Overview
On the case
Our professional practice focused LLB Law (Criminology Pathway) course will give you a thorough grounding in the law with a particular emphasis on Criminal Law and Criminology, as well as the opportunity to develop your career and professional skills at the same time.
The course is aimed at students who already know that they are likely to want to work in the Criminal Justice sector and covers the key topics of Criminal Law, Criminal Litigation, and the Law of Evidence.
Your final year Project will also be on a Criminal Justice topic of your choosing. You will be able to graduate with a clear and focused statement of your career intentions.
As well as developing in-depth legal knowledge and academic skills, there is a strong emphasis on experiential learning and legal education for professional practice and the enhancement of professional career prospects. We offer opportunities for all undergraduate students to undertake a work placement, internship or work experience, including in our Legal Advice Clinic, during our core Working in the Law Module.
The course is the first step on the journey to becoming a Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive as well as being the foundation for a broad range of other professional careers. It is designed to give students a ‘Head Start’ on professional qualification, particularly for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination with its focus on professional procedure and skills as well as the academic study of Law. As part of our assessment strategy, we use professional examination style multiple choice questions, so our students have an opportunity to practice and prepare for them in advance. Students who pass Business Law, Company Law & Employment Law with grades of 50% or more are also eligible to become Graduate Members of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, a recognised legal qualification.
The course is supported by extensive online learning resources and all students are given a tablet computer and a personal electronic law library. The course offers opportunities to study abroad, including international field trips such as the Comparative Law option. We have very strong links with the local legal community, particularly the South London Law Society and the Southwark Legal Advice Network, and the course offers frequent opportunities to learn from legal practitioners, particularly our Visiting Fellow and Professors, Alumni and members of the local legal profession who contribute guest lectures and support our career development activities and events.
Why Law at LSBU?
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- Ranked 12th overall in the UK for Teaching Quality (Sunday Times 2022)
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- Outstanding facilities – we'll equip you with a tablet computer, complete online support and access to a personal law e-library worth £6000.
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- Work experience - you could volunteer at the County Court Help Desk, Southwark Council, with local Law firms, or be a Legal Adviser at LSBU's free Legal Advice Clinic.
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- An energetic, award-winning Student Law Society that arranges talks, visits and competitions.
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- Expert academics – most of our lecturers are qualified solicitors and barristers, passing on their insights, real-world case expertise and passion for Law.
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- Extra-curricular activities - Mooting, Street Law, Student Magazine – ‘Devil’s Advocate’.
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- Specifically designed assessment methods to give students a Head Start on their professional examinations, particularly the SQE.
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- Peer mentoring for Year 1 students to help support them with the transition to higher education and integrating onto the course.
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateSeptember | Application code5735 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides.
Walk or bicycle
The University is in easy walking distance of underground and leading overground stations. We are only 20 minutes away from the Thames. We encourage walking and cycling and have bicycle racks on campus. Please check the Transport for London cycling website for London cycling maps and route planners.
By bus
LSBU is very well connected, and a large number of buses travel to and connect in the Elephant and Castle area from across London.
By train or tube
The Bakerloo and Northern lines stop at Elephant & Castle underground station, which is right next to campus. The closest rail stations are Elephant & Castle, London Waterloo and London Bridge. To plan your train journey, visit the National Rail website.
By car
London South Bank University does not provide public parking space. There is a limited amount of parking in the area, so we strongly advise using public transport.
Do consider the Congestion Charge if you are driving through London to reach the campus. Find out if you'll be crossing the Congestion Charge zone to reach our Southwark Campus.
TfL journey planner
You can travel to Southwark Campus by using public transport, plan your journey using the Transport for London journey planner.
Entry Level Requirements
- A Level ABB or:
- BTEC National Diploma DDM or:
- Access to HE Diploma with 33D 3M 9P or:
- Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points
- Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths, or equivalent (old style GCSEs A-C)
- We welcome qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.0 or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.
Applicants without these qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis if they have relevant legal work experience.
Work experience in a Law firm prior to enrolment is not required in addition to the qualifications stated above. However, if any is secured, it will provide a good entry point and start the student’s self- development connected to Law.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
United Kingdom
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Tuition fees for home students
International
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Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date September | Application code 5735 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
International students
International (non Home/EU) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Home/EU applicants
Mode | Duration | Start date | Application code | Application method |
Full-time | 3 years | September | M1M9 |
Accommodation
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Our Twitter Feed: @lsbu_law - click here for link
The Rule of Law by Tom Bingham - click here for link
Stories of the Law and how it is broken by the Secret Barrister - click here for link
Fake Law by the Secret Barrister - click here for link
Tomorrow’s Lawyers: Welcome to your Future by Richard Susskind - click here for link
The Devils Advocate click here for link
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Students who take the Comparative Law and European Security and Borders Law options have the opportunity to attend short intensive international study visits.
Students can also elect to study abroad for the second semester of their second year at international Law Schools linked with LSBU
Please note that although most optional modules run, we do not guarantee to run every optional module each year. Not all option combinations are available due to timetabling restrictions.
The LLB (Hons) Law covers the core legal topics with a selection of options covering specialist areas of law, procedure and professional skills.
All modules carry 20 CAT credit.
Level 4: Semester One
- Legal System, Legal Study, Legal Skills (Compulsory)
an introduction to the English Legal System and the study of law, including a three-week study skills Foundation at the start of the course. - Contract Law (Compulsory)
students study the core principles of law governing the making and enforcement of contracts - Public Law (Compulsory)
students study the core principles of the Constitution and the regulation of central and local government and other public bodies
Level 4: Semester Two
- Current Legal Issues (Compulsory)
students explore current legal issues and take part in group work to present law reform proposals - Law of Torts (Compulsory)
students study the core principles of law governing our responsibilities not to cause harm to one another - European Law (Compulsory)
students study the core principles of law governing the European Union and the European Convention of Human Rights
Level 5: Semester One
- Working in the Law (Compulsory)
students engage in reflection on their career goals and develop and practice legal professional and career skills. Students are encouraged and supported to undertake legal placements and volunteering opportunities - Criminal Law (Compulsory)
students study the core principles of the criminal law - Property, Equity & Trusts (Compulsory)
students study the core principles of Property Law, Equity and Trusts from a theoretical perspective
Level 5: Semester Two
- Law in Action (Compulsory)
students work in groups on simulated legal cases including a claim for compensation for a road traffic accident - Youth, Crime and Delinquency (Compulsory)
This module provides an overview of the development of youth crime as a specific area of criminological inquiry and a distinct jurisdiction within the criminal justice system. The Module considers the development of ‘delinquency’ as a specific field of intervention and investigation. It gives particular attention to the evolution of youth justice policies and examines current literature in relation to the strengths and limitations of the contemporary youth justice system
Students must do one module from either Option Pool A or Option Pool B
Option Pool A
- ADR Theory & Practice (Optional)
students study the theory and practice of alternative dispute resolution - Gender, Justice & the Law (Optional)
students study and apply critical theories and perspectives on justice and gender to key debates within the English legal system - Jurisprudence, Law & Politics (Optional)
students study and apply legal theory to explore the relationship between law and politics - Medical Law & Ethics (Optional)
students study and apply law and ethical theory to key Medical law topics such as abortion and euthanasia - Consumer Protection & the Law (Optional)
students study the rights and protections governing consumer contracts - Sentencing, Crime and Punishment (Optional)
Students study and critically appraise theories of sentencing and punishment and explore the sentencing framework of England and Wales
Option Pool B
- Comparative Law (Optional)
students compare UK Common Law with another major international legal systems - Legal Advice Clinic (Optional)
opportunities for students to give supervised legal advice to local people in the LSBU Legal Advice Clinic - Professional Skills & Practice (Optional)
students practice and develop key legal professional skills such as advocacy, interviewing and negotiation using exercises and simulations - Public Legal Education (Optional)
students practice and develop teamwork and presentation skills through the design and delivery of a public legal education (Street Law) project in the local community
Level 6 Semester One
- Land Law (Compulsory)
students explore an extended case simulation to study the core principles of law relating to the ownership and sale of Land - Hate Crime (Compulsory)
This module provides students with a grounding in key concepts and debates surrounding the problem of hate crime. Students will explore the nature and extent of different forms of hate crime including racist, religious, homophobic and disablist hate crime. The motivations of perpetrators of hate crime will be considered as well as the impact that hate crime has on victims. This module will also explore the policing of hate crime and the development of key legislation in the United Kingdom
Students must do one module from either Option Pool C or Option Pool D
Option Pool C
- Business Law (Optional)
students study the core principles of law governing commercial activities, including business formation, agency, insurance and insolvency - Company Law (Optional)
students study the core principles of law governing the formation, structure and ownership of companies - Criminal Advocacy, Evidence and Litigation (Optional)
students practice and develop advocacy skills and study the core principles of criminal evidence, procedure and sentencing - Family Law 1 (Children) (Optional)
students study the core principles of the law relating to children while volunteering in the LSBU Family Law Hub - Practical Intellectual Property Law (Optional)
students study the core principles of intellectual property law in the context of issues that arise frequently in practice
Option Pool D
- Environmental Law (Optional)
students study the core principles of national and international environmental law - Law & Technology (Optional)
students work in teams with computer science students to design and develop access to justice LawTech resources for the local community - Mediation & Negotiation Skills (Optional)
students practice and develop key professional mediation and negotiation skills through simulations and exercises
Level 6 Semester Two
- The Law Project (Compulsory)
students undertake an extended piece of independent writing and research on a topic of their choosing - Crimes of the Powerful (Compulsory)
States, Corporations and Human Rights- This module explores the phenomena of state crime, corporate crime and the involvement of powerful social forces in human rights abuses. It examines the problems involved in conceptualising state crimes and human rights and looks at contemporary crimes against humanity, including in the area of environmental rights. The module also explores the problems involved in regulating and controlling state crime and human rights atrocities in which states and state officials play a key role. The critical engagement with globalization provides a framework within which students explore significant contemporary debates and developments
Students must do one module from Option Pool E
Option Pool E
- Civil Litigation (Optional)
students explore case simulations to study the rules of civil procedure and practice and develop advocacy and negotiation skills - Employment Law (Optional)
students study key employment law legislation and case law and practice and develop their skills in giving legal advice - European Borders & Security Law (Optional)
students take part in an intensive programme of study with students from other European countries to study European borders and security law - European Human Rights Law (Optional)
students study the European Convention of Human Rights and key cases of the European Court of Human Rights as preparation for an extended piece of independent writing and research - Family Law 2 (Relationships) (Optional)
students study the core principles of the law relating to relationships while volunteering in the LSBU Family Law Hub - Immigration & Asylum Law (Optional)
students study and evaluate immigration law and international refugee law in the context of Government policy and current events - International Protection of Human Rights (Optional)
students study and evaluate to international human rights law and strategy in the context of real case studies
Please note that although most optional modules run, we do not guarantee to run every optional module each year. Not all option combinations are available due to timetabling restrictions.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
On successful completion of our course you will be able to progress to qualify as a Barrister, a Chartered Legal Executive or a Solicitor.
You will also be prepared for a wide range of professional careers in other sectors including Business, Central and Local Government, LawTech and Management.
To become a Barrister you need to pass with 2(ii) Honours. You will then need to pass the Bar Training Course and obtain a Pupillage (work based learning).
To become a Chartered Legal Executive you need to join the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and follow their route to qualification.
To become a Solicitor you need to pass the degree. You will then need to pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Parts 1 and 2 and to obtain two years of qualifying work experience.
We employ an experiential learning strategy which means that much of our teaching is rooted in professional practice, using placements (including in our Legal Advice Clinic), simulations and professional skills exercises to engage and develop our students.
The course provides a ‘Head Start’ for professional qualification by introducing students to legal procedure and professional skills and by using professional exam style multiple choice questions as part of the course assessment strategy.
We have strong links with the local legal profession, particularly through the South London Law Society and the Southwark Legal Advice Network, as well as with our own graduates practicing across London and beyond.
We appoint leading lawyers as Visiting Professors to support our teaching. These include the crime and human rights experts: Sir Geoffrey Bindman QC and Imran Khan QC.
LSBU Legal Advice Clinic
This free drop-in service is open to the public and staffed by our law students, supervised by practicing solicitors.
Students receive specialist training, supervised sessions in undertaking research and give legal advice on live issues such as Social Welfare Law and Employment Law.
London South Bank University's Student-run Legal Advice Clinic
County Court Helpdesk
This free drop-in service is open to the public and staffed by our law students, supervised by academics.
London Law Careers Fair
We are part of the London Law Careers Fair, giving our students priority booking for the annual national law fair held at the Law Society.
It is an opportunity to meet future employers and ask about training and employment opportunities.
Students hear from top practitioners, including Judges, solicitors, barristers and legal executives in break-out sessions designed to address topics of current interest.
The London Borough of Southwark
We have set up a placement programme in conjunction with Southwark Council. Complete a placement during the academic year and enter a competition at the end of the year for a full two week placement during the summer holidays.
South London Law Centres
Southwark Law Centre, Blackfriars, Cambridge House and the Afro Asian Advisory Service provide work placements so you can gain an insight into the workings of a law centre and the public advice sector in areas such as Employment Law, Housing Law and Immigration law
Teaching and Assessment
We employ an experiential learning strategy which means that much of our teaching is rooted in professional practice, using placements (including in our Legal Advice Clinic), simulations and professional skills exercises to engage and develop our students. Some of our lecturers are also practitioners and are able to draw upon their professional experience when teaching.
As well as studying the Law and how it is used in practice, students analyse and evaluate whether the law is effective and fair. Students also apply critical and theoretical perspectives to questions of law reform. Our academic team draw upon significant research experience.
Core knowledge is imparted through large group lectures. Interactive workshops support knowledge acquisition and skills for application. This is developed and tested in interactive small group seminars. Smaller optional modules tend to use teaching time more flexibly to suit the subject.
We use a broad range of assessment techniques, including: examinations, multiple-choice tests, coursework, group work and oral presentations, to test the full range of knowledge and skills the course teaches and develops.
Personal Tutoring
As an undergraduate Law and Social Science student, you will be allocated a named tutor during your first semester at LSBU. The role of your tutor is to be your primary contact for academic and professional development support. Your tutor will support you to get the most of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.
Law Mentoring at LSBU
This programme gives mentors experience in supporting and guiding, whilst mentees benefit from their guidance.
Free resources and Technology
We invest in resources and technology to support your learning journey.
We provide extensive online learning resources to support your self-study time and every student, after enrolment is given free:
- A tablet computer;
- Access to the latest version of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams;
- Access Moodle (our Virtual Learning Environment);
- Over £6000 of Oxford University Press Law Trove Library of online law text books;
- Access to top quality practitioner databases including Westlaw and Lexis
- Numerous other resources
We also nurture and develop your skills through our Law Division Skills and Support Site.