Criminology and Law Lancaster University

On our BA in Criminology and Law you will unpick theories and perspectives that explore today’s most pressing crime-related issues. You will study a wide range of topics across the two disciplines and you’ll have the opportunity to connect with local agencies such as the police and the prison service.

Taught by experts and supported all the way, you will develop both specialist and transferable skills that will open up a wide range of exciting careers.

Why Lancaster?

• Critically explore crime and justice and explore crime through a social justice lens

• Unravel technical legal topics and uncover how Law shapes our society

• Work with leading experts: Our academics advise the United Nations and the EU, influence drug policies in the UK and overseas and work with national and local criminal justice agencies

• Build connections: Network with experts from NGOs, charities, law enforcement, and other criminal justice organisations

• Plan for your career: Our specialist careers advisors will help you map your future in the criminal justice system and beyond

A city steeped in criminal justice

Lancaster has played an important part in our legal and justice systems. From the medieval period to contemporary times, the Castle in Lancaster has served as an assizes court, crown court and a fully functioning prison. From the infamous 1612 trial and execution of the ten people accused of witchcraft to the more recent exoneration of accused terrorists the ‘Birmingham Six’, Lancaster Castle has been the site of both persecution and justice.

Our BA Criminology and Law degree is informed by this past but looks strongly to the future of crime and punishment in the United Kingdom and internationally. Join us and explore the connections between the two disciplines.

A critical approach to Criminology and Law

Our internationally recognised team of experts will guide you through core criminological and legal concepts, including criminal law, the English legal system and explanations for crime and offending behaviour. You’ll 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’ll learn about the prison system, the forms and methods of punishment today and the role of reformative approaches.

Throughout the degree you will explore a broad range of criminological and legal perspectives, consider how to ‘do’ criminological research and be able to choose a range of optional modules which explore various criminological and legal controversies and issues.

Topics might include:

• Human rights

• Asylum and migration

• Green criminology and environmental law

• Cyber security and policing

• Gendered harm and sexual offence laws

• Media, popular culture and intellectual property

• Youth justice and Street law

• Crime and power

This degree programme is distinct from our LLB Law with Criminology degree, as the focus of the course is on Criminology, meaning you do not study all of the core law modules that are required for a qualifying law degree. However, the multi-disciplinary nature of the degree scheme will encourage you to recognise and reflect on the academic and professional links between Criminology and Law.

Networking opportunities

A variety of placement and volunteering opportunities will help hone your workplace skills. Recent students have undertaken roles within West Mercia Police, HMP Lancaster Farms, Partners of Prisoners (POPS) and Family Support, Red Rose Recovery, Global Telemetrics (Security Liaison) and Enterprise.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

BBB

Access to HE Diploma

24 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 21 Level 3 credits at Merit

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM

BTEC in combination with A levels

A level at grade B plus BTEC(s) at DM, or A level at grade C plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BC plus BTEC at D

International Baccalaureate

30 overall with 15 points from the best 3 HL subjects

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Merit overall

GCSE requirements

English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.