Law with Criminology

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(LLB) Bachelor of Laws
Law with Criminology
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Essex Law School
Colchester Campus
Honours Degree
Full-time
Law
Sociology
LLB MM00
13/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

  • A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including B in one essay based subject.
  • BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
  • Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
  • IB: 30 - 29 points or three Higher Level certificates with 555-554.
  • IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 6 level 3 credits at Distinction and 39 level 3 credits at Merit, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
  • T-levels: We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. The offer for most courses is Distinction overall. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.

Contextual Offers:

We are committed to ensuring that all students with the merit and potential to benefit from an Essex education are supported to do so. For October 2024 entry, if you are a home fee paying student residing in the UK you may be eligible for a Contextual Offer of up to two A-level grades, or equivalent, below our standard conditional offer.
Factors we consider:

  • Applicants from underrepresented groups
  • Applicants progressing from University of Essex Schools Membership schools/colleges
  • Applicants who attend a compulsory admissions interview
  • Applicants who attend an Offer Holder Day at our Colchester or Southend campus

Our contextual offers policy outlines additional circumstances and eligibility criteria.

For further information about what a contextual offer may look like for your specific qualification profile, email ugquery@essex.ac.uk.

If you haven't got the grades you hoped for, have a non-traditional academic background, are a mature student, or have any questions about eligibility for your course, more information can be found on our undergraduate application information page. or get in touch with our Undergraduate Admissions Team.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or specified score in another equivalent test that we accept.

Details of English language requirements, including component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.

English language shelf-life

Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years. The validity period of Pearson Test of English, TOEFL and CBSE or CISCE English is 2 years.

If you require a Student visa to study in the UK please see our immigration webpages for the latest Home Office guidance on English language qualifications.

Pre-sessional English courses

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Pending English language qualifications

You don’t need to achieve the required level before making your application, but it will be one of the conditions of your offer.

If you cannot find the qualification that you have achieved or are pending, then please email ugquery@essex.ac.uk .

Requirements for second and final year entry

Different requirements apply for second and final year entry, and specified component grades are also required for applicants who require a visa to study in the UK. Details of English language requirements, including UK Visas and Immigration minimum component scores, and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here

Additional Notes

If you’re an international student, but do not meet the English language or academic requirements for direct admission to this degree, you could prepare and gain entry through a pathway course. Find out more about opportunities available to you at the University of Essex International College

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

None

External examiners

Staff photo
Dr Panagiotis Kapotas

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  SC104-4-FY-CO  Introduction to Crime, Law and Society  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LW101-4-FY-CO  Contract Law  Compulsory  30  30 
03  LW103-4-FY-CO  Public Law  Compulsory  30  30 
04  LW104-4-FY-CO  Criminal Law  Compulsory  30  30 
05  LW100-4-FY-CO  Essex Law Key Skills  Compulsory 

Year 2 - 2025/26

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LW201-5-FY-CO  Tort Law  Compulsory  30  30 
02  LW102-5-FY-CO  Land Law  Compulsory  30  30 
03  LW234-5-AU-CO  Justice  Compulsory  15  15 
04  LW254-5-SP-CO  Legal Research Skills  Compulsory  15  15 
05    SC204-5-FY or SC205-5-FY  Compulsory with Options  30  30 
06  LW211-5-FY-CO  Career Development Skills Part 2  Compulsory 

Year 3 - 2026/27

Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Min Credits Max Credits
01  LW302-6-AU-CO  Law of the European Union  Compulsory  15  15 
02  LW202-6-SP-CO  Equity and Trusts  Compulsory  15  15 
03  LW304-6-SP-CO  Final Year Research Project  Compulsory  15  15 
04    SC304-6-SP or SC382-6-AU or SC306-6-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
05    SC304-6-SP or SC382-6-AU or SC306-6-AU  Compulsory with Options  15  15 
06    Option(s) from list  Optional  30  30 
07    Option from list  Optional  15  15 

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims


  • To provide students with a rigorous academic training in the disciplines of Law and Criminology.

  • To enable students to develop the critical, reflective and analytical skills that are common to both disciplines.

  • To maximise opportunities for graduates in terms of employment or postgraduate study by providing expertise in two fields that have many intellectual links. 

  • To draw on the many areas of common and converging interests shared by members of the Departments of Law and Sociology that have hitherto not been fully exploited for the benefit of students interested in cross-disciplinary issues.

  • To allow students to develop a critical awareness of the nature of Law within its social, political, philosophical and economic contexts and enable students to develop an approach to the discipline so that they are able to see each subject area as part of an integrated whole.

  • To inculcate in students an awareness of the place of the Law of England and Wales in its European and international frameworks.

  • Provide students with relevant skills and learning to enable progress to professional legal training and examinations.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Fundamental doctrines and principles of the law, and the institutions and procedures of the legal system of England and Wales.

A2: Social, cultural, economic and political context in which the law develops.

A3: Some substantive areas of law in depth.

A4: Those areas of law relevant for progression to professional legal training and examinations.

A5: How Law influences and is influenced by the fundamental principles of criminology

Learning methods

Skills A1 – A5 are acquired through lectures, large group interactive classes which encourage dialogue between the students and teacher and between the students inter se, and tutorials which allow students to work in small groups and for dynamic interaction. Students will be taught to use, present and evaluate, as the basis for a legal argument, relevant numerical or statistical information as appropriate. Students are expected to undertake independent research through directed reading to consolidate and develop what they have learned in class.

Assessment methods

Skills A1 to A5 are assessed through examinations, MCQs and coursework throughout the degree. Coursework consists of a range of assessments, including essays, problem analysis, oral presentations and practical skills applications.

B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Identify accurately the issue(s) which require researching.

B2: Demonstrate and exercise independence of thought.

B3: Present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions.

B4: Make a critical judgement of the merits of particular arguments.

B5: Produce a synthesis of relevant doctrinal and policy issues in relation to a topic.

B6: Recognise, rank and collate items and issues in terms of relevance and importance.

B7: Reason critically, identify, analyse, and solve problems, sometimes within a comparative framework.

B8: Apply relevant primary and secondary legal and criminological sources.

Learning methods

Skills B1 - B8 are obtained and developed through tutorials and large group interactive classes where there is an emphasis on group discussion and analysis of case material and problems (hypothetical and actual). B5 and B6 are also enabled through lectures. All skills are complemented by class-independent reading undertaken by students in the light of guidance by lecturers and tutors. Intellectual and cognitive skills are also acquired through written and oral feedback on coursework. In addition, learning is enhanced by formative assessment of Skills B1, B3. B7 and B8 in tutorials and large group interactive classes.

Assessment methods

Skills B1 - B8 will be assessed through coursework, and B2 - B8 through unseen examinations. B8 will also be assessed through the dissertation modules.


C: Practical skills

C1: Identify, select and retrieve up-to-date information relating to law and criminology, using both paper and electronic sources.

C2: Use and apply terminology and concepts relating to law and criminology.

C3: Plan and undertake tasks in areas of law and finance already studied, and undertake independent research in areas of law and criminology not previously studied, starting from standard information sources.

Learning methods

Skills C1-C3 are developed through preparation for tutorials, coursework and examinations. Skills C1 and C2 are also facilitated through the provision of LEXIS and other database training. Skills C2 and C3 are developed through tutorials by way of the medium of problem solving and group discussion. Skills C1 - C3 are formatively assessed in tutorials and large group interactive classes, which assessment reinforces their learning by students. Skill C3 will be acquired through compulsory dissertation and/or research project skills modules.


Assessment methods

Skills C1 – C3 are assessed through coursework and other assessments. In addition to traditional research methods, students are expected to use the internet appropriately when researching their coursework in order to find primary and secondary sources, either in on-line or paper format. Skill C3 will be assessed through compulsory dissertation and/or research project skills modules.


D: Key skills

D1: Both orally and in writing, (i) work with the English language proficiently in relation to legal matters and matters of business; (ii) present knowledge or an argument in a clear, coherent and relevant manner.

D2: (i) Produce a word-processed essay or other text in an appropriate form and (ii) use the worldwide web, e-mail, and also some electronic information retrieval systems.

D3: Where relevant and as the basis for an argument, use, present and evaluate information provided in numerical or statistical form.

D4: Problem Solving: Analyse a reasonably complex set of facts and apply relevant law and political science thereto.

D5: Participate in group work to the benefit of the group as a whole.

D6: With limited guidance, reflect on his or her own learning, and to make use of feedback.

Learning methods

Skills D1, D2 ,D4 and D5 are acquired through tutorials where students debate legal issues and problems. Skills D1 and D5 are acquired as part of the dissertation and/or research project skills modules through the oral presentations, where the presenter is required to respond appropriately to questions by other students. Skills D1, D2, D4 and D6 will be learnt throughout the degree in writing summatively assessed and formative coursework and consequent feedback, both written and that obtained in oral sessions. Skill D3 is acquired in particular in LW101 (Contract), in the context of the law of damages, in LW102 (Land Law) and LW202 (Equity and Trusts) in the context of quantification of interests, and in LW201 (Tort) in the context of probabilistic causation. Skills D6 is developed through classes on reflection and the writing of a reflective statement in dissertation and/or research project skills modules.


Assessment methods

Skills D1, D2, D4 and D6 are assessed through coursework and skills D1, D3 and D4 are also assessed through unseen examinations. Skills D1 (oral communication) and D5 (working with others) are summatively assessed as part of the oral presentations for the dissertation and/or research project skills modules where the presenter is required to respond appropriately to questions by other students.



Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.