Learn about British and European Union law, and the methodological and theoretical tools that criminological practitioners use. This is an ideal degree for those looking to work in a range of roles within the Criminal Justice System or in sectors where a broad knowledge of the law is useful. In the most recent Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey, 100% of all 2017 graduates from this course were in work or further study within six months.

Crime continues to be a central focus of public concern and political debate, particularly in world cities such as London. This specialist course will delve into the causes and effects of crime and criminal behaviour, and explore the criminal justice system, including the police, judiciary and prisons, examining the concept of justice and sentencing. You'll learn about British and European Union law, and the methodological and theoretical tools that criminological practitioners use.

The course is delivered through a range of pedagogic methods including formal lectures, seminars, workshops, project-based research activity and, where necessary, individual tutorials. There’s an emphasis on the link between teaching, practice and research. A number of the staff in our criminology and law subject areas are active researchers, and their research findings often provide the basis for teaching and learning on the course modules. The teaching staff have published articles on a range of topics including gang culture, international organised crime, cybercrime, child protection and the probation service.

Our Criminology and Law BA (Hons) degree course integrates face-to-face engagement with online learning. You’ll have access to our very own mock courtroom. We provide detailed knowledge and understanding of legal rules and their contexts as well as developing general skills such as independent research, critical judgement and debating, communication and teamwork, which will prepare you for the world of work and a range of careers.

Our excellent London location means that MPs, visiting professors, successful graduates, as well as representatives from legal organisations and businesses are often guest speakers at London Met. Our location also provides easy access to London's many legal resources as well as a range of opportunities for voluntary work and work placement opportunities.

This is not a qualifying law degree for training for the legal professions. Please see our Law LLB, Business Law LLB or Law (with international Relations) LLB course if you’re interested in a qualifying law degree. You're assessed via essays, seen and unseen examinations, research projects and a final dissertation.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

A minimum of grades BBC in three A levels (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg Advanced Diploma)
GCSE English at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Applications are welcome from mature students who have passed appropriate access or other preparatory courses or have appropriate work experience. If you do not have traditional qualifications or cannot meet the entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, you may still be able to gain entry by completing the Criminology, Policing and Law Extended degree.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Applicants who require a Tier 4 student visa may need to provide a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. For more information about English qualifications please see our English language requirements.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2018/19 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time. Year 1 modules include:

Criminal Law (core, 30 credits)
Introduction to Criminological Theory (core, 30 credits)
Legal System (core, 30 credits)
Researching Crime and Deviance (core, 30 credits)

Year 2 modules include

Measuring and Interpreting Crime (core, 30 credits)
Public Law (core, 30 credits)
Crime, Media and Technology (option, 15 credits)
Perspectives on Policing (option, 30 credits)
Youth, Crime and Violence (option, 15 credits)
Youth, Resistance and Social Control (option, 30 credits)

Year 3 modules include

Civil Liberties and Human Rights (core, 30 credits)
Crime Control and Penology (core, 30 credits)
Criminological Research Practice (alternative core, 15 credits)
Criminology and Law Project (alternative core, 30 credits)
Law Extended Essay (alternative core, 15 credits)
Criminology Work Experience (option, 15 credits)
Gender and Sexuality (option, 30 credits)
Penal Policy (option, 15 credits)
Social Control, Drugs and Organised Crime (option, 30 credits)
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism (option, 15 credits)

After the course

Graduates have gone on to careers in the police service, the probation service and other areas of the criminal justice system as well as undertaking further professional training in the legal field. The programme is also excellent preparation for further study. The analytical, methodological and legal skills acquired on successful completion provide a strong grounding for development within many different careers.