Criminology and Law (Hons)

Overview

Key facts

You will analyse the social, cultural, political and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice by looking at the social circumstances of offending, policies regulating crime, and the social response to criminal activity. The degree draws on the Department's expertise in criminal law, international human rights, organised crime, youth justice, cybercrime, policing, prisons and punishment, sex work, hate crime, drugs and substance abuse and gender-based violence. 

Lancaster University’s Criminology and Law (Hons) degree scheme is distinct from our LLB Law with Criminology degree, as the focus of the degree is on Criminology, meaning you do not study all of the core law modules that are required for a qualifying law degree.

Your first year will introduce you to core criminological and legal concepts and perspectives, including criminal law, the English legal system and explanations for crime and offending behaviour. During your second year you will explore a broad range of criminological and legal perspectives, consider how to ‘do’ criminological research and be able to choose a range of optional modules which explore various criminological and legal controversies and issues. If you would like to take a global perspective on Law and Criminology, you may be able to apply for a semester abroad at one of our highly regarded partner institutions. By year three, you will have the choice to study specialist subjects in depth from our range of optional modules. 

Career

Your degree could be the first step towards a career as a solicitor or barrister but Criminology and Law graduates are also in demand beyond these roles. You may wish to consider the following professional areas: Criminal Investigations, Offender Management, Youth Justice, Restorative Justice and Crime Prevention.

At Lancaster, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills required to negotiate competently, work effectively in a team, speak in public and be confident when presenting information in variety of formats - all are valued by employers. Many of our graduates choose further study (Legal Practice Course, Bar Professional Training Course, LLM and MSc programmes) or enrol in graduate training schemes with the Police, the Probation Service, the Civil Service, and the Crown Prosecution Service.