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LLB (Hons)
Law and Criminology

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

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Duration

3-4 Years

Part-time

Up to 6 Years

UCAS Code

M930

Academic Year

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

Develop a wide range of skills designed to enhance your employability

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).

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.

              Becoming a Criminologist 2025-26CRI1154Level 42025-26This module provides an introduction to Criminology for new students on the programme and is designed to build upon your prior experiences and learning in this field. We will identify key concepts and frameworks in Criminology, and consider a range of different voices and experiences, some of which have been excluded from criminological knowledge. The module therefore challenges you to consider not just what you know about crime and Criminology but also how you know, and to reflect upon your own personal learning and development.CoreConstitutional 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 42025-26The 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 2025-26CRI1155Level 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 Skills A 2025-26LAW1021Level 42025-26CoreLegal Skills B 2025-26LAW1022Level 42025-26CoreApplying 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.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.CoreTort Law 2026-27LAW2006Level 52026-27This module aims to introduce students to the general principles of civil liability for tortious wrongs and complements the Contract Law module. The module aims to examine the different forms of liability attaching to the main torts and the principles upon which liability is based in such areas as negligence, nuisance, liability for escapes, trespass and defamation by adopting a contemporary approach to the study of this subject. The relationship between common law, legislation and judicial policy will be highlighted during examination of this subject. This module aims to contribute to the development of the student’s skills in legal analysis and problem solving as well as their research and reasoning skills. Students will have the opportunity to be introduced to the ‘compensation culture’ and how compensation claims are dealt with; CFAs and problems associated with bringing personal injury claims.CoreCoASSH 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.CoreHarm, Power and Justice 2027-28CRI3081Level 62027-28This module seeks to delve deeply into the effects that powerful entities have on the struggle for social justice. Rather than taking the customary approach of examining mainly the adversities that underprivileged individuals must confront, this module examines actions of government entities, corporate organisations, and other powerful groups from a critical perspective and human rights standpoint. The concepts of 'harm', 'power' and 'justice' will be thoroughly analysed in order to shed light on practices employed by influential entities, as well as identifying potential courses of action for mitigation, protection, and reparation.CorePenology and Penal Policy 2027-28CRI3087Level 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.CoreAlternative Dispute Resolution 2027-28LAW3167Level 62027-28This module aims to introduce students to alternative dispute resolution and mediation specifically. Students can learn the advantages of alternative dispute resolution over litigation and the principles of mediation. Students are able to explore theories of conflict and conflict resolution as well as use practical role plays to demonstrate the effectiveness of mediation. Students can gain not only theoretical knowledge, but practical application of mediation techniques to resolve disputes. The module will examine the legal framework for alternative dispute resolution as well as recent developments such as government proposals to make alternative dispute resolution compulsory for claims up to £10,000 by the end of 2024.OptionalBecoming a Data Analyst 2027-28CRI3080Level 62027-28Have you ever considered a career as a data analyst? Data analysts make sense of large sets of data and help organisations to make informed decisions. Together with Lincolnshire Police and Lincolnshire County Council, we will introduce you to the world of data analysis. You will learn to make sense of real datasets from the police and/or other public bodies. The course will teach you advanced data analysis methods and data visualisations. You will be taught in a way that does not require any maths skills, nor will you be required to learn maths as part of the course. Step-by-step guides will be used to introduce you to the relevant software (e.g., Jamovi and Orange). The course is not just about theoretical learning; it is an opportunity to learn skills that can help you make a real-world impact. Beyond the technical skills, you will refine your critical thinking and decision-making skills, equipping you with many transferable skills for a wide range of sectors. Dive into a module that is about more than just academia. It is about acquiring skills that can contribute to societal change. Join us to harness the transformative power of data and open doors to a future rich with possibilities.OptionalDrugs and Society 2027-28CRI3082Level 62027-28This module considers the role and meanings of drugs in society. You will be asked to consider how we understand concepts such as 'drugs' versus 'medicines', what we mean by 'addiction' and 'harm', as well as the historical and political underpinnings to drugs policy. You will explore concepts such as drug 'normalisation', drug markets and norms of supply, different types of drug use, and the legalisation debate.OptionalEuropean Union Law 2027-28LAW3168Level 62027-28The 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.OptionalExperiencing Prison 2027-28CRI3077MLevel 62027-28This module explores the varied and diverse experiences of imprisonment. The aim of the module is to empower you to critically consider both the intended and unintended effects of prison and to enable you to develop an independent and reflexive understanding of policy and practice within the prison environment. Throughout the module you will engage with guest speakers who will share their experiences with you and encourage you to consider prison and the effects of imprisonment from a variety of perspectives. The module will be delivered through interactive workshops.OptionalInternational Human Rights (Social Sciences) 2027-28CRI3086Level 62027-28This 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.OptionalLaw Clinic 2027-28LAW3155MLevel 62027-28The module enables students to experience law in practice, applying their legal knowledge and research skills to factual legal problems in a clinical setting. Students will interview real clients, research both legal and practical solutions to the issues identified in order to achieve the clients’ goals and will advise accordingly, in writing, on the options available. The module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to take their legal knowledge out of the classroom and to give them an insight into how their theoretical studies relate to the practical application of law. The module aims to develop practical lawyerly skills (interviewing, writing and presentation skills). Selection for the module will be based predominately on level 2 grades and attendance. Depending upon demand, written submissions and/or interviews may be considered.OptionalLaw in Practice 2027-28LAW3156MLevel 62027-28This module is designed to provide students with an opportunity to evaluate the political and sociological issues affecting the practice of law and how law can operate as a business. In recent years, law firms have faced many challenges, for instance: - Firms have been subjected to increasing regulation in the form of money laundering requirements, and outcome based regulation, whilst others have seen the latter as a relaxation of standards. - Newcomers to the legal marketplace, with the advent of ‘Alternative Business Structures’ have challenged the traditional delivery of legal services. - The drastic reduction of public funding for cases (legal aid) has stifled the cash flow of many high street practices and medium size practices which had based its business model on that particular income stream. - Leading firms have faced insolvency, a situation almost unheard of before the current decade. - Increasing fees in Courts and Employment Tribunals have reduced the availability of claimant work. - Direct public access to Counsel challenges the traditional solicitor/barrister partnership model. Students will be encouraged to view legal practice in a business and regulatory context and develop commercial awareness around the practical pressures and difficulties faced by firms operating in the current legal market place.OptionalLaw of Evidence 2027-28LAW3075MLevel 62027-28This module aims to complement the substantive modules of the law degree course, and the litigation processes covered in the common law subjects. Although in the main it aims to concentrate on criminal evidence, the rules relating to civil evidence may be examined where appropriate. The rules on admissibility of evidence and judicial discretion aim to supplement the Criminal Law module students will have the opportunity to make a contrast between exclusionary rules in criminal and civil law.OptionalLaw Placement 2027-28LAW3157MLevel 62027-28This module enables students to experience law in a workplace setting. Students can either arrange their own suitable work experience (one half day per week or equivalent, as agreed in advance with module co-ordinators) or will be allocated a placement by the module coordinator. Students will be expected to evaluate the workplace structure and the key roles within it. Students will have the opportunity to consider any regulatory impacts on the organisation (including the roles of the Compliance Officers for Legal Practice (COLPs) and for Finance and Administration (COFAs), where relevant), the recruitment and marketing policies, as well as exploring the application of theoretical legal knowledge to on-going legal problems.OptionalLife After Prison: Reintegration and Rehabilitation 2027-28CRI3078MLevel 62027-28In this third-year criminology module, you will explore the complex journey of societal reintegration after incarceration. This module offers an in-depth analysis of the challenges and strategies crucial for successful reintegration, with a strong emphasis on the roles of support systems and rehabilitation. You will engage with diverse theories and practices related to desistance from crime, focusing on the transformative impact of relationships, identity, and community involvement. The module covers a wide spectrum of post-incarceration challenges, including mental health issues, social stigma, and legal obstacles, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence successful reintegration. Enhancing the learning experience, this module features guest speakers from social enterprises, charities, and organisations actively working in the field of reintegration. These sessions with guest speakers will offer practical insights and real-world perspectives, bridging the gap between theory and practice. You will have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by individuals post-incarceration and the effectiveness of various support systems and rehabilitation strategies.OptionalPenology 2027-28LAW3166Level 62027-28Penology is the study of the penal system. While some diversionary sentences can be given at the police station, the majority of this module will consider sentencing in the context of the Magistrates’ and Crown Court in England and Wales. The lectures will start by looking at penal theory, discussing why we sentence people who commit crime and considering what we are trying to achieve before looking at the sentencing rules and practices in the criminal courts. The module will then go on to consider the sentences delivered by the court, including nominal and financial penalties, the community order, and a custodial sentence. How a person experiences prison will be considered in addition to how this impacts on children and families. Finally, students can consider a range of offender groups including children, women, and dangerous offenders.OptionalPolicing Crime and Deviance: UK and Beyond 2027-28CRI3083Level 62027-28In the "Policing Crime and Deviance: UK and Beyond" module, you will explore the diverse forms of policing and the crime control worldwide. This course will provide an in-depth understanding of key policing concepts and how they differ across various global contexts. You will examine a wide range of topics, including the significance of plural policing and the role of private security operations internationally. The module also offers a comparative analysis of race-related policing issues, with specific focus on the UK and the US, and explores vigilante actions in regions like the Global North and the Global South, particularly Latin America. Moreover, you will look into the use of technology in policing, including the study of algorithmic strategies in places such as China. This module provides a valuable opportunity for you to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills and to gain a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding policing and crime in contemporary societies.OptionalPolicing in Practice 2027-28CRI3005MLevel 62027-28This module looks at the way contemporary issues in UK policing affect Lincolnshire Police in practice. The module is run as a 2-hour workshop, exploring contemporary challenges in policing and how they play out in the operational realities of policing in Lincolnshire. You will be taught at least half of your workshops by policing professionals including serving police officers and other practitioners. Topics covered may include governance, armed police, public order, equality and diversity in policing, mental health, leadership, police culture and assaults.OptionalUnderstanding and Responding to Homicide 2027-28CRI3084Level 62027-28This module offers a criminological understanding of unlawful homicide (unlawful killing of humans) and the ways in which societies respond to this issue. The module begins by exploring what homicide is, identifying and examining the different forms of homicide that we find in human societies. You will be introduced to the ‘ecological framework’ for examining the differing causes of homicide and that are used to support the development of differing responses. You will then learn about the different parts of the ecological framework in more detail, which include ‘individual’, 'relational', ‘communal’, and ‘societal’ explanations. The module will also provide you with an understanding of how homicide is patterned geographically and how these patterns are linked to social inequalities. In the final part of the module, you will learn about some of the different responses to homicide that are utilised by governments and communities contemporarily, and you will explore critically their impact upon this form of offending.OptionalWar 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.Optional

              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

              A variety of assessment methods are used to allow you to demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have gained on the course. Some methods used, include written assignments, which may be in the form of an essay, an in-depth case study, a reflective piece, or more practically orientated writing such as a client advice letter. You may also be assessed through mooting, individual and group presentations, negotiations, in-class activities, and online quizzes. Some modules also make use of open-book exams at the end of the year.

              Formative (mock) assessments are also utilised, giving you the chance to practice and get individual feedback before submitting the final assessments.

              Module tutors are on-hand to provide further feedback and guidance on all their assessments. Writing support is also available via the University Library, as is English Language Support for international students.

              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. A Placement Year Fee or Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs.  Places on the study abroad scheme are limited and allocated competitively. 

              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.

              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

              LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology

              What Can I Do with a Law and Criminology Degree?

              The LLB (Hons) Law and Criminology graduates have career prospects both within and outside of the legal profession. Some pursue paths to become barristers or solicitors, while others pursue careers in the police and criminal justice system, such as in the probation or prison service.

               

              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/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/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/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. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              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.

              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

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              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.