Law and criminology courses
Law is the study of legal systems, principles, and how laws are created, interpreted, and enforced to maintain justice and order in society. It involves understanding different areas, such as criminal, civil, constitutional, and international law.
Criminology, on the other hand, focuses on the study of crime, its causes, and its effects on individuals and societies. Criminologists examine criminal behaviour, the functioning of criminal justice systems, and the impact of laws and policies on crime rates.
Both subjects explore issues of justice, societal norms, and the balance between individual rights and public safety.
All Subjects in Law and criminology
Studying law
Studying law at university involves exploring legal principles, case law, and the structure of legal systems. You will examine various subjects, such as criminal, labour, family, and corporate law, among others. You will develop your skills in critical thinking, research, and legal writing.
A law degree prepares you for a career in law, policy, or business, emphasising both theoretical knowledge and practical application through case studies, debates, and internships. It’s intellectually challenging and offers a strong foundation for understanding and influencing legal policies and systems around the world.
Studying criminology
Studying criminology at university allows you to explore the causes and effects of crime, criminal behaviour, and societal responses to lawbreaking. You will study topics like criminal justice systems, law enforcement, and social theories of crime.
A criminology degree develops your skills in research, analysis, and critical thinking, preparing you for careers in law enforcement, social work, policy, or criminological research. It combines theory with practical insights into the complex relationship between crime, society, and justice systems.
Why study law or criminology abroad?
Studying law or criminology abroad offers you exposure to a range of legal systems, global perspectives on justice, and unique career opportunities. It will enhance your cultural understanding, expand your professional networks, and provide you with valuable insights into international legal frameworks, making you a more competitive graduate in the global job market.
Types of law and criminology programs
- Business law
- Commercial law
- Criminal justice
- Criminology
- Economic law
- Environmental law
- Human rights
- Intellectual property law
- International law
- Law
Top 10 Universities for Social Sciences & Management
| University Name | 2024 Ranking | Location |
| Harvard University | 1 | Cambridge, United States |
| University of Oxford | 2 | Oxford, United Kingdom |
| Stanford University | 3 | Stanford, United States |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 4 | Cambridge, United States |
| University of Cambridge | 5 | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 6 | London, United Kingdom |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 7 | Berkeley, United States |
| Yale University | 8 | New Haven, United States |
| University of Chicago | 9 | Chicago, United States |
| New York University (NYU) | 10 | New York City, United States |
Rankings taken from the QS Universities Rankings by Subject for 2024.
Careers in law and criminology
As a graduate of a law or criminology degree program you will have diverse career options.
If you studied law, you could become a lawyer, judge, corporate counsel, or legal advisor in various sectors. You might also choose to work in policy, government, or academia. If you studied criminology you could pursue a career in law enforcement, criminal justice advocacy, social work, or as a crime analyst.
Both fields offer opportunities in NGOs (non-governmental organisations), advocacy, and international organisations, focusing on justice, legal reform, and crime prevention, with roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
In summary
- If you’re passionate about justice, societal issues, or crime prevention, studying law or criminology will align with your interests.
- It opens doors to impactful careers in legal practice, law enforcement, and government, offering opportunities to make a difference in society.
- The skills you develop, such as critical thinking and problem-solving, are transferable to a variety of sectors like public policy, business, or social work.