Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This degree brings together core elements of undergraduate law with modules in criminology, giving you both doctrinal understanding of the law and sociological perspectives on crime and punishment. In the early stages you study foundational legal subjects that are commonly required for legal professional pathways, alongside introductory criminology topics.

• Core law modules: contract law, criminal law, tort, public law (constitutional and administrative law), and equity and trusts—these provide the substantive and procedural knowledge central to legal study.
• Criminology modules: theories of crime, crime and society, youth and juvenile justice, victims and victimology, comparative criminal justice systems, and policing studies.
• Research and skills: legal skills and advocacy (mooting and negotiation), criminological research methods and statistics, and training in legal writing and case analysis.
• Optional and advanced topics: modules may include sentencing and punishment, restorative justice, international human rights, cybercrime, white-collar crime, and forensic psychology. You can tailor final-year options to specialise towards interests such as criminal law practice, policy, or academic research.
• Dissertation or extended project: in the final year you typically undertake a supervised independent research project in law or criminology on a topic of your choice, demonstrating your ability to conduct sustained analysis and present reasoned conclusions.
• Work experience and practical learning: many cohorts undertake placements, pro bono work, clinic activity or applied projects with criminal justice agencies, which develop employability and practical insight.

Entry requirements

Typical entry expects successful completion of secondary education qualifications such as A-levels, BTEC, or an equivalent international qualification (for example the International Baccalaureate). Acceptable combinations vary by applicant background; institutions usually specify tariff points or subject requirements rather than single universal criteria.

• A-levels / UK equivalents: offers commonly require a mix of grades across subjects; there is no single required subject, though law and social science subjects are useful preparation.
• International students: equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate or recognised national credentials are accepted; English language proficiency is required (e.g. IELTS or equivalent recognised test) for applicants whose first language is not English.
• Access and mature applicants: relevant access to higher education diplomas, professional experience in legal or criminal justice settings, or other vocational qualifications are considered. Admissions panels look for academic potential and motivation.
• GCSEs: many applicants will be expected to have passes in GCSE English and Maths or accepted equivalents.
• Additional assessment: some applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to submit a personal statement demonstrating interest in law and criminology and relevant experience.

Career prospects

Graduates of Law with Criminology have diverse career pathways across legal, criminal justice and public-policy sectors. The combined focus equips you for roles that require legal understanding plus insight into crime, social causes and institutional responses.

• Legal careers: while this degree provides foundational legal knowledge, those intending to qualify as solicitors or barristers typically pursue further professional training (such as the Graduate Diploma in Law or qualifying law conversion courses where necessary, followed by vocational training).
• Criminal justice and policing: roles in policing, probation, prison services, offender management and youth justice are common destinations, often supported by placement experience and sector-specific employer schemes.
• Policy, research and advocacy: employment with government departments, non-governmental organisations, think-tanks, and charities working on crime reduction, victim support, human rights and social policy.
• Forensic and analytical roles: opportunities exist in victim services, offender rehabilitation, and areas that combine qualitative/quantitative research skills with applied forensic knowledge.
• Further study: many graduates progress to postgraduate taught or research degrees in law, criminology, criminal justice, social policy or related disciplines to specialise or pursue academic careers.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes offers a practical, student-centred approach that emphasises employability and real-world learning. The university is located close to Oxford city centre, giving access to legal, civic and cultural institutions and a network of criminal justice organisations for placements and collaborative projects.

• Applied learning: teaching includes advocacy workshops, mooting, simulated court exercises and opportunities for placements or pro bono work that build practical skills valued by employers.
• Interdisciplinary teaching: the programme draws on strengths across law, sociology and forensic-related subjects to provide a rounded understanding of crime, law and social responses.
• Support and facilities: students benefit from specialist law teaching staff, legal skills centres, careers support tailored to law and criminal justice pathways, and research-active academics who supervise independent projects.
• Local and professional links: established links with legal practices, policing bodies, probation services and third-sector organisations help secure placement opportunities and guest lectures from practitioners.