University of York

What you'll study

This joint degree brings together foundational modules in law with criminology and criminal justice theory. In law you can expect to cover core areas such as contract, tort, criminal law, public/constitutional law, and property, alongside legal skills including legal research, legal reasoning and advocacy. Criminology teaching typically includes criminological theory, theories of punishment, criminal justice institutions, policing, youth justice, penology and comparative perspectives on crime.

• Year 1: introductory modules that establish legal doctrine and basic criminological concepts, plus skills modules on academic and professional research, essay and exam technique.
• Year 2: intermediate study of substantive law topics and criminology subjects (research methods, quantitative and qualitative approaches), with optional modules allowing specialisation in areas such as family violence, organised crime, cybercrime or human rights.
• Final year: advanced options and a substantial independent research project or dissertation in criminology or a law-related topic; practical experience opportunities (mooting, pro bono work or placements) are often available.

Assessment is typically a mix of unseen examinations, coursework essays, oral presentations, moots or simulated client exercises and a supervised dissertation or major project. The programme emphasises critical thinking, evidence appraisal and communication skills that are transferable to professional practice.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and the department looks for strong academic performance and an ability to engage with both doctrinal legal study and social-science approaches. Typical offers are in the mid to high range of advanced-level qualifications; equivalent international qualifications and recognised access routes are also considered. Applicants usually need a good pass in GCSE/Level 2 English language (or an equivalent) and may be expected to demonstrate engagement with legal or criminological issues through personal statement and references.

Other accepted qualifications include the International Baccalaureate, Access to Higher Education diplomas, and recognised international school-leaving certificates. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or voluntary experience in criminal justice, social services or advocacy are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on the strength of their whole application.

Career prospects

graduates from the LLB Law & Criminology follow diverse career paths. Many progress to professional legal training (such as routes to qualifying as a solicitor or barrister) or further postgraduate study in law, criminology or criminological research. Others move directly into roles within the criminal justice system, including policing, probation, youth offending teams, prison service, victim support and rehabilitation services.

Additional career destinations include policy and research roles in government and non-governmental organisations, roles in the civil service, advocacy and human rights organisations, criminal intelligence and compliance, and graduate schemes in business and the third sector. The programme’s combination of legal knowledge and social-science research skills is valued by employers where analytical reasoning, evidence evaluation and written communication are required.

Why study at University of York

The University of York offers interdisciplinary teaching across its Law School and departments that specialise in sociology and criminology, enabling students to study law in close dialogue with social and policy perspectives on crime. Teaching is research-led and complemented by practical learning opportunities such as mooting, pro bono clinics and links with criminal justice agencies in the region.

York’s campus environment supports independent study and close contact with academic staff. Students benefit from a range of student support services, employability workshops, career events and chances to pursue placements and volunteering in the criminal justice sector. The programme is designed to develop the analytical, research and communication skills required for professional legal training and for careers across public, private and third-sector organisations concerned with crime and justice.