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LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology

Analyse criminal behaviour, assess legal principles, and examine criminological theories to develop the expertise needed for careers in law enforcement, legal practice, or criminal justice.

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Time investment: 4 year

Location: Online

Cost: £20,987

Language: English

About this degree

Explore criminal law and criminology to specialise your legal expertise

Ever wondered how law and criminology intersect to shape society?

This dynamic programme from the University of Essex offers you the chance to delve into the core aspects of criminal law, criminology, and human behaviour while gaining a leg up in your legal career.

You’ll not only gain a strong foundation in legal principles but also learn to analyse the causes of crime and its impact on communities. Through flexible modules, you can tailor your studies, exploring topics like criminal investigation or the justice system, preparing you for various paths within the legal and criminal justice fields.

Dive deep into criminal law and criminology

From understanding criminal offences to exploring the social impacts of crime, this programme equips you with the skills to analyse both legal frameworks and criminal behaviour.

You’ll gain insight into investigative practices and juvenile justice, setting the stage for a wide range of legal careers.

Master must-have legal and criminal justice skills

You’ll develop essential legal competencies such as critical case analysis and statutory interpretation. These practical skills, combined with your criminology knowledge, will open doors to roles in law enforcement, policy-making, and criminal justice systems.

Shape your expertise through specialised options

You’ll have the opportunity to tailor your studies to your career goals by choosing from a variety of specialised modules, including criminal investigations, forensic psychology, and understanding the causes behind criminal behaviour. This flexibility allows you to focus on what matters most to you.

You’ll also gain a comprehensive understanding of international legal matters, such as EU law and cybercrime. This global perspective will prepare you for a dynamic career in the expanding fields of law and criminal justice.

Where you’ll be studying

Studying at the University of Essex Online

The University of Essex Online offers over 80 industry-led undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, computing, criminology, education, health, law and psychology.

Teaching is delivered 100% online and students benefit from a flexible approach to learning that allows them to fit study around their other commitments. Degrees are awarded by the University of Essex – ranked 12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

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Learning outcomes

Examine criminal liability and the elements of major offences such as homicide and theft.

Analyse the English legal system, case law, and the principles of statutory interpretation.

Investigate types of crime and explore the underlying causes of criminal behaviour.

Assess key principles for the prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation of offenders.

Understand the interaction between EU law and organisational decision-making processes.

Additional information

This course is tailored for individuals with non-traditional backgrounds, offering two different entry routes:

Academic route: three A-levels or equivalent
Work experience route: GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent, plus at least three years’ relevant work experience.

If English isn’t your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0.

This degree offers both full-time and part-time study options, allowing flexibility to fit around your commitments. Full-time learners typically dedicate 35 hours per week to their studies, while part-time learners can balance their academic work with other responsibilities, typically dedicating 15-20 hours per week.

Assessment methods include a variety of tasks such as written assignments, case studies, and practical exercises. These will test your ability to apply legal and criminological concepts in real-world scenarios, ensuring that you develop the skills needed to succeed in professional environments.

The knowledge gained from this programme opens doors to a wide array of career paths. Whether you're drawn to roles in management, finance, HR, education, criminal justice, or the voluntary sector, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive.

You’ll also lay the groundwork for pursuing professional legal qualifications, such as the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or a Bar Practice Course, depending on your career trajectory.