Are you interested in learning about crime and criminal justice alongside key legal principles? Perhaps you’re thinking ahead to becoming a solicitor or barrister? Criminology and law go hand in hand in this dynamic degree.
What is the relationship between crime and the criminal justice system? How do perspectives differ on the causes of crime? And how do key legal principles work? On this course you’ll examine the complex relationship between crime, justice and the law.
Studying on our criminology and law degree gives you the opportunity to gain exemptions in the academic stage of training to become a solicitor or barrister, depending on the modules you choose.
Criminology and law students have access to ultra-modern teaching and learning facilities. There is even a mooting room where students can practice their advocacy and cross-examination techniques.
You’ll also get the chance to visit important legal institutions such as: the Old Bailey, the Supreme Court and Parliament in London, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, and the European Parliament and European Commission in Brussels.
You’ll study modules on theoretical perspectives using contemporary case studies. This will help you to develop a good understanding of how the criminal justice system works. We’ll introduce you to the legal system and its institutions and teach you legal reasoning and analysis skills. You’ll apply this knowledge to distinct areas of law, including those which regulate legally binding agreements, and be introduced to the law of civil liabilities.
Criminology and the Modern World presents you with a number of case studies on substantive topics of current interest and importance. You will undertake a systematic examination of some of the major changes that are occurring and their implications for British society and other societies across the world. Phenomena such as the economic crisis, the environmental crisis, the increasing religiosity of politics and problems in the developing world will be considered in order to foster an understanding of contemporary society and some of the key issues it faces. Aspects of social and criminal justice, harms and rights, and the role that the media plays in shaping social perceptions will be subject to analysis.
Module code: CRI1005
Credits: 20
Introduction to Criminological Theory
Introduction to Criminological Theory introduces you to key theoretical perspectives relevant to the study of crime and social justice. The module will use contemporary case studies in crime, deviance and conflict to evaluate the main theoretical traditions and recent critiques within criminology, providing a foundation in critical analysis. In particular, the module will emphasise the political underpinnings to theoretical perspectives and will encourage you to recognise the need to locate theories of crime and deviance in their structural contexts.
Module code: CRI1124
Credits: 20
Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process
Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process introduces you to key aspects of the criminal justice system, primarily in England and Wales but with some reference to other UK and international jurisdictions. The module will critically analyse official responses to ‘crime’ and deviance through an examination of fundamental criminal justice agencies including the police, criminal courts and prisons as well as probation and youth justice services.
Module code: CRI1125
Credits: 20
Legal Methods and Systems
Legal Methods and Systems examines the sources of English law, and explains the processes and the role and functions of the institutions and personnel involved in the English legal system. The module provides a foundation of legal knowledge, and introduces you to legal reasoning, legal analysis and legal study skills which you can apply in your subsequent legal study.
Module code: LAW1001
Credits: 20
Law of Contract
Law of Contract introduces principles that regulate legally binding agreements. The module examines when the law recognises agreements as binding and how such agreements are formed. You will look at the means and pretexts by which contracting parties may seek to escape from the obligations they have undertaken and different remedies that the law makes available when such obligations are breached.
Module code: LAW1003
Credits: 20
Law of Torts
Law of Torts introduces you to the law of civil liabilities, examining the objectives of the system as well as the main areas such as negligence, trespass, occupiers’ and employers’ liability, vicarious liability, defamation and privacy. The subject is largely based on case law.
Module code: LAW1005
Credits: 20
In your second year, you’ll study modules which will develop your understanding of crime, harm, disorder and conflict. You’ll learn about theoretical debates and the process of conducting social research. You’ll also consider what has to be proven against defendants in criminal trials in England and Wales before they can be convicted, and the laws which govern the relationships between individual citizens, groups and the state.
Critical Criminological Theory provides a grounding in critical criminological theory and its application to contemporary debates and issues concerning harm and criminal justice. The module will familiarise you with the development of criminological theory in historical and political contexts. You will be encouraged to apply theoretical perspectives to issues incorporating harm and crime, as well as social and state responses, drawing on national and international examples. The module will challenge mainstream theories of crime and deviance by locating current examples of harm, criminalisation and criminal justice within determining contexts of class, gender, sexuality, neo-colonialism and age within political priorities of the neoliberal agenda.
Challenging Childhoods examines the theoretical traditions, and their legacies, of what constitutes the ‘child’. Drawing on historical and theoretical developmental models, both nationally and internationally, you will analyse the various mechanisms through which children are socialised, placed under surveillance, disciplined and in turn criminalised and victimised. Central to the module will be a critical analysis of state intervention into the lives of children, together with an exploration of child exploitation and the process through which children become ‘victims’. The concept of harm will be of particular significance and this will be juxtaposed and examined in relation to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Module code: CRI2226
Credits: 20
Crime, Law and Society
Crime, Law and Society explores the application and effect of the criminal law upon individuals in society from criminological and complementary socio-legal perspectives. Through utilising both of these perspectives, you will be encouraged to look beyond established traditional legal explanations for crime and the legal responses to it, in order to explore the wider social, historical, political and theoretical context of the laws relating to crime. The module will enhance your understanding of how determining contexts impact upon how laws relating to crime are created, developed and enforced.
Module code: CRI2027
Credits: 20
Crime, Media and Criminology
Crime, Media and Criminology investigates how the news media plays a primary role in the construction of social problems, crime, deviance and, to an extent, reality. The relationship between crime, media and criminology is long established, so this module critically explores the representation of ‘crime’ and criminal activity within various types of media forms incorporating traditional print, online news domains and social media forums. Developing a critical theoretical framework, the module will enable you to examine the criminological and wider societal significance of the production and reproduction of dominant images and discourses around ‘crime’, criminalisation and the construction of victims, perpetrators and events.
Module code: CRI2024
Credits: 20
Gender, Sex and Violence
Gender, Sex and Violence explores the concept of violence and the various forms it can take. Specifically, the module will focus on the relationships between gender, sex, sexuality and violence, and the ideological, cultural and religious underpinnings of such violent acts. You will be encouraged to look beyond established understandings of what constitutes a violent act to explore more abstract forms of violence such as harm, denial of rights, and poverty. Criminological and social science theory will form the basis of considerations of aspects of violence. The structural relations of class (production), ‘family origins’ (neo-colonialism) and gender/sexuality (reproduction) will be highlighted as the determining contexts in which such violence occurs and is legitimated. Power, dominance, legitimacy, hegemony and ideology will be key themes of the module.
Module code: CRI2025
Credits: 20
Generating Reputations
Generating Reputations highlights and explores the production of identities, reputations and stereotypes and the impact these have on particular social groups. A key focal point of the module will be the role of the media in shaping reputations and perceptions. You will consider ways in which determining contexts can influence societal perceptions of individuals and groups, as well as the impact of stereotypes, reputations and ‘common sense’ thinking on criminal justice policies and responses.
Module code: CRI2223
Credits: 20
‘Race’, Crime and Criminology
‘Race’, Crime and Criminology explores how ideas about ‘family origins’ help to shape and determine social, judicial and political responses to perpetrators and victims of crime. The module explores the role of family origins as a major source of social division and aims to show the significance of racism to the reproduction of structural inequalities. You will gain knowledge about patterns of continuity and change in racism and an awareness of the relationship between ethnic and cultural diversity and social and criminal injustice.
Module code: CRI2023
Credits: 20
Violence and Society
Violence and Society explores the concept of violence and the various forms it can take, ranging from intrapersonal violence (for example, self-harm) to interpersonal violence, institutional and state violence, and violence on a global scale. You will be encouraged to look beyond established understandings of what constitutes a violent act to explore more abstract forms of violence such as harm, denial of rights, and poverty. Criminological theory will form the basis of considerations of aspects of violence. The structural relations of class (production), ‘family origins’ (neo-colonialism) and gender/sexuality (reproduction) will be highlighted as the determining contexts in which such violence occurs and is legitimated. Power, dominance, legitimacy and hegemony will be the key themes of the module.
Module code: CRI2224
Credits: 20
Work Experience Module
Work Experience Module will develop your employability skills and enhance your career prospects. You will be required to engage in part-time or voluntary work in a criminology or criminal justice related field, as appropriate, to gain experience in a working environment. You will be expected to secure your own work placement, with the support of your work experience tutor.
Module code: CRI2026
Credits: 20
Youth Justice
Youth Justice provides a grounding in issues of youth justice. The module explores the history of youth justice in the UK and elsewhere and examines the development of responses to children and young people in conflict with the law in their social and political context. You will investigate theoretical approaches to youth justice and consider explanations regarding differences in state responses to this issue. The module critically appraises current and recent youth justice practices and policies in relation to state intervention, human rights, harm and power.
Business and Company Law provides you with an understanding of key principles of business law and company law, relating to business and commerce. The module includes a practical examination of company formation and decision-making, together with the respective roles of shareholders and directors.
Module code: LAB2001
Credits: 20
Criminal Law
Criminal Law explores the substantive criminal law in England and Wales. The module combines the basic notions and framework of criminal liability with a detailed consideration of a range of specific criminal offences.
Module code: LAW2002
Credits: 20
Equity and Trusts
Equity and Trusts examines the fundamental principles of the law relating to trusts and equitable ownership of property. The module also considers the role and responsibilities of trustees and other fiduciaries.
Module code: LAW2003
Credits: 20
European Union Constitutional Law
European Union Constitutional Law examines the Constitutional Law of the European Union and the nature of the relationship with national legal orders. The module explores the nature and effects of the legal relationship and examines in particular the doctrines, principles, legal instruments, competences, institutions and rights recognised and conferred by EU Law and the law making process in the European Union.
Module code: LAW2001
Credits: 20
European Union Substantive Law
European Union Substantive Law considers some of the core areas of the substantive law of the European Union. The module focuses upon the law relating to the four freedoms and competition law in the context of the regulatory development of the EU Internal Market
Module code: LAW2004
Credits: 20
External Law Competitions
External Law Competitions prepares you for external competitions. You'll learn of advocacy, legal drafting and legal research. You'll work in teams and test your legal knowledge and skills against other universities in the UK and abroad. The module will allow you to develop skills required for the legal profession, and other roles in which problem-solving, teamwork, advocacy, negotiating or drafting are key requirements.
Module code: LAW2032
Credits: 20
International Law
International Law is an important subject due to the globalisation of society. It is the law that governs relationships between states and the activities of international institutions, including the United Nations and European Union. During the module you will consider areas such as the settlement of disputes, title to territory, diplomatic relations, the law of the sea, human rights, and the law governing international trade agreements. You’ll also be encouraged to consider what international law is, who it applies to, who regulates the application of international law and why anyone should comply with it.
Module code: LAW2068
Credits: 20
Land Law
Land Law will provide you with an understanding of the key principles of property law which underpin the day-to-day management and control of land ownership, use and transaction, and enable you to place those dealings within the social context.
Module code: LAW2005
Credits: 20
Media Law
Media Law has been designed to provide you with an understanding of how the law applies to areas of the media. You will gain a working knowledge of current laws that govern libel, social media, privacy, malicious communications, and contempt of court. You’ll also explore press regulation and how it will develop in the current publishing climate. Through study of this module you will learn how to both ‘know’ and ‘apply’ the law, two of the essential requirements for those wishing to enter the legal profession. As well as preparing you to specialise in the legal practice of media law, the module is also ideal for career areas including journalism, broadcasting and website administration.
Module code: LAW2066
Credits: 20
Public Law 1
Public Law 1 introduces you to the fundamental constitutional principles of public law and demonstrates how these principles are realised in the UK and how an evaluation may be made of the UK’s adherence to these principles. The module also examines some of the unique or unusual characteristics of the UK constitution.
Module code: LAW2007
Credits: 20
Public Law 2
Public Law 2 introduces you to administrative law as it operates in the UK. It examines the operation of judicial review and the ways in which judicial review attempts to realise and comply with the principles of the rule of law and separation of powers. The module also examines the rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights and how these rights are given effect in the UK via the Human Rights Act 1998.
Module code: LAW2008
Credits: 20
Public Law in Practice
Public Law in Practice equips you with a good understanding of the process involved in bringing a claim for judicial review. Judicial review is a way of challenging how an organisation carries out a public function. It is a specialised type of legal proceeding. Unlike private law which involves a dispute over a person’s rights and obligations, judicial review has a wider public importance because it is about ensuring the state does not exceed the powers given to it by law. This difference means that special rules apply to judicial review. The court’s role is to look at whether a decision was lawfully available to the body which made it. Exploring the three stages of judicial review, from pre-action protocol to the permission and substantive stages, this module will enable you to develop the skills of locating learning resources and engaging in case and statute analysis, legal reasoning, criticism, and oral presentation and argument.
Module code: LAW2028
Credits: 20
Sports Law
Sports Law is a growing sector with ever expanding employment opportunities in legal practice and sports administration. On this module you will examine the public and private faces of sports law. The public face considers how the law is applied within a sporting context, including the areas of criminal law, tort law and employment law. Exploring the private face will allow you to look at the self-regulatory aspects of sports law, including the requirement that sporting disputes are submitted to arbitration rather than be litigated. You will also study whether the public face is impeding the development of the private face of sports law and if there is need for greater self-regulation.
Module code: LAW2069
Credits: 20
If you wish to graduate with exemptions from the academic stage of legal training to become a solicitor or a barrister, you must study Criminal Law, Land Law and Public Law 1.
Your final year gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules covering criminology topics from the criminological imagination, to crimes of the powerful, to the relationship between crime and place. You’ll also pick from an array of law and policing modules. Depending on your choices, you’ll have the option to graduate with exemptions from the academic stage of legal training to become a solicitor or a barrister.
Criminology and Philosophy recognises how criminology has long drawn on philosophy to inform its development. You will consider philosophical ideas and concepts as they relate to the study of crime and its control. The module considers debates concerning continental and analytic philosophy and how these are reflected in criminology through discussions concerning qualitative and quantitative approaches, and between critical/sociological criminology and administrative criminology/crime science. You will assess a range of key philosophical ideas and concepts that relate to criminology, with a particular focus on how we get on with one another and what happens when we do not.
Module code: CRI3024
Credits: 20
Crime and Place
Crime and Place enables you to build your knowledge and understanding of the relationships between crime and place and examine developments in policy relating to place, criminality and safety. The module appraises the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical, philosophical and practical approaches to crime and place. Geographies/landscapes of crime and criminalisation are examined utilising empirical and theoretical materials.
Module code: CRI3023
Credits: 20
Crimes of the Powerful 1
Crimes of the Powerful 1 traces and explores serious harms and crimes perpetrated by states and associated professional and commercial interests from the eighteenth to mid-twentieth century. Adopting a zemiological frame, the module locates such harms within a range of political forms, particularly during times of social and economic upheaval, and ethnic, national and imperial conflict. The module concludes with a detailed exploration of the origins, implementation, consequences of, and responses to, the extreme state violences of the first half of the twentieth century. The aim is to enable you to critically explore issues at the cutting edge of criminological thinking.
Module code: CRI3021
Credits: 20
Crimes of the Powerful 2
Crimes of the Powerful 2 considers the key forms and determinants of serious contemporary harms originating in the actions or omissions of corporations, states and associated powerful organisations after the Second World War. The module critically examines the origins of such harms, the ways in which they are framed within dominant and alternative discourses, and critiques the responses to them. The module takes an expansive view of harm, drawing upon examples from within and without the criminal justice system, at local, national and international levels.
Module code: CRI3022
Credits: 20
Expanding the Criminological Imagination
Expanding the Criminological Imagination critically reflects upon and analyses the discipline of criminology. You will examine criminology’s political, practical and theoretical strengths and limitations and explore the production and commodification of criminological knowledge. The module will consider whether criminology has become a ‘parasitic’ discipline with the criminalisation of social problems, and the ever increasing techniques of crime control, forming the justification for the discipline’s existence, rather than providing a platform for resistance. You will explore the concept of the ‘criminological imagination’ as an alternative way of envisaging the discipline and its utility. You will also examine the way in which criminology has to connect with other disciplines in order to expand the range of issues it deals with. This is a necessity in order to help criminologists make sense of issues where the ‘normal’ boundaries of criminology would stifle or limit an analysis.
Module code: CRI3113
Credits: 20
Justice, Rights and the State
Justice, Rights and the State examines the development of the discourse about rights and justice. Taking a national and international approach, the module will consider the development of rights historically and the new discourses of rights. You will evaluate statutory policies and responses to the issue of rights and justice and consider how states respond to issues of justice and rights, including where states themselves uphold or violate citizen’s rights.
Module code: CRI3112
Credits: 20
Learning Together: The Sociological Imagination
Learning Together: The Sociological Imagination involves Edge Hill University students and HMP Thorn Cross students studying and learning together. The module will be taught at HMP Thorn Cross, a young offenders’ institution near Warrington for those aged 18 to 25. The aim is to use education as a means to connect people in higher education and in the criminal justice system: to dismantle stereotypes and prejudices in both directions, and to provide a reflective, empowering and empathic learning experience. C Wright Mills’ seminal work The Sociological Imagination will be the foundation of the substantive content. You will reflect on the interplay between ‘personal troubles’ and ‘public issues’ and, additionally, challenge the process of ‘othering’ by considering your own role in the social and political world.
Module code: CRI3114
Credits: 20
The Politics of Imprisonment
The Politics of Imprisonment provides you with a critical knowledge and understanding of the nature, functions and justifications for the use of punishment, specifically incarceration, in modern society. The module will consider the philosophical theories that are used to legitimise the state’s use of imprisonment and the sociological theories that explain historical developments in the purpose of state punishment. The various divisions and functions of the prison estate will be examined within their historical, structural, political, social and geographical contexts. Related methods of state punishment, such as the death penalty, will also be considered. You will adopt an international perspective and explore penal theory and practice in a range of countries. The relationships between power, legitimacy and justice will be central themes throughout the module.
Module code: CRI3110
Credits: 20
The Politics of Policing
The Politics of Policing equips you with a critical knowledge and understanding of the concept of policing, both in its philosophical sense and as a function of the modern liberal democratic state. The module will consider the role and function of the police service, and explore related issues including police powers, political accountability, protection of civil liberties and the concept of equality before the law. Contemporary strategies and approaches to policing will be located within their structural, political, social and geographical contexts. The module is underpinned by theories of authority, power and legitimacy.
Child Law examines the law governing the relationship between the State, parents and children in England and Wales. This includes exploring the law regulating conception, adoption, child abuse, juvenile crime, child rights, sterilisation, residence and the legal relationship between parents and children.
Module code: LAW3032
Credits: 20
Company Law
Company Law concentrates on the key features of the company as a legal institution and covers a selection of topics addressing some of the main policy issues relating to companies and business activity.
Module code: LAW3033
Credits: 20
Consumer Law
Consumer Law examines the law relating to consumer protection, focusing on sale of goods and supply of goods and services to consumers, product liability and product safety, off-premises and distance selling contracts, consumer credit, and the laws governing unfair commercial practices.
Module code: LAW3034
Credits: 20
Counter Terrorism
Counter Terrorism examines key legislation, terminology and concepts around counter terrorism, from radicalisation and extremism to home grown terrorism, interventions, and the Government’s Prevent and CONTEST strategies. The module will assess the organisational structures and inter relationships that exist within counter terrorism policing such as the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and Special Branch. You will also consider the links between counter terrorism and other forms of criminality and the importance of information and intelligence within this evolving area of policing.
Module code: PLN3006
Credits: 20
Criminal Law in Practice
Criminal Law in Practice equips you with a good understanding of the vital service provided by duty solicitors. The Criminal Justice system in the UK controls the behaviour of citizens and helps citizens understand the effects of their actions through punishment and rehabilitation of those who violate the laws. This area of law is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Rules and legislation including the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984. PACE regulates the power of police and sets out rules regarding the detention and interrogation of suspects. The role of a criminal defence duty solicitor is to help suspects when detained at the police station. The duty solicitor is an advocate who ensures that the offender's legal rights are observed and that proper legal advice is given. The duty solicitor explains what is likely to happen in the case, discuss the evidence that the police have, the strengths of the evidence and whether the evidence is strong enough for the suspect to be charged. The duty solicitor advises the suspect at the police interview and provides the suspect with legal advice. This module will guide you in how to conduct interviews and to request disclosure from police. You will also learn PACE rules that regulate police interviews and applications for bail, as well as about criminal procedure rules.
Module code: LAW3222
Credits: 20
Digital Policing and Cybercrime
Digital Policing and Cybercrime equips you with an understanding of the complexities of digital policing and digitally facilitated crimes. You will be introduced to key terminology associated with digital technology and gain an insight into how technology can be used in everyday policing and criminal investigations. Legislation and regulations relevant to the use of technology within digital policing and digitally facilitated crimes will be examined and applied to offences such as hate crime, sexting, revenge porn, bullying, harassment, child grooming and fraud. The module also explores how digitally facilitated crimes are reported to the police and assesses the impact that these crimes have on individuals and their families. You will investigate how criminals engage in complex digital crimes such as hacking, malware attacks, denial of service and data manipulation and consider the impact this can have on individuals and businesses.
Module code: PLN3003
Credits: 20
Employment Law
Employment Law deals with an important business resource, namely its employees and one of the most important forms of exchange between business and clients, namely contracts for the sale and exchange of goods.
Module code: LAW3036
Credits: 20
Equity and Trusts
Equity and Trusts examines the fundamental principles of the law relating to trusts and equitable ownership of property. It also considers the role and responsibilities of trustees and other fiduciaries.
Module code: LAW3053
Credits: 20
European Union Constitutional Law
European Union Constitutional Law examines the Constitutional Law of the European Union and the nature of the relationship with national legal orders. The module explores the nature and effects of the legal relationship and examines in particular the doctrines, principles, legal instruments, competences, institutions and rights recognised and conferred by EU Law and the law making process in the European Union.
Module code: LAW3051
Credits: 20
European Union Substantive Law
European Union Substantive Law examines some of the core areas of the substantive law of the European Union. The module focuses on the law relating to the four freedoms and competition law in the context of the regulatory development of the EU Internal Market.
Module code: LAW3052
Credits: 20
External Law Competitions
External Law Competitions prepares you for external competitions. You'll learn of advocacy, legal drafting and legal research. You'll work in teams and test your legal knowledge and skills against other universities in the UK and abroad. The module will allow you to develop skills required for the legal profession, and other roles in which problem-solving, teamwork, advocacy, negotiating or drafting are key requirements.
Module code: LAW3061
Credits: 20
Family Law
Family Law examines the main areas of substantive law and social policy pertaining to the family. The focus is on the ‘family’ and the rights and obligations of the adults within it.
Module code: LAW3037
Credits: 20
Human Rights
Human Rights introduces you to the assessment of the nature of human rights claims and their translation into law and legal institutions. It charts the emergence of human rights arguments through legal, social and political theory, and examines how these discourses have informed the creation of national and international law.
Module code: LAW3038
Credits: 20
Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual Property Law critically examines the key principles of intellectual property (IP) law, the nature and scope of IP rights, procedures, national, regional and international, for the granting and recognition of the rights, mechanisms for enforcement, as well as defences against the enforcement.
Module code: LAW3039
Credits: 20
International Business Law
International Business Law examines some of the legal aspects governing the organisation and regulation of private international business, especially multi-national corporations.
Module code: LAW3040
Credits: 20
International Criminal Law
International Criminal Law analyses the key principles of international criminal law. It examines legislation and prosecution of international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and aggression.
Module code: LAW3041
Credits: 20
International Peace and Security
International Peace and Security examines the international legal aspects of the international community's efforts to maintain international peace and security. The module explores the 'law before war' known as jus ad bellum, including the prohibition of force, the principle of non-intervention, and the powers and role of the relevant United Nations organs in settling or responding to international disputes and situations. It will also give you an insight into rights of states in self-defence, and the international community's roles and responsibilities in responding to mass atrocity crimes under the 'Responsibility to Protect'.
Module code: LAW3221
Credits: 20
International Sports Law
International Sports Law examines the complex pattern of international regulatory frameworks affecting sport. It explores the role of sport in society and assesses the claims that sport should be self-regulating.
Module code: LAW3042
Credits: 20
Jurisprudence
Jurisprudence introduces you to various theoretical perspectives on the creation and application of law and seeks to enable you to develop an appreciation of the major theories of law, justice and rights. It will explore the principles underpinning legal doctrine, and the way those principles can conflict.
Module code: LAW3043
Credits: 20
Law Clinic Experience Module
Law Clinic Experience Module provides you with the opportunity to further develop and apply a number of the practical aspects of being employed in the legal professions.
Module code: LAW3044
Credits: 20
Law of Evidence
Law of Evidence examines the procedural framework which regulates the conduct of the adversarial trial. The main focus are the main rules of evidence which govern the conduct of a criminal trial and the extent to which the rules are an expression of the relationship between the interests of the state and the rights of the individual within the criminal justice system.
Module code: LAW3045
Credits: 20
Media Law
Media Law examines current laws governing libel, social media, privacy, malicious communications and contempt of court. It explores these rules within the context of areas such as press regulation, the regulation of the internet and the regulation of media broadcasting.
Module code: LAW3046
Credits: 20
Mediation
Mediation introduces you to the skills of a mediator and the principles of conflict resolution. The civil justice system in England and Wales provides a forum for resolving civil disputes, however this is adversarial, promotes a 'winner takes all' philosophy, and can be costly and time consuming. Increasingly, alternative dispute resolution methods, of which mediation is one, are being used to resolve disputes instead of court proceedings. The Civil Justice Council in its report of June 2021 recommended the introduction of compulsory mediation for civil disputes before a dispute is brought to court. Legal and judicial initiatives point to an increased use of mediation as part of the civil justice process in the future. This module will introduce you to the skills of a mediator and the principles of conflict resolution. It will provide you with an understanding of the role and practice of a mediator and the service that the mediator provides to parties who are in dispute. It will guide you through the process of preparation for a mediation, introduce the communication skills required to facilitate a negotiation between the parties, guide you in how to manage a mediation process, and provide an understanding of a mediator's ethical obligations and practice.
Module code: LAW3058
Credits: 20
Property Law in Practice
Property Law in Practice introduces you to conveyancing, the process of transferring ownership of property from one person to another. Conveyancing is a generic term that describes property transactions whether they are in respect of residential or commercial property. The basic rules and principles of conveyancing apply regardless of the nature of the property. This module will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge of the rules and principles required to complete a residential property transaction. You will develop this knowledge so that you will be able to provide advice and assistance to a client in relation to each of the critical stages of a property transaction.
Module code: LAW3057
Credits: 20
Public International Law
Public International Law examines the law governing relations between states. It is concerned with questions such as the settlement of disputes, title to territory, diplomatic relations, human rights, the law of the sea, legal restraints on the use of force, and the law governing international commercial/trade agreements.
Module code: LAW3047
Credits: 20
Refugee Law
Refugee Law analyses the legal obligations nation states owe to refugees and migrants. It examines the pertinent International and European Union legislation with attention to both the legal norms and the actual practice.
Module code: LAW3048
Credits: 20
Sports Law
Sports Law examines the claims that the volume of sports related case law and statute combined with the development of discrete legal doctrines unique to sport has contributed to the emergence of a new legal area – sports law.
Module code: LAW3049
Credits: 20
Tax Law
Tax Law provides you with a solid grounding in the law and principles relating to taxation, including the taxation of business. It provides you with a general understanding of the operation of the tax system, to enable you to analyse accurately the tax consequences of a given set of facts, and to make critical assessments of the law covered in the module.
Module code: LAW3050
Credits: 20
If you wish to graduate with exemptions from the academic stage of legal training to become a solicitor or a barrister, you must study European Union Constitutional Law, European Union Substantive Law, and Equity and Trusts.
Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
Learning involves lectures and seminars in which you will express your ideas and develop your criminological and legal analysis skills, supplemented by independent study. You will also participate in debates, and visit legal and criminologically significant institutions. We are committed to focused teaching where tutors concentrate primarily on areas of specialism.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
Methods of assessment are designed to ensure that you acquire a wide range of skills, particularly those required by future employers. You will write essays and case reports, critically analyse legal documents, give oral presentations, defend and advise clients and take examinations. Most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination, or by coursework alone. Feedback will be given on all of your work so that you can develop your criminological and legal skills.
Who will be teaching you
You will be taught by tutors whose research and teaching has a well-established national and international reputation. We are committed to ‘focused teaching’ where tutors concentrate primarily on areas of specialism. You will benefit from studying in a highly committed and research-active department.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points. No specific subjects are required.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
The Department of History, Geography and Social Sciences is based in the Geosciences building. The contemporary facilities combine with a friendly and supportive learning environment to ensure that your studies are a rich and rewarding experience.
The Geosciences building features a large lecture theatre, small group teaching rooms, IT facilities and smaller tutorial spaces. There is also a large social area which encourages a more informal and interactive style of learning.
The £6million Law and Psychology building provides contemporary teaching and learning facilities for students in the School of Law and Criminal Justice and the Department of Psychology.
The three-storey building includes a 250-seat lecture theatre, seminar and tutorial rooms, and social learning areas which encourage a more informal and interactive style of learning. Elsewhere on campus, there is a mooting room (a mock courtroom) and Police Training and Simulation Facility.
2025/2026 part-time fee information will be added when available.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional maintenance loan funding to help with living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships, which celebrate the determination, commitment and achievement of our students. Many of our scholarships are awarded automatically. There are some however, where you will need to be involved in an application or nomination process. To find out more about our scholarships and check your eligibility, please visit our dedicated scholarships pages.
Money Matters
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students, together with details of how to apply for potential funding.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
By the time you achieve your criminology and law degree, you’ll have a wide range of transferable skills that will equip you for a graduate role or further study.
What can I do with a criminology and law degree?
Our graduates go on to have exciting careers in the police service, HM prison service and the Home Office, as well as in these areas:
criminal or youth justice agencies
youth and community work
law and research
offender management
social work
outreach
Other students continue on to postgraduate study, or train to become teachers, solicitors or barristers.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Fastrack Link Added - 14 November 2024
Fastrack link added
Fastrack Link Removed - 13 November 2024
Link to Fastrack page removed
Module Assessment Changes - 2 October 2024
CRI3023 Crime and Place has been changed from 100% coursework to 100% exam.
CRI3021 has been changed from 100% coursework to 60% exam and 40% coursework.
CRI3022 has been changed from 100% coursework to 60% exam and 40% coursework.
Assessment method - 4 April 2024
LAW2066 Media Law assessment method changed from 50% Coursework, 50% Exam to 100% Exam.
Assessment method - 28 March 2024
CRI3109 The Politics of Policing – updated from 100% coursework to 50% coursework; 50% exam.
Assessment method - 22 March 2024
LAW1001 (Legal Methods & Systems) assessment method changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Exam.
Module changes - 14 March 2024
LAW2032 External Law Competitions, a 20-credit optional module added in Year 2.
LAB2001 Business and Company Law, a new 20-credit optional module added in Year 2. This module has replaced LAW2063 Company Law.
LAW3061 External Law Competitions, a 20-credit optional module added in Year 3.
Assessment method - 18 December 2023
LAW3042 International Sports Law assessment method changed from 50% Coursework, 50% Exam to 50% Coursework, 50% Practical.
Assessment method - 11 October 2023
CRI3024 Criminology and Philosophy, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 100% Coursework to 100% Exam.
Change to assessment methods - 28 June 2023
CRI1125 (Introduction to the Criminal Justice Process, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI2024 (Crime, Media and Criminology, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Practical, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI2027 (Crime, Law and Society, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI2225 (Critical Criminological Theory, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI3021 (Crimes of the Powerful 1, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI3022 (Crimes of the Powerful 2, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI3109 (The Politics of Policing, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
CRI3112 (Justice, Rights and the State, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Practical, 50% Coursework to 100% Coursework.
LAW1005 (Law of Torts, 20 credits) assessment type changed from Exam 70%, Practical 30% to Exam 70%, Coursework 30%.
LAW3036 (Employment Law, 20 credits) assessment type changed from 50% Exam, 50% Coursework to 100% Exam.
Second year optional modules - 9 May 2023
LAW2028 (Property Law in Practice), LAW2063 (Company Law), LAW2069 (Sports Law) and LAW2068 (International Law), LAW2066 (Media Law) added as optional second year modules.
Third year optional modules - 9 May 2023
LAW3221 (International Peace & Security), LAW3057 (Property Law in Practice) and LAW3222 (Criminal Law in Practice) added as optional third year modules.
