Bachelor of Laws (Honours) - Law and Criminal Justice

The University of Roehampton is ranked 1st in London for student satisfaction in Law (NSS 2021). In this law degree, students will be encouraged to think like a lawyer from day one. Exploring the essential law foundation subjects, students will learn to practise law, with a good understanding of current trends and responses to crime. The course has been designed by experienced academics and practitioners, with input from the University of Roehampton's internationally-renowned Crucible Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice. It is specifically designed for students' career development. Throughout this degree, students will gain the practical experience of putting law into action through the University of Roehampton's pro bono activities at the Law Clinic and the Citizens' Advice Bureau and have the opportunity to go on work placements. Through practice-based learning, students will learn to understand the law in the context of everyday life and legal practice, and apply their learning to critical criminological and legal issues. Students will begin by building a comprehension of the key functions of the English legal system, explore the moral dimension of the practice of law, grasp criminal law and human rights, and learn to present reasoned and logical arguments. Drawing on disciplines such as sociology, psychology and human rights, students will gain a dynamic understanding of legal concepts, values, principles and rules, as well as criminological theories and criminal justice practice. A high proportion of students' time will be spent working face to face with tutors, developing their understanding of legal and criminological issues, and the core skills and competencies legal practitioners are expected to have. Modules include Legal Systems, Ethics and Skills, where students will be introduced to the structure and functions of the English legal system; Criminal Law, which focuses on key principles in crimes such as murder, manslaughter, non-fatal and theft-related offences; and Introduction to Criminal Justice, where students will analyse contemporary trends and policies in the criminal justice system. The University of Roehampton's dedicated Careers Adviser has established links with graduate recruiters and can help students obtain a graduate role. Students will be supported to map out their aptitudes and create a career plan. The University of Roehampton will provide personalised sessions in CV and application writing, presentations, mock-interviews and commercial-awareness training, as well as opportunities to develop their networking skills. Above all, this degree provides students with a Qualifying Law Degree, with a specialism in criminology. This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost their employability even further. If students choose this route, they will take the placement following year two of their course, and then return to complete their degree.