Law with Criminology

Human rights breaches. Miscarriages of justice. Environmental harms. Law and crime permeate all spheres and sectors. Learn from leading experts as you develop your legal skills. Join in mooting competitions and network with prestigious Law firms to create invaluable connections.

Gain an in-depth perspective on today’s most pressing issues by studying criminology as part of your Law degree, with topics ranging from criminal justice and youth crime to social harm and environmental crime. You will have the opportunity to connect with local agencies such as the police and the prison service.

Why Lancaster?

• Unravel technical legal topics: Uncover how Law shapes our society and take a critical look at the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice

• Explore today’s challenges: Examine crime through a social justice lens and explore topics such as drug-related crimes, sex offences, organised crime, and human rights violations

• Exceptional academic support: Work closely with world-class academics committed to innovative teaching and student support

• Build connections: Gain valuable real-world experience by taking part in our community Law Clinic or Street Law project, and meet law enforcement and criminal justice experts

Law and crime in context and society
Law is one of the most fascinating and intellectually challenging subjects you can choose. You will gain a good understanding of Law in context and wider societal issues. Building on the foundations of legal knowledge, you’ll also learn about issues that are right at the heart of our society such as human rights law, litigation funding, legal history, property law and the right to protest.

Studying criminology at Lancaster complements your legal studies by providing alternative perspectives on issues of crime, punishment and justice. You will look critically at the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts of crime and criminal justice, as well as viewing challenges through a social justice lens.

You will examine how crime is portrayed in the media and popular culture and explore how deviancy is rendered as a criminal act and how activism and protest can be demonised. You will learn to untangle the complex relationship between society, crime, and the criminal justice system and explore what alternative ways of doing justice might look like now and in the future. This is not dramatised or romantic crime. This is real life: brutal, saddening, enraging, uncomfortable, but fascinating.

Establish professional connections
You'll benefit from our strong links to Chambers, Law firms and related professions from across the UK, including Magic Circle firms from London. We usually host alumni visits and lectures, and a Law Fair, which is typically attended by lawyers and members of their recruitment teams.

You'll meet professionals at NGOs and charities, as well as local criminal justice agencies such as Lancashire Constabulary, the Police Federation for England and Wales, Police Scotland, HMP Lancaster Farms, HMP Thorn Cross, prison education providers Novus, and Probation and Youth Justice.

Practical experience is key
To stand out as a graduate, you need practical real-world experience as well as academic prowess. In our Law Clinic you can interview clients and, supervised by a qualified solicitor, offer free legal advice to members of the local community on topics from family law and consumer disputes to wills and probate.

Our facilities include a purpose-built Mock Court Room complete with state-of-the-art technology. Through a realistic courtroom experience, you’ll develop your courtroom skills and confidence.

We provide a variety of placement and volunteering opportunities, with organisations such as West Mercia Police, HMP Lancaster Farms, Partners of Prisoners (POPS) and Family Support, Red Rose Recovery, and Global Telemetrics (Security Liaison) and Enterprise.