MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a fascinating and comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to understanding justice, crime, and the legal system. This three-year undergraduate degree provides students with a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), serving as the academic foundation for those aspiring to become solicitors (via the SQE route) or barristers (via the BPTC). Beyond core legal subjects, the program deeply explores criminological theories, examining the causes of crime, patterns of deviance, and societal responses to criminality. It cultivates critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to evaluate ethical dilemmas within the context of the criminal justice system, preparing graduates for impactful careers in legal practice, law enforcement, victim support, and various social and criminal justice roles.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology is carefully designed to integrate foundational legal knowledge with key criminological insights. In the first year, students are introduced to essential legal concepts through modules such as "English Legal System," "Public Law," and "Criminal Law," complemented by "Investigating Criminal Justice," which introduces core criminological methods and concepts. The second year builds upon this foundation with further core legal subjects like "Tort Law," "EU Law," and "Contract Law," alongside specialised criminology modules that delve into "Criminological Theory" and "Punishment and Society." The final year involves studying subjects in greater depth, including "Property Law (Land Law)" and "Equity and Trusts," and culminates in a supervised "Extended Essay in Law" or a "Criminology Research Project," allowing for in-depth research. Optional modules in the final year can include "International Criminal Law," "Counter Radicalisation and Terrorism," "Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Organised Crime," and "Cultural Legal Studies," enabling students to specialise further in areas of particular interest.
Research Focus: The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology program at St. Mary's University is strongly informed by the diverse and active research interests of its academic staff. Many lecturers are experts in both legal practice and criminological theory, bringing contemporary issues and real-world cases into the classroom. The department's research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including modern slavery and human trafficking, terrorism and counter-radicalisation, green criminology, sports criminology, and the intersections of drugs, alcohol, homelessness, and crime. The program encourages students to engage in critical analysis and independent research, particularly through the final-year dissertation or research project, allowing them to delve deeply into a legal or criminological topic of their choice under expert supervision, often drawing on the latest academic scholarship. The program also has connections to the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery and the Centre for Law and Culture, enriching the research environment.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology program, capitalising on St. Mary's University's proximity to London's major legal districts and criminal justice institutions. The program offers numerous hands-on experiences designed to bring learning to life and enhance employability. These include opportunities for simulated negotiation exercises, moot court competitions, and participation in pro bono initiatives where students can volunteer at legal advice clinics or other community-focused legal projects. Students have opportunities to visit key legal institutions such as the Supreme Court, Old Bailey, and the Royal Courts of Justice. Furthermore, students can undertake work placements in the local or wider London area, in private solicitor firms, barristers' chambers, charities working within the criminal justice system, or organisations like the Youth Justice Board, providing invaluable real-world exposure, practical experience, and networking opportunities within the legal and criminal justice sectors.
Global Perspective: The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology program at St. Mary's University fosters a strong global perspective, acknowledging that crime, justice, and legal systems are increasingly interconnected across national borders. The curriculum includes core modules such as "Public Law" and "EU Law," which inherently involve understanding legal frameworks beyond national boundaries, and "Criminal Law" which explores fundamental principles applicable across common law jurisdictions. Optional modules like "International Criminal Law" and "Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Organised Crime" directly engage with global legal principles, international conventions, and cross-border challenges related to crime and justice. Many academic staff members have international experience or research interests in global legal and criminological issues, enriching the classroom with a worldwide outlook on crime, justice, and human rights. This exposure prepares graduates to critically engage with complex legal and criminological issues that transcend national boundaries.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a unique and compelling blend of foundational legal knowledge and deep insight into the causes, prevention, and societal responses to crime. This interdisciplinary approach equips graduates with a robust set of analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, alongside a nuanced understanding of the criminal justice system and human behaviour. This dual expertise makes graduates highly adaptable and sought after for a variety of roles within the legal, criminal justice, and public service sectors.
Criminal Barrister / Solicitor: Graduates can pursue careers as barristers or solicitors, specialising in criminal law. Their deep understanding of criminology provides a unique perspective on criminal behaviour, motivations, and rehabilitation, which can be invaluable in defending or prosecuting cases. Further vocational training (SQE or BPTC) is required.
Police Officer / Detective: The strong legal foundation combined with criminological insights into crime patterns, prevention strategies, and offender behaviour makes graduates ideal candidates for policing roles. They are well-equipped to understand legal procedures, investigate crimes, and contribute to public safety.
Probation Officer: Graduates can work with offenders in the community, assessing risks, managing rehabilitation programmes, and helping to reintegrate individuals into society. Their criminological knowledge is crucial for understanding the factors contributing to offending and developing effective interventions.
Prison Officer / Prison Service Management: With an understanding of both the legal framework of incarceration and the sociological aspects of imprisonment, graduates can work within the prison system, contributing to inmate welfare, security, and rehabilitation efforts.
Crime Analyst: Utilising their research and analytical skills, graduates can work for police forces, government agencies, or research organisations to analyse crime data, identify trends, and provide intelligence to inform crime prevention strategies and policy development.
Victim Support Officer / Advocate: The criminological focus on victimology and the impact of crime on individuals and communities prepares graduates for roles in victim support services, offering practical and emotional assistance to those affected by crime.
Civil Servant (Home Office, Ministry of Justice): The analytical, research, and policy evaluation skills gained are highly valued in government departments. Graduates can contribute to policy development, research, and administrative roles related to criminal justice, immigration, or social welfare.
Youth Offending Team (YOT) Officer: Specialising in working with young offenders, graduates can apply their knowledge of youth justice, developmental criminology, and rehabilitation strategies to support young people involved in the criminal justice system and prevent re-offending.
Social Worker (with further training): While often requiring postgraduate qualifications, the Law with Criminology degree provides an excellent foundation for social work, particularly in areas dealing with individuals and families affected by crime, substance abuse, or domestic violence.
Legal Researcher / Academic (with further study): For those with a passion for scholarly inquiry, the interdisciplinary nature of the degree can lead to postgraduate study (MA, PhD) in criminology, criminal justice, or socio-legal studies, leading to careers in academic research or lecturing.
