Law and Criminology Cardiff University

Overview

Our Law and Criminology programme from  Cardiff University has been designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of how the legal system is located within a changing social, economic, and political context and how the law – and its application - is shaped by that context. 

Key facts

Whereas Law examines the system of rules used by a country or state to regulate its inhabitants, Criminology focuses on criminalisation, victimisation, and social responses to crime and disorder.  This makes both topics an ideal pairing for study as an integrated programme.  

This degree programme gives an opportunity to study both Law and Criminology and so benefit from acquiring interdisciplinary knowledge, perspectives and skills.  In addition to the academic skills you’ll develop, and the knowledge you’ll build through our diverse modules, we offer a range of opportunities for professional development and putting your skills into practice. Our pro bono schemes work in partnership with lawyers, charities, and voluntary organisations, helping members of the community with legal matters, completely free of charge. Through these schemes, and working on real cases, you’ll develop skills in client care, legal research, writing and public speaking, and communication in all forms.  In Criminology, we draw on wide ranging research-informed teaching to explore sociological, psychological and political approaches to crime and its control. 

We also offer other placement and work experience opportunities. Past students have undertaken paralegal placements with a range of solicitors, developing key practitioner skills such as case management and legal writing, alongside general workplace and employability skills. 

With a view on your progression in law, our programme offers the core subjects required by the Bar Standards Board for future barristers and which are also foundational for practice as a solicitor. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need, while optional modules will allow you to develop specialist interests or explore diverse legal topics and sub-fields of Criminology.  In addition, you will examine crime, justice and control from a social scientific perspective, applying your knowledge and understanding of criminological research to real world issues and debates.

Our commitment to supporting your professional development and aspirations also includes tailored careers support. You’ll have access to advice and guidance which will help inform you about your options and make decisions for your future – whether that’s within the legal field or not. Your skills, experiences and knowledge will be valuable to a range of different careers. 

Beyond law, our Law with Criminology graduates proceed to careers in criminal justice, finance, national and local government, sales and marketing, digital communications, the media, recruitment, and many other sectors.