MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
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LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (with a Placement Year)
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers a compelling and extended four-year undergraduate journey designed for students passionate about understanding the complexities of law and crime. This program provides a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD), establishing the essential academic foundation for those aspiring to become solicitors (via the SQE route) or barristers (via the BPTC). Beyond a rigorous study of core legal principles, the curriculum deeply explores criminological theories, examining the causes and patterns of crime, societal responses to criminality, and the workings of the criminal justice system. The distinctive feature is the integrated year-long work placement, typically undertaken between the second and final academic years. This invaluable experience allows students to apply their legal and criminological insights in professional settings, gaining practical skills, industry exposure, and building vital networks within legal, criminal justice, and public service sectors, significantly enhancing their career prospects.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (with a Placement Year) is meticulously structured to integrate foundational legal knowledge with key criminological insights, reinforced by a period of professional immersion. 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 third year is dedicated to the compulsory "Placement Year," where students gain real-world professional experience in a relevant legal or criminal justice environment. The final academic 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.
Research Focus: The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (with a Placement Year) 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. This allows them to delve deeply into a legal or criminological topic of their choice under expert supervision, often drawing on the latest academic scholarship and potentially informed by experiences gained during their placement year. The program also benefits from 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 cornerstone of the LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (with a Placement Year) program, capitalising on St. Mary's University's proximity to London's major legal districts and criminal justice institutions. The program integrates 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. The compulsory year-long industrial placement is a pivotal feature, offering students direct exposure to professional environments in sectors such as private solicitor firms, barristers' chambers, charities working within the criminal justice system, or organisations like the Youth Justice Board. This provides invaluable real-world experience, practical application of knowledge, and enables students to build essential professional networks, significantly enhancing their employability and career readiness.
Global Perspective: The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology (with a Placement Year) 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, often broadened and deepened through their international placement experiences, 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 (with a Placement Year) at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, offers graduates a powerful combination of in-depth legal knowledge and a nuanced understanding of crime and criminal justice. This interdisciplinary approach, significantly enhanced by a year of practical professional experience, equips students with highly valuable analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. The placement year provides invaluable real-world exposure, allowing students to apply their academic learning in relevant professional environments, build crucial networks, and enhance their employability within the legal, criminal justice, and public service sectors. Graduates emerge exceptionally well-prepared for a diverse range of impactful careers.
Criminal Solicitor / Barrister: Graduates can pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister specialising in criminal law. Their deep understanding of criminological theories, combined with practical legal experience from a placement, offers a unique advantage in understanding offender behaviour and the complexities of criminal cases. Further vocational training (SQE or BPTC) is required post-degree.
Police Officer / Detective: The robust legal foundation and criminological insights into crime prevention, investigation, and offender motivations, enriched by potential placement experience within law enforcement, make graduates highly suitable for roles as police officers or detectives. They possess a strong understanding of legal procedures and the criminal justice system.
Probation Officer: This role involves working with offenders in the community, assessing risks, managing rehabilitation programmes, and aiding their reintegration into society. The criminological knowledge, coupled with practical experience from a placement in a probation service or related organisation, is crucial for effective intervention and support.
Prison Officer / Prison Service Management: With an understanding of the legal framework of incarceration and the sociological aspects of imprisonment, graduates can work within the prison system. A placement year in a correctional facility would provide valuable hands-on experience in inmate welfare, security, and rehabilitation.
Crime Analyst: Graduates can apply their strong research and analytical skills to roles in crime analysis for police forces, government agencies, or research institutions. They analyse crime data, identify patterns, and provide intelligence to inform crime prevention strategies. Placement experience in a relevant analytical unit would be highly beneficial.
Victim Support Officer / Advocate: The program's focus on victimology and the impact of crime prepares graduates for roles in victim support services. Practical experience from a placement within a victim support charity or advocacy group would enhance their ability to provide essential assistance to those affected by crime.
Civil Servant (Home Office, Ministry of Justice): The analytical, research, and policy evaluation skills developed throughout the degree, along with practical experience from a government placement, are highly valued in civil service roles. Graduates can contribute to policy development and administrative functions related to criminal justice and public safety.
Youth Offending Team (YOT) Officer: Specialising in working with young offenders, graduates can apply their knowledge of youth justice and developmental criminology to support young people involved in the criminal justice system and prevent re-offending. A placement within a YOT would offer direct, invaluable experience.
Legal Researcher / Policy Officer (NGOs/Charities): Graduates can work for non-governmental organisations or charities focusing on human rights, criminal justice reform, or social welfare. Their legal and criminological expertise, possibly applied during a charity placement, is valuable for research, advocacy, and policy development roles.
Social Researcher (Criminology Focus): With strong research methodologies learned, graduates can pursue careers in social research, focusing specifically on crime and justice issues. This involves conducting surveys, interviews, and data analysis for universities, think tanks, or government bodies. A placement in a research-oriented organisation would provide a significant head start.
