MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
LLM Criminal Law and Criminal Justice
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Commencing in September 2025, the LLM can be pursued full-time over one year or part-time over two years. It is tailored for individuals with a background in law or related disciplines such as criminology, sociology, or political science. The program emphasizes critical engagement with both legal doctrines and criminological theories, preparing graduates for roles in legal practice, policy development, and academic research.
Curriculum: The course structure includes core modules like Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Criminology in Theory and Method, and Issues in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice. Students undertake a dissertation, allowing for in-depth exploration of a chosen topic. Optional modules, subject to availability, cover areas such as Cybercrime Law, Economic Crime, Hate Crime and Sexual Violence, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery, and Terrorism and the Internet. This diverse curriculum enables students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the criminal justice field.
Research Focus: The program is underpinned by the latest research from faculty members specializing in areas including criminal law theory, comparative criminal justice, terrorism and international crimes, financial crimes, human rights and criminal justice, hate crime, sexual offending, policing, and restorative justice. This research-led approach ensures that students are exposed to contemporary debates and methodologies in the field.
Industry Engagement: Students benefit from networking opportunities with professionals, practitioners, and activists globally. These interactions provide practical insights and can be instrumental in shaping career trajectories post-graduation. The university's Careers and Employability Centre offers support through internships, consultancy projects, and career development programs, enhancing employability in various sectors.
Global Perspective: The LLM program attracts a diverse student body, fostering a multicultural learning environment. This global perspective enriches classroom discussions and broadens understanding of international criminal justice systems. Graduates are well-equipped to address legal issues in a global context, making them valuable assets in international organizations, NGOs, and cross-border legal practices.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.
Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
The University of Sussex, located in the United Kingdom, is renowned for offering high-quality education and a dynamic learning environment. With a strong academic reputation, the university provides an exceptional platform for students to pursue a variety of courses, including its specialized programs like the LLM in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice. This program is designed to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge for careers in law, criminal justice, and related fields.
Legal Practice: Graduates of the LLM in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice are well-prepared for roles in criminal law firms, both in the UK and internationally. They may work as solicitors or legal advisors specializing in criminal defense, prosecution, or legal consultancy, offering expert advice on criminal matters. Positions within barristers' chambers or criminal law practices are also common career paths.
Policy Development: A significant number of graduates pursue careers in policy-making and advocacy. This includes working with governmental bodies, think tanks, or international organizations like the United Nations, focusing on the development of criminal justice policies, reform initiatives, and human rights legislation. Graduates may contribute to shaping policies that influence national and international justice systems.
Human Rights and International Law: The global perspective offered by the LLM program prepares students for careers in human rights law. This may involve working for international courts, NGOs, or human rights advocacy groups, where they can address issues such as war crimes, torture, and gender-based violence. Graduates may also engage in diplomatic roles where they represent international interests in criminal justice reform.
Criminal Justice Administration: Graduates can also pursue careers in the administration of criminal justice, working with police forces, correctional facilities, and government agencies that oversee the criminal justice system. These roles may involve managing criminal cases, working in rehabilitation programs, or conducting research to improve system efficiencies.
Academic and Research Careers: For those with a passion for research, the LLM in Criminal Law and Criminal Justice provides a solid foundation for further academic study. Graduates may pursue Ph.D. programs and engage in research related to criminal law, criminology, and criminal justice policy. Universities, research institutes, and think tanks offer opportunities for such academic roles.
Consultancy and Forensic Analysis: Another career path for graduates is in criminal justice consultancy or forensic analysis. Graduates can work as independent consultants, advising law enforcement agencies or private firms on issues related to criminal investigations, crime prevention strategies, or forensic science applications in criminal cases.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and International Organizations: Many graduates pursue positions in NGOs focused on criminal justice reform, particularly those that work in areas such as social justice, rehabilitation of offenders, and international human rights law. Their expertise in criminal justice systems can be invaluable in driving change in developing countries or in advocating for improvements to international law.
