Law with Criminology LLB(Hons)

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Top reasons to study at Brighton Law School

• Qualifying law degree – recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.
• Practice-led learning – build applied legal skills and gain work experience in our pro bono legal clinic.
• Subject streams – led by our legal experts, you can develop your understanding of Human Rights Law, Criminal Law and Practice, Commercial Law and Legal Practice.
• Employability – we prepare you for practice through academic, professional and public engagement, plus classroom, assessment and extracurricular activities.
• Customisable degree – a variety of option modules means you can customise your studies to your interests and career aspirations.
• Collaboration between staff and students – our passionate teaching team works with our students and the legal profession to ensure that our degrees are tailored to what works for students and for employers.
• Access to specialist law databases – access to Oxford Law Trove which contains more than 200 law textbooks relevant to our Law modules.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. If you apply to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Year 1

Our law degrees share the same first year modules, introducing you to the different aspects of law, such as legal research skills and courtroom procedures.

In your first year your classes will be over three days each week and they will not start before 10am. You may have other activities on campus on other days.

Modules

• Legal Systems, Skills and Methods

  This key module is the foundation for all the other law modules and introduces two essential areas: (a) the way legal institutions in the UK operate and how the law is made; and (b) the legal skills lawyers need including clear communication skills, legal writing and referencing, oral presentation, problem-solving and analytical thinking. The knowledge and skills acquired in this module are essential to all other areas of academic development. 

• Law of Torts

  This module will provide you with a detailed knowledge of a number of torts including common law negligence, breach of statutory duty, protection against interference with the person, protection of property interests, protection of reputation and remedies associated with these torts. Where relevant, reference will be made to policy issues and human rights principles – both of which impact on the development of a number of torts.

• Public Law

  Public law is a subject of great topical interest which is in a constant process of evolution and can’t be fully understood without reference to the UK’s political history and its social and cultural development. This module will provide you with a good understanding of constitutional legal principles, the major features of the UK’s constitution, civil rights, judicial review and an awareness of significant changes and developments in the subject.

• Professional Legal Practice 1

  This module introduces professional legal practice, legal ethics and professional responsibility. You will explore the nature and purpose of professional conduct rules and related questions of regulation and enforcement, including potential conflicts of interest, legal privilege and questions of confidentiality, responsibilities to the court and client and how these may be negotiated, obligations that come with being in a position of trust, and wider issues of access to justice. 

• Contract Law

  This module covers the formation, content, viability and discharge of contracts and remedies available for breach of contract. You will explore the concepts and legal principles in a political, social and economic context, and develop an understanding of the relationship of statutory and European Union sources of law with the common law.

• Business Law and Practice

  This module introduces business law and practice in England and Wales and explores the various forms of business vehicles, looking at the legal, regulatory, commercial and tax consequences of each. You will look at governance, conduct, financing and constitution of businesses as well as elements of employment law, alongside the law of private acquisitions and the insolvency regimes of England and Wales. 

Year 2

In year 2 you will start to explore criminology. You may also have the opportunity to take part in national mooting competitions and take advantage of work shadowing opportunities, which could include judges and law firm partners.

The university teaching hours are between 9am and 6pm. In year 2 the days and times you will need to be on campus will depend on a number of things including the type of teaching on your course, and time spent in the library and on research

Modules

• Criminal Law

  This module enables you to develop an appreciation of this signficant area of the law. You will look at the fundamental concepts of criminal law, gain an understanding of the principles of criminal liability and defences, as well as the relevance of criminal procedure. You will also gain knowledge about the more important and common specific criminal offences.

• Professional Legal Practice 2

  On this practical module you will develop your legal skills of interviewing, negotiating, advocacy, research, case analysis, writing and drafting within the scope of one of the foundations of legal knowledge. You’ll work in a team of two on a paper skeleton argument and present this as an advocate, which will involve researching and analysing the relevant law contained in a moot problem on behalf of either the appellant or respondent.

• Equity and Trusts

  This module is a detailed exploration of the law of trusts and equitable principles. You will gain the knowledge to evaluate the role of trusts and equitable remedies in the modern world and critically review legal issues and recent developments in the subject.

• Criminology Theory and Practice

  This module introduces theoretical approaches used in criminology. You’ll examine traditional approaches and also look at some of more critical approaches to criminology, as well as how we might theorise issues within the criminal justice system. This develops your understanding of criminology and criminological theories, allows you to critically apply them to your study of law, crime and justice and will help provide a theoretical foundation for the dissertation.

• European Union Law

  This module introduces the European Union through its development, structure and activities – as a legal system in its own right, but also rooted in international law. You will examine the EU as a relationship between its member states, who confer power onto the EU, and the people of member states who are able to use EU law. Both procedural and substantive law are considered, particularly in light of the five freedoms (Goods, Services, Establishment, Capital and People) and its policies.

• Land Law

  In this module you’ll examine the major principles of land law and their relationship with equity and trusts and family law. You will also explore cross-cutting themes within land law, such as the meaning of land and property, gender and the family home, human rights and the balancing of private and commercial interests. This encourages you to critically reflect upon the significance of land law across legal, social and commercial contexts.

Placement year

The paid work placement year is a vital part of the course. It gives you the chance to apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges, meet and network with potential employers and get relevant, real-life work experience before you graduate. This is something that employers value highly and gives you a distinct advantage when it comes to securing the right job after your course.

During your placement you will complete a business project as part of your degree and, depending on the topic you choose, it could provide valuable insight for your placement employer.

Our LLB students have completed placements at:

• The Home Office
• House of Lords
• Acumen Business Law
• Alfred James & Co Solicitors
• Devonshires Solicitors
• Gaby Hardwicke Solicitors.

It is also possible to undertake a placement year abroad.

Our dedicated placements and employability team will support you throughout. Read more about our placement years.

Final year

In your final year, core modules further deepen your knowledge and understanding.

You will also be able to tailor the course to include the subjects that interest you and match your career plans by choosing option modules.

The university teaching hours are between 9am and 6pm. In your final year the days and times you will need to be on campus will depend on a number of things including the option modules that you choose.

Modules

Core modules

• Key Debates in Crime and Justice

  On this module you'll expand and test your understanding of criminal justice and criminology by focusing on some of the key debates and theories in relation to crime, justice and punishment. This will develop your understanding of criminology, and of how it fits within the wider study of law, crime and justice. 

• Criminology Research Project

  In this module you'll apply new and existing knowledge of criminology theory and issues in criminal justice to a practical problem. You'll research your chosen topic, extend your experience of in-depth research and developing your analysis and critical evaluation skills while producing a written report of your findings.

Options*

• Advanced Criminal Law and Policy

  This module develops your knowledge of criminal law and practice gained throughout your degree. It allows you to advance your understanding of a broader range of criminal offences, explore the theoretical and philosophical ideas underpinning criminal law and examine criminal law and practice with a more critical eye. Content may include terrorism, the law and human rights; hate crime and criminalising ‘thoughts’; protest laws and policing protest; and sexual offences and criminal procedure.

• Criminal Litigation and Procedure

  This module enables you to gain a systematic understanding of the criminal court procedure in England and Wales. You’ll explore police powers, case analysis, evidence and inferences from silence, and key procedural issues including bail, allocation of trial and committal proceedings. You’ll also have an opportunity to practice your advocacy skills in the context of a criminal case. 

• Legal Research Project

  This module is an opportunity to apply your new and existing knowledge of one of more of the foundations of legal knowledge subjects to a practical, law-oriented problem or issue. You’ll extend your experience of in-depth legal research along with your analysis and critical evaluation skills.

• Equity and Trusts

  This module will give you an in-depth understanding of the law of trusts and equitable principles and remedies. It enables you to claim exemption for this subject before proceeding to professional examinations (subject to other general requirements).

• Intellectual Property Law

  This module introduces you to intellectual property. You’ll develop an understanding of the nature of property and ownership and the law related to patents, design rights, trade marks, copyright and other forms of intellectual property, as well as gaining a practical understanding of how intellectual property relates to objects. You will also talk with non-law students whose studies need them to be aware of their intellectual property rights.

• Property Law and Practice

  This module will give you a detailed and practical understanding of the law of property and practice of property transactions. You'll learn how to deal with both registered and unregistered land, and consider all types of tenure including freehold, leasehold and commonhold. Case studies will illustrate property transactions from commercial leases to private mortgages. 

• Environmental Law, Sustainability and Justice

  In this module, you'll learn about the principles that form the basis of legal protection of the environment, both internationally and domestically. You'll explore how policies and human rights have shaped these laws. You'll also examine how environmental governance works, with a focus on the role of social movements and civil society groups.

• Animal Welfare and the Law

  This module focuses on the law relating to animal rights and welfare, and introduces national and international animal welfare legislation, along with global attitudes to animal welfare. You will explore contemporary debates, philosophical and theoretical perspectives, and animal rights as a social justice movement. 

• Human Rights and Business

  How to ensure human rights are effectively protected and how to legally remedy past human rights violations are controversial questions. This module examines the gap in human rights protection and how the human rights legal regime has been built around state responsibility, leaving big businesses out. What should be done when businesses rather than state authorities appear responsible in practice for breaching human rights law? Is accountability possible, and what form should it take?

• Canadian Constitutional Law

  This module provides an introduction to the various components of Canadian constitutional law, and to the basic principles necessary to understanding and applying the provisions of the constitution in Canadian legal practice.

• Law and Fintech

  This module explores the role of law in regulating technological innovations. You’ll be able to analyse and evaluate evolving technological innovations and assess their impact on the law. You will examine the challenges of regulating technological innovations and cyberspace as they develop, and how the law addresses them. You’ll also consider regulatory theories in the context of a borderless online environment. 

• Domestic and Sexual Abuse

  This module introduces you to law, theory, policy and practice on domestic and sexual abuse (DSA). The legal aspects of the module will explore the law within the criminal and the family justice systems. You'll explore theoretical approaches to DSA to support your understanding of these behaviours, and also consider the criminal justice system's response to DSA. Putting DSA into context in current policy and practice allows you to explore approaches to dealing with DSA.

• International Law and Socio-economic Development

  In this module you will look at the relationship between international law and development. You will get an insight into the relevant legal and socio-economic issues arising from debates on international law and development and an understanding of the role that theory, policy and practice have in international law and socio-economic development.

• Family Law and Family Justice

  Gain an insight into the nature of family law. This will include developing a critical understanding of the legal principles that relate to the formation and breakdown of adult relationships including financial orders, the role of parenthood, children and the law, and the welfare of a child along with the intervention of the state, domestic violence and family property.

• The Innocence Programme

  The Innocence Project (IP) is a student-led project focusing on the study of alleged wrongful criminal convictions, with a view to referral back to the Court of Appeal via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. You'll have opportunities to get involved in investigating real criminal cases, supervised by the staff director and working with a practising lawyer.

• Commercial Law

  You will look at domestic commercial law and key aspects of commercial law as it operates internationally during this module. You’ll explore issues including the rights and duties that arise from the supply of goods in the UK and the legal problems that can occur in an international contract for the sale of goods.

• Land Law

  Land is the foundation of life and society, making land law relevant to us all. You'll gain a detailed understanding of the major principles of land law and their relationship with equity and trusts and family law. You'll also explore cross-cutting themes within land law, such as the meaning of land and property, gender and the family home, human rights and the balancing of private and commercial interests.

• Healthcare Law and Ethics

  On this module you'll consider the relationship between the healthcare profession, law and ethics and how the interplay shapes the practice of each. You will explore the ways in which the law regulates the medical profession and how developing technologies challenge our understanding of ethics and legal theory. You'll also examine the law that governs how society behaves in relation to its development and theoretical background.

• Employment Law

  During this module you will examine areas of employment legislation and the employment law system  to understand and evaluate the employment relationship. You’ll gain an overview of the influence of EU law as well as the nature of English contracts and become familiar with the major sources of employment law.

• Dispute Resolution and Litigation

  During this module you will develop an understanding of the civil court procedure in England and Wales, including the nature and jurisdiction of the County Court and the High Court. You will be introduced to case analysis, mechanisms for dispute resolution, pre-trial preparations and pre-action protocols.

• Wills and the Administration of Estates

  This module introduces the legal and procedural issues relating to drafting a will and administering an estate. You'll develop a solid understanding of the law of succession and the legal mechanisms for the transfer of property after someone dies. You'll explore the differences between the law of wills, where there is a valid will, and the law of intestacy, where there is no will. You'll be able to apply the law to the administration of an estate including issues of taxation.

• Media and Sports Law

  This module is an opportunity to explore the role of law in the media and in sport. You'll explore each subject separately and topics that you'll consider include how expressing oneself through different media has legal consequences, including censorship, privacy and confidentiality, decision-making by sporting bodies, regulation in sport, courts and arbitration in sport and criminal violence in sport. Putting theory into practice, the assessments for this module involve writing blog posts themed around sports law and recording a podcast.

• Canadian Administrative Law

  Canadian administrative law is the body of law regulating the ways in which the Canadian government operates. This module introduces the components of Canadian administrative law and the basic principles needed to understand and apply the provisions of administrative law in Canadian legal practice.

• International Trade Law

  This module will provide you with an understanding of international trade law, including issues surrounding the sale of goods across borders and the transportation of cargo internationally. You will look at the international conventions governing these practices and how they regulate international trade, and examine the interconnection between various contracts that make up an international trade transaction.

• Dissertation for Criminology

  The dissertation is your opportunity to undertake a piece of in-depth independent research on a criminology, criminal justice or crime topic that interests you. Developing this piece of work will further develop your analytical and critical skills, and you'll be able to demonstrate and apply the skills you have learned on your degree. 

• Clinical Legal Education

  This module is an opportunity to gain practical experience of legal work in the community. You’ll receive initial training in issues including ethics, client care and confidentiality. Experience can include interviewing clients, case analysis, practical legal research, file management, legal writing for lay and professional audiences, simulation of management tasks in a law firm and collaborative working with both peers and supervisors.

• Law Dissertation

  The dissertation is your opportunity to undertake a piece of in-depth independent research on a law topic that interests you. Developing this piece of work will further develop your analytical and critical skills, and you'll be able to demonstrate and apply the skills you have learned on your degree.

• Placement Project

  This project module enables you to further develop problem solving, creative thinking, analysis and project management skills while on a placement year between year 2 and 3 of your degree. It's an opportunity to reflect on your placement role and experiences and how they contributed to your personal development, shaped your thinking about future careers and enhanced your employment prospects.

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Law societies 

Student Law Society

The Student Law Society is a thriving community of over 150 law students. With support from the Students’ Union, it organises an exciting schedule of social and educational events.

Members have recently enjoyed visits to Lewes Crown Court, Brighton Magistrates Court and the Houses of Parliament. Social events have included paintballing, go-karting, surfing, a Christmas Ball at the Brighton Hilton Metropole, and a trip with law students from other universities to Amsterdam.

Through initiatives such as these, the society provides excellent opportunities for personal development and for networking with other students interested in a career in law.

Student Mooting Society

The Mooting Society has a fast-growing membership of over 120 students. The society provides workshops, guest speakers, socials, trips and competitions to help build members’ confidence and adversarial skills that are increasingly essential in any career path in the legal sector.

The objective of the mooting competitions is to develop the research and advocacy skills of future practitioners. Students argue both sides of a fictitious legal case in a courtroom setting in front of a panel of judges.

Course leaders

Dr Jack Thompson

Jack is a Principal Lecturer in Law and course leader on our LLB Law and LLB Law with Business degrees. 

He is the joint module leader of Law of Torts and leads the Healthcare Law and Ethics module. 

Jack has an LLB (Hons) in Law from the University of Westminster, an LLM in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice from Cardiff University and a PhD in Reproductive Medicine and Jurisprudence from the University of Westminster. 

He’s also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and has a PGCert in Higher Education from the University of Westminster. 

Jack’s research is concerned with the role of rights and autonomy within bioethics. He recently published research on the theory of rights, law and morality and sexual ethics. His research interests include jurisprudence, Law of Tort, medical law and mental health law. 

Find out more about Jack. 

Jo Smith

Jo is a senior lecturer and course Leader on our Law with Criminology degree. She also provides support for the Law LLB course.

She leads our Criminal Law and Family Law modules and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Institute, with a PGCert in Higher Education from the University of Surrey. 

Jo completed her PhD looking at feminist women’s experiences of online misogyny at the University of Surrey in 2019. She has subsequently published several book chapters on her PhD looking at bystander experiences of online misogyny, activist responses to online abuse and policing hate.

She’s presented her research at a number of national and international conferences and contributed to Law Commission reviews of online abuse and hate crime. Her current research projects look at domestic and sexual violence and LGBTQI+ life experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jo’s a qualified solicitor and has worked in criminal law since 2008, with experience in family law and civil liberties law too.

She’s worked as a legal adviser for Rights of Women since 2014 and has also been involved in activism and campaigning around women’s rights, domestic and sexual abuse and LGBTQI+ rights. Jo is a board member of Stop Hate UK and the British Society of Criminology, and a member of the Policing Institute for the Eastern Region, ARU steering committee for a project on gender diversity in the justice system.

Jo’s always happy to talk about her experiences in law and uses her practical experience to shape her teaching.

Read more about Jo.

Course fees

This course offers a professional placement (sandwich) year in year 3. If you choose to take this placement you will pay a reduced fee during this year. For students starting their undergraduate degree in the 2025–26 academic year, the fee for the professional placement year is £1,500 for UK students and £1,850 for international students. This fee may be subject to small increases in line with inflation.

This scholarship is supported by Family Law Partners and is open to students enrolled in an undergraduate law course and in receipt of a full student finance package, a University of Brighton Bursary, Care Leaver’s Bursary or Estranged Student Bursary. There are two scholarships available, offering £2,000 a year for three years plus mentoring opportunities with Family Law Partners.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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