Swansea University

What you'll study

This single honours programme delivers the core modules required for a qualifying law degree alongside modules in criminology and criminal justice. In early years you will cover foundational legal subjects such as Contract Law, Tort, Criminal Law, Public (Constitutional) Law and Legal Research/Skills. Criminology modules introduce criminological theory, crime types and the organisation of criminal justice.

In later stages you will study more specialised topics including Evidence and Proof, Sentencing and Punishment, Policing and Policy, Youth Justice, Rehabilitation and Prison Studies, and Comparative/International Criminal Justice. Research methods and a major dissertation or research project give you the opportunity to undertake an independent piece of work focused on a legal or criminological question.

• Core law modules: Criminal Law, Contract, Tort, Public Law, Property and Legal Research & Skills.
• Criminology modules: Criminological Theory, Crime & Society, Policing, Youth Justice, Penology and Victimology.
• Optional and advanced modules: Human Rights, International Criminal Law, Evidence, Sentencing, White-collar Crime, Cybercrime, and a supervised Dissertation or Major Project.
• Teaching and assessment: A mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, mooting and problem-based learning, assessed by essays, exams, coursework, presentations and a final research project.

Entry requirements

Successful applicants typically present a combination of qualifications such as A-levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, Irish Leaving Certificate or recognised international equivalents. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong written and analytical skills; GCSEs in English and Mathematics (or equivalent) are commonly requested. Swansea University considers contextual information and relevant experience for mature or non-traditional applicants. International students should provide recognised English language evidence where required.

Applicants with relevant vocational qualifications or prior higher education may be eligible for advanced entry; details should be confirmed with the university admissions service.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of careers. As a qualifying law degree, the LLB route provides the academic stage necessary for legal practice—followed by vocational training routes such as the Solicitor Qualifying Examination (SQE) pathway or Bar training for those aiming to become barristers. The criminology element opens additional pathways into policing, probation and offender management, youth justice, prison and rehabilitation services, forensic and research roles, policy and public sector posts, criminal intelligence and working with charities and advocacy organisations.

Many students also move into roles in compliance, local government, the civil service, victim support and community-based interventions, or continue to postgraduate study in law, criminology or related social sciences.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers a research-led Law School with practical learning opportunities including mooting, pro bono clinics and skills workshops designed to develop advocacy and practice-ready skills. Teaching is supported by staff active in research on criminal justice, human rights and comparative law, and by links with local criminal justice agencies that support placements and guest seminars.

The university environment provides access to interdisciplinary expertise across social sciences and forensic-related fields, giving students options to tailor their studies. Swansea’s student support services, careers centre and employability programmes help to prepare students for professional accreditation and graduate employment in law and the wider criminal justice sector.