'll have opportunities to engage in Pro Bono work, where you'll volunteer to help the local community.
Supervised by academics and practitioners, you'll work on cases and provide legal advice through projects such as The Innocence Project, Elderlaw, the UWE Street Law Programme and schools mentoring scheme.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Psychology, Sociology and Criminology facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Personalised virtual tour
There's no need to visit us in person to explore our facilities and campuses. Take a personalised virtual tour and discover it all for yourself from wherever you are.
Take a virtual tourCareers
Careers / Further study
BA(Hons) Law and Criminology graduates are highly valued by employers due to their wide knowledge base and critical, analytical and legal skills. This degree combination leads naturally to a career in criminal law. You could pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister or in areas such as criminal justice and the charity sector.
Our graduates could go on to find employment in the following sectors and roles:
- legal adviser
- paralegal
- prisons and probation
- policing
- education
- research
- social work
- charity sector
- Non-governmental organisations (NGO)
- public sector.
As well as the careers above, alumni from this course have gone onto careers in:
- finance
- fire and rescue
- marketing
- civil service
- Network Rail
- primary school teaching.
Many students train as a barrister or solicitor through the LLM/PGDip Bar Training Course (BTC), PGDip/PGCert Solicitors Training Course (SQE prep) or LLM/PGDip Solicitors Training Course (SQE Prep) or undertake one of our LLMs.
If you major in criminology, you could go into research, education, social work, counselling, charity work and healthcare. There are also opportunities with the police, prison and court services, as well as the legal sector.
Get inspired
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and help you to find graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
Life
Accommodation
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.