Law and Criminology

This three-year course covers the foundational legal subjects and combines them with a thorough study of the principles of criminology.

Gain a critical understanding of the Common Law of England and Wales in combination with a thorough study of the principles of criminology.

During your first two years at Sheffield, you’ll gain a strong grounding in the key areas of law and criminology through the study of the foundations of legal knowledge subjects and an introduction to criminological theory and research. These include criminal justice, explanations of crime and punishment and other responses to the phenomenon of crime.

In your final year, you can tailor your degree around your passions and career aspirations – choosing from criminology and law modules like criminal evidence, restorative justice or policing in a global context. The flexibility of this degree means by your final year, you can choose to specialise more in either law or criminology topics, or you can choose a range of both.

The spine of this degree is the Core Legal and Study Skills module, which runs through all three years and introduces you to mooting, employability workshops and study skills sessions. Because we want you to build confidence in these areas, this module isn’t part of your final grade.

With law at Sheffield, you have the option to study your third year abroad in one of our many partner universities, for an insight into another legal system. And you can gain real-world experience right here, with Sheffield’s pro bono schemes.

Whatever way you customise this degree, you’ll ultimately graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to start your career.

Why study this course?

Foundation for your career - if you plan to be a barrister, our LLB degrees satisfy the 'foundations of legal knowledge' set by the Bar Standards Board. If you plan to be a solicitor, you can also complete your Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) with the University of Law, right here. Regulations around qualifying for barristers and solicitors have changed recently.

Real-world experience - do real client work, advise start-ups and small businesses, and offer advice that can make a positive difference to the people of Sheffield, all through our many pro bono schemes.

Research-led teaching experience - work with international experts in the field of law and criminology, and experience learning informed by research rated as ‘world-leading’ and ‘internationally excellent.’