Criminal Law

Highlights

Study Law with a criminal focus and prepare to support people at the most difficult time of their lives, in private practice or working for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or Public Defender Service (PDS). Acquire a better understanding of the UK’s criminal justice system with fieldtrips and guest speakers, including criminal law barristers, Chambers, the police, probation service and prominent academics. Benefit from a supportive study environment with easy access to lecturers and classes taught by internationally respected researchers and solicitors, a moot court and dedicated law library.

Gain expertise in core legal subjects that satisfy the Bar Standards Board's requirements for barristers and provide essential knowledge for solicitors. Join an active student Law Society, participate in mooting competitions, field trips to judicial institutions such as the UK and Welsh Parliaments, Supreme Court.

Course overview

Criminal Law is the most well-known area of law. It covers everything from summary offences like shoplifting, vandalism and most driving offences, to the most serious indictable offences, such as murder, manslaughter, robbery, and rape. This Criminal Law LLB law (Hons) degree gives you a deeper understanding of crime, criminal law and the criminal justice system.

You will graduate with a Law degree which meets the academic requirements for qualification as a barrister (Bar Standards Board compliant), but also provides essential knowledge for students aspiring to be solicitors. Amongst an attractive array of modules including aspects of criminal justice and psychology, you can also choose vocational subjects tested in the Solicitors’ Qualifying Examinations (SQE) - such as Business Law, Wills and Estates, and Property Practice - providing you with a gateway to professional training to become a solicitor. Equally valued by employers outside the legal profession are the skills you’ll develop during your studies.

This includes, for example, strong self-discipline, critical thinking and diligence, not to mention outstanding communication, debating and negotiation skills from mooting in our mock courtroom. As well as covering the fundamental areas of the Law on this degree, specialist optional modules allow you to focus on areas of interest within Criminal Law. For example, you could delve into prosecution processes, sentencing and how actions are criminalised by the State, or focus more on the human aspects of criminal behaviour.

Thanks to our longstanding relationship with Linenhall Chambers, the leading set of barristers chambers for Chester, North and Mid Wales, our students can apply to a participate in a four-week mini pupillage. This provides a unique opportunity to shadow criminal barristers and those working in other areas of the Law as they work with clients and conduct their cases both in and out of court. At Bangor University, we bring the study of law to life.

Participate in mock trials, internal moots, visit law firms, judicial institutions and government institutions. You'll also have the chance to hear from practising lawyers, legal experts and specialist law firms. Read more Course options

Placement year

What is the Placement Year? This exciting opportunity allows you to spend a year working with a self-sourced, professional organisation relevant to your studies. You'll typically start between June and September of your second year and finish by the following June or September.

Placements can be UK-based or even overseas. Why choose a Placement Year? Gain practical experience that complements your academic learning Make valuable industry contacts that could open doors for future careers Strengthen your employability by gaining real-world experience.

How does the Placement Year work? With dedicated support from your Academic School and our Careers and Employability Services, you will be fully equipped to find the perfect placement to complement your degree. We will…