LLB (Hons) Law and Criminal Justice

30 credits 

This module will focus on the fundamental concepts and principles concerned with the ownership, use and development of land with an emphasis on real property. You will understand the legal definition of land, the meaning of land ownership and how land it is transferred. You will develop the ability to identify the rights that can be acquired by third parties over land, including easements, covenants and mortgages and understand the precise nature of those rights.

You will consider how the law adapts longstanding concepts to modern practices and policies. This module is concerned with the law of England and Wales.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover the principles and practices governing property ownership. Workshops will mainly focus on case-based scenarios to encourage debate and provide a platform for analysing the way the law operates in the real world.

You will develop keys skills such legal research using the legal databases and Law Trove and structuring legal arguments through debate.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a legal podcast or blog (30%) and a scenario-based assessment (70%).

30 credits 

You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the law of torts.

The module begins by situating the law of torts in relation to the broad principles underpinning contract and criminal law; introducing you briefly to the broad range of torts and then focuses on the fundamental principles of liability with particular reference to negligence. Other torts (e.g., nuisance) are considered, as are current issues of particular difficulty and importance in respect of the law of torts.

You will develop your ability to apply the law to legal problems and solve them, as well as the ability to develop a reasoned legal argument and to evaluate the merits of competing legal arguments. The Torts module will also improve your transferable intellectual and professional skills in order to prepare you for further subjects in your course and future employment.  

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover the core materials exploring the legal principles that underpin tort liability, while workshops will consist of the use and application of the core materials through problem-solving exercises, essay questions and other activities which encourage the general analysis and evaluation of the use of legal rules regarding the topics covered.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a multiple-choice exam (50%) and coursework (50%).

30 credits 

This module will give you a comprehensive understanding of the legal and institutional frameworks of the European Union, examining their historical development, contemporary operation, and future challenges.

It explores the relationship between EU law and domestic legal systems, analysing the practical implications of EU membership, Brexit, and ongoing European legal integration within wider political, social, and economic contexts.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover the principles and frameworks of EU law, while the workshops will complement the lectures by enhancing the development of your practical skills through multiple-choice questions, problem-solving exercises, and critical discussions.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a problem-based assessment (50%) and a case note on a decision of the European Union Law (50%).

Module overview: You will develop an understanding about the key foundational theories, concepts and ideas of punishment and victimisation.

You will learn about punishment and rehabilitation, theories and how practices have changed. You will also learn what victimization is, how it is constructed and how it shapes the idea of justice.

How you’ll learn: You’ll learn about the module’s topic through mini-taught sessions. You’ll also take part in class activities, workshops, and group tasks where you’ll be encouraged to get involved and work with others. These sessions might include reading and presenting, interactive exercises, group work, solving problems, discussing ideas, debating topics, and doing quizzes to check your understanding. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through a poster and an essay.  

0 credits 

The purpose of this module is to provide you with a basic introduction to the skills necessary to obtain and succeed on a work placement, a period of pro bono work-based learning in the Legal Advice Centre or Citizens Advice.

It provides an excellent opportunity for you to develop and apply a range of competencies associated with employment in an area that is of interest to you and for which your undergraduate degree work has provided a suitable preparation.

Teaching and learning

You will learn through weekly lectures and independent study.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a personal career profile, CV and covering letter and job study.

30 credits 

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of the law relating to wills, trusts, and the administration of estates.

You will develop advanced understanding of the legal frameworks governing succession planning, wealth management, and estate administration in England and Wales. The module examines the formal requirements for valid wills, the principles of testamentary freedom, intestacy rules, and the establishment and management of different types of trusts.

You will engage with both doctrinal principles and practical aspects of estate planning and administration, developing critical awareness of the policy considerations, ethical dimensions, and social contexts that shape this area of law. The module balances theoretical understanding with practical legal skills relevant to private client practice.

You will study the rights, duties and powers of settlors, trustees and beneficiaries and develop the ability to apply relevant legal principles to complex fact patterns. You will learn when a fiduciary relationship exists and how to recognise when a non-express trust may be imposed by equity. You will also explore the evolving use of equitable remedies.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover core content regarding the legal formalities required to establish a valid will, a trust or to administer an estate, while workshops will consist of interactive sessions discussing in more detail the development of the principles, the context in which they apply and areas for development.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by an essay (50%) and a multiple-choice exam (50%).

30 credits 

The purpose of this module is to provide an excellent opportunity for you to develop and apply a range of competences associated with employment The overall aim of the module is to enhance your work-related skills by undertaking practical work in a legal work-related environment and critically evaluating and reflecting on your experience.

You will need to manage your own learning within the organisation and outside the class-based environment. Key to the module is the need for you to explore the relationship between the study of law as an academic discipline and the practice of law and its application in the working environment.

You will be encouraged to use reflection to enhance, refine and develop personal theories of professional practice, with due regard to ethical, conceptual and contextual needs and/or outcomes.

Teaching and learning

The majority of the syllabus will be devoted to pro-bono work-based learning (WBL) undertaken with the Citizens Advice Bureau or other organisations.

You will attend introductory sessions with the module leader and seminars will also provide the forum for briefings and formal input on assessment requirements.

During your WBL, you will be supervised by the your contact, module tutor workshops to support your learning log and presentation completion. Moodle will be used as a repository of key documentation and as discussion forum.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by Reflective Learning Log (70%) and an individual oral presentation (30%).

30 credits 

This module will give you practical legal skills through experiential learning in a supervised clinical environment.

You will engage directly with real client cases under the supervision of qualified practitioners, developing professional competencies essential for legal practice.

The module integrates theoretical learning with practical application, allowing you to develop client interviewing skills, case management capabilities, legal drafting expertise, and ethical awareness. By working with real clients on actual legal problems, you will gain authentic insights into legal practice while providing a valuable service to the community through the university's law clinic.

The module emphasises reflective practice and professional development, preparing you for future careers in law and related fields.

Teaching and learning

You will gain experience of practical casework by working on live client files in the provision of free legal advice to members of the community. You will work in pairs or groups of three under the supervision of qualified supervising solicitors/barristers.

You will read client referrals notes and review any associated client documents, making a list of further information that might be required, questions to ask the client, and basically identifying any gaps in information which will need to be addressed during client interviews. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for your learning by undertaking any legal research necessary, particularly if the legal issue involved is new to you.

Once you're adequately prepared, you will call your allocated client (one day per week) and prepare an attendance note for the supervising solicitor to review ahead of client interviews with the solicitor which are held a few days later. You will attend the interview with clients and your supervising solicitor and take notes of the meeting and of any advice or next steps conveyed to the client. Time is set aside after client interviews to explain to you the reasons for the legal advice provided to a client.

You will then work on the client’s file, undertaking whatever tasks have been assigned to you, for example, letter writing. You will convey a summary of the advice in a letter to the client and take necessary steps to close the client’s case.

This structure has an embedded system of supporting and de-briefing you at various points along the client journey, including regularly scheduled team meetings. You will be encouraged to ask questions and actively engage to develop your paralegal skills and confidence.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a portfolio of competencies (70%) and an individual oral presentation (30%).

30 credits 

The purpose of this module is to provide an excellent opportunity for you to develop and apply a range of competences associated with employment in an area of business that interests you.

This will enhance your work-related skills, as you will be undertaking practical work in a particular sector and critically evaluating and reflecting on your experience.

You will be encouraged to find your own placement with help and guidance from the University.

You will need to manage your own learning within the organisation and outside the class-based environment. Key to the module is the need for you to explore the relationship between the study of law as an academic discipline and the practice of law and its application in the working environment. You will be encouraged to use reflection to enhance, refine and develop personal theories of professional practice, with due regard to ethical, conceptual and contextual needs and/or outcomes.

Teaching and learning

You will be expected to participate in a work placement equivalent to a minimum of 150 hours work experience. This may operate as a block (normally of consecutive weeks), or as one day per week depending upon the requirements of the organisation giving the work placement opportunity.

There will be learning, and formative feedback embedded within the work placement. There will also be post- work placement workshops to support your learning log completion and presentation preparation. Moodle will be used as a repository of key documentation and as discussion forum during the period of your work placement.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by Reflective Learning Log (70%) and an individual oral presentation (30%).

Module overview: In this module, you will learn about international law, with particular focus on human rights.

You will explore key international legal institutions and mechanisms involved in the protection of human and other rights. You will be exposed to notorious case studies, which will be analysed and assessed during in-class discussions.  

How you’ll learn: You’ll gain knowledge of the module’s topics through mini-taught sessions, in-class tasks, and workshops. You’ll also take part in student-led activities, such as reading, answering questions, and presenting your answers to a supportive group of peers. Other activities may include interactive exercises, problem-solving tasks, and discussions or debates on various topics. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through an essay and a presentation. 

Module overview: In this module you will critically explore the intersections of crime and deviance, social control, culture and urban space.

The module takes a critical and interdisciplinary approach to illustrate the broad scope of criminology as a cultural, mostly urban, phenomenon. It encourages you to critically consider their implications in urban policies.

How you’ll learn: You’ll gain knowledge of the module’s topics through mini-taught sessions, in-class tasks, and workshops. You’ll also take part in student-led activities, such as reading, answering questions, and presenting your answers to a supportive group of peers. Other activities may include interactive exercises, problem-solving tasks, and discussions or debates on various topics. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through an essay and poster.  

Module overview: You will explore the ways in which family life shapes, and is shaped by, crime and criminal justice processes.

By placing ‘the family’ at the heart of its analysis, this module draws together a range of established criminological topics such as youth justice, interpersonal violence, organised crime, policing, and victimology.  

How you’ll learn: You'll gain knowledge through a blended teaching approach that combines mini-taught sessions with interactive, student-led activities. These may include reading and presenting information, participating in group work, solving problems, engaging in discussions or debates, completing quizzes, and taking part in workshops. Alongside learning the core content of the module, you'll also develop transferable skills that enhance your employability. These activities are designed to help you apply what you’ve learned and deepen your understanding of key concepts.   

Assessment: You will be assessed through a poster and an essay.  

Module overview: Digital technology is increasingly a feature of our lives; from our behaviours as consumers to our day-to-day interactions to our engagement in education.

We’ll explore such issues in this module, looking to ask (and answer) big questions about what this digitality means for individuals, social groups, social structures and society.

How you’ll learn: You’ll learn through a mix of weekly workshops and seminar/group sessions. You’ll be introduced to core concepts and key information through bite-sized lecture inputs, while the rest of your learning will happen through hands-on, interactive activities. You’ll take part in group work, tackle problem-solving tasks, read and present materials, engage in discussions and debates, and test your understanding through quizzes—all designed to deepen your knowledge and build practical skills. 

Assessment: You will be assessed through a poster and a portfolio (podcast). 

30 credits 

This purpose of the module is to provide a basic introduction to the structure and functions of business enterprises and to explore the legal theories, rules and commercial drivers that influence the practice of law concerning limited companies, partnerships and other business models.

In studying this module, you will develop evaluative and analytical skills in understanding the nexus of law and commercial awareness that shapes the behaviours and actions of business enterprises and their stakeholders.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks governing business operations in domestic and international contexts. You will develop a critical understanding of key legal principles affecting commercial transactions, business structures, and corporate governance. The module emphasises practical application of legal concepts to real-world business scenarios, preparing you for professional environments where legal considerations impact business decision-making.

You will develop a critical understanding of corporate structures, governance principles, shareholders' rights, directors' duties, and corporate finance. The module emphasises theoretical foundations while developing practical skills in corporate problem-solving and analysis of recent developments in company law. By engaging with case law, statutes, and scholarly debates, you will gain advanced understanding of the complex relationships between companies and their stakeholders in modern business environments.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover the principles and doctrines of business law in the black letter sense, while workshops will consist of exercises designed to support skills development. Key skills developed on this module include legal research using the legal databases and Law Trove and structuring legal arguments through debate.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a letter of advice to a client (30%) and coursework (70%).

30 credits 

This module provides you with the international law knowledge and professional skills that are essential for the practice of law across the spectrum of areas of regulation in today’s global legal market.

It aims to familiarise you with the fundamental characteristics of the international legal order and its normative reach, institutions, procedures, and peculiarities. The module, in addition to presenting perennial and contemporary theoretical and political debates, systematically surveys recent trends and developments in various fields of international legal regulation, while striving to equip you with the practical know-how on international legal materials, where to find them, and how to use them in the employment of cogent and effective international legal argument.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover the principles and doctrines of public law in the black letter sense, while workshops will consist of exercises designed to support skills development. Key skills developed on this module include legal research using the legal databases and Law Trove and structuring legal arguments through debate.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a Case Note (30%) and a researched essay (70%).

30 credits 

This module explores the principles, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms of international human rights law. It will provide you with an understanding of the legal frameworks designed to protect fundamental rights globally and encourages critical evaluation of their effectiveness in practice.

The module emphasises real-world case studies, advocacy, and the development of skills relevant to careers in human rights law, international advocacy, and policy.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will cover the principles and doctrines in the black letter sense, while workshops will consist of case studies, and problem-based learning.

Guest speakers from international organisations and human rights practice will complement academic perspectives. You will engage in both individual and collaborative learning activities and develop key skills in legal research using the legal databases and Law Trove and structuring legal arguments through debate.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a legal brief on a human rights case (50%) and Amicus curie (50%).

30 credits 

You will be introduced to the essential skills of legal research, analysis, and writing required for academic and professional success in law.

You will develop methodical approaches to researching primary and secondary legal sources, critically evaluating legal information, and communicating legal arguments effectively. The module provides practical training in using key legal databases, interpreting legislation and case law, and producing well-structured legal documents.

By integrating theory with hands-on exercises, you will build confidence in navigating legal materials and develop research habits that will underpin your entire legal education and future careers. Emphasis is placed on digital literacy, information evaluation, and the ethical dimensions of legal research.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, independent individual research and one-to-one supervision meetings with an academic member or staff. You will also take part in employability-related activities.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a research plan and literature review (30%) and a research paper (70%).

30 credits 

This module provides a critical examination of the rules and principles governing the admissibility and use of evidence in criminal trials in England and Wales.

It explores the tension between securing convictions and protecting the rights of the accused, and it prepares you for legal practice and further academic research by focusing on real-life cases, evidential controversies, and developments in forensic and digital evidence.

You will explore the theoretical foundations of evidence law, analyse key evidentiary concepts, and evaluate how these rules function within the broader criminal justice system. The module emphasises the critical examination of tensions between truth-seeking, procedural fairness, and the protection of individual rights.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Lectures will provide doctrinal foundations and highlight key case law developments, while workshops will be interactive, and problem based. You will engage with case studies, mock courtroom exercises, and critical analysis of recent judgments.

Teaching will incorporate multimedia resources including recorded trial excerpts and documentary materials to contextualise theoretical concepts within practical applications. Key skills developed on this module include legal research using the legal databases and Law Trove and structuring legal arguments through debate.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a oral advocacy assessment (50%) and a written advocacy assessment (50%).

30 credits 

This module provides a comprehensive exploration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and their growing importance in contemporary legal practice.

You will develop critical understanding of negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other non-litigation methods for resolving disputes across various legal contexts.

The module examines theoretical perspectives with a focus on the emergence of the ADR movement, with specific emphasis given to the influence and principles of the Access to Justice Movement. The module also offers an analysis of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, complemented by formative practical negotiation and mediation exercises. You will develop your critical understanding of the nature of dispute resolution and become more creative and effective in your legal problem-solving.

The module balances theoretical foundations with practical skills development, preparing you to effectively engage with ADR processes as practitioners. Through case studies, simulations, and critical analysis of legal frameworks, you will gain expertise in selecting and applying appropriate dispute resolution strategies while developing an appreciation for the ethical, practical, and policy dimensions of ADR.

Teaching and learning

You will be taught through lectures and workshops that involve a range of learning and teaching approaches, which includes online support and employability-related activities.

Interactive lectures will incorporate discussion and case analysis, while workshops will feature simulations, role-plays, and skills development, guest presentations from ADR practitioners, observation opportunities at mediation centres (where available) and reflective learning activities. Key skills developed on this module include legal research using the legal databases and Law Trove and structuring legal arguments through debate.

Assessment

This module will be assessed by a memorandum (30%) and patchwork assessment (70%).

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module supports a broad exploration of crime and law and its integration within society across various sources, which includes diverse cultural, social, and political representations. By analysing a wide range of topics, you are encouraged to critically engage with how disability, gender and race are represented and viewed in relation to crime and law.

This course integrates sustainability by looking at the sustainability of social interactions and your results and consequences in relation to crime and law. Social responsibility, legal injustice across the globe and inequality are all featured. Social Responsibility is embedded through topics such as social identity, prejudice and exclusion. Social Cognitive Theory and Rational Choice Theory helps you understand challenges and question accountability for individuals and communities.

This course fosters global engagement by examining the inequalities experienced in other cultures, particularly in relation to race, gender and exclusion. Global challenges are addressed at every step equipping you with the skills to navigate a globalised world in a variety of ways. By analysing data and text concerning diverse cultures and contexts, you will develop an understanding of how individuals and cultures operate amongst injustices in a globalised world, preparing you to engage thoughtfully with diverse audiences.

Teaching and learning

Through lectures, workshops, group work, and structured academic writing, you will have the opportunity to practice the core academic skills needed for your future studies. Critical thinking will be developed through tasks such as text analysis, group discussions, and the ability to create well-structured academic assignments, including essays and presentations.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour workshop per week. You will get a diverse learning experience through case studies and active learning workshops and microteaches.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, consisting of activities to develop your presentation skills and to provide you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative transnational examples.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a video presentation and summative essay.

30% - video presentation, working in groups, you will produce a video on a topic taught on the curriculum and explain its impact on UK society, using a real-world example.

70% - summative essay, you will identify an issue, either historical or contemporary, that has had an impact on UK society and connect it to at least one of the key topics covered in the course.

30 credits

This module provides you with some foundation for the study of the English Legal system. You will examine how legal rules are made and applied and become familiar with some of the special vocabulary of the law, as well as introducing you to the essential skills of the legal profession. For example, how to read legal cases and Statutes (Acts of Parliament).

You will also learn about some of the key institutions and processes that make up what we understand as the English Legal System.

The module will be taught at an introductory level using different teaching methods, and it will lay a foundation in understanding aspects of the legal process and the key features of English Common Law, Precedent, Statute Law, Separations of Power, an unwritten Constitution, trial by Jury and the rule of Law, to create a dynamic and resilient legal system.

You will develop an in-depth understanding of the different Court systems, Court processes, professional conduct rules and litigations in court. You will also gain background information on how the legal world functions.

Teaching and learning

The module follows a thoughtful combination of theory, applied learning and reflective practices. By emphasising real-world applications, ethical considerations and global awareness in the design, the module will prepare you to become responsible, skilled and adaptive legal professionals.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week. Seminars will consist of individua and group activities.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week, which will consist of individual tasks such as quizzes, posting on discussion forums, watching videos and taking notes and reading articles and chapters.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using an in-class open book, multiple choice questions and an individual legal report.

40% - open book, multiple choice questions.

60% - individual written report, choose from ‘discuss the extent to which the sources of law has provided certainty for lawyers that are providing legal advice or writing a report to demonstrate the legislative process, precedent and statutory interpretation rules.