Criminal Law

This course allows you to specialise in an important area of legal practice, giving you a deeper understanding of crime, criminal law and the criminal justice system. As well as developing your legal skills, our strong links with the legal profession and industry ensure practical opportunities for ‘real world’ experiences. If you are passionate about criminal justice, this well-rounded degree is the perfect springboard to launch you into your chosen career.

The course is designed to foster your intellectual independence. You’ll be supported to develop the confidence and skills needed to think critically, to ask and answer cogent questions about law and its role in society, and to effectively communicate your reasoned arguments, orally or in writing.

You will acquire new knowledge and understanding of the principles and values of law and justice, and you’ll learn how law can be used to benefit individuals and societies, including the most marginalised in our community.

During the course you will study fundamental areas of legal knowledge. Not only will you study Criminal Law, but you will also examine subjects such as Public Law where you’ll learn about how the country is organised and run; and Contract Law where you’ll learn about how legal agreements are made and operate between people and companies. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to study topics such as Digital Policing and E-Crime, Crime and the Media and Organised Crime and Counterterrorism.

You’ll also have the opportunity to choose from exciting law optional modules such as International Law, Commercial Law, Human Rights, Sports Law, Roman Law & Legal History, Philosophy of Law and Family Law. If you choose our Work Placement module you will get the opportunity to experience legal work in a real-life situation.

You will be an active participant in your learning. It’s not all about sitting and reading. You'll learn the skills of debating, advocating and negotiating through a range of module and extra-curricular opportunities. You’ll also benefit from professional development activities, trips to government and judicial institutions, and from a wide range of guest speakers.

Throughout your studies you’ll acquire the academic knowledge and be introduced to the skills required to pursue a legal career should you wish to go on to qualify as a solicitor or barrister.

‘Placement Year’ and 'International Experience Year’ options are available for this course. You will have the opportunity to fully consider these options when you have started your course at Bangor and can make an application for a transfer onto such a pathway at the appropriate time.

If you don’t have the required qualifications for this degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you. Please see Law with Foundation Year (M10F).