Course Overview
Attendance
* Price per academic year
Course summary
Why people commit crimes, and how criminals should be dealt with, are fascinating questions which lie at the heart of a just and safe society. This course is one of very few in the UK to combine specialist teaching in criminal justice with a qualifying law degree.
Based in central London, the course can be customised to suit your career ambitions. By choosing from a range of optional specialist modules – which are exclusive to this course – you can learn about topics such as criminal evidence and procedure, countering terrorism, and how effectively the international criminal justice system responds to mass atrocities.
Law and justice are about advocacy and communication, and this course is designed to enable you to find your own voice. In line with Westminster’s ethos of diversity and inclusion, you will learn in a supportive environment and be empowered to express your opinions and debate the law.
With a strong emphasis on social justice and human rights, you will analyse legal issues in the media such as police powers and race, and the role of victims in the criminal justice system. You’ll also undertake an extended research project which will enable you to focus on a cause that matters to you. You will get the chance to put your skills into practice by working in Westminster’s Legal Advice Clinic – providing legal support to people in the local community while gaining valuable work experience.
The course will give you a head start towards a range of fascinating career roles. Not only is it a pathway to jobs in the criminal justice sector – such as a campaigner, researcher or policy officer in an NGO or government– it also meets the Bar’s core qualification standards and prepares you for the Solicitors’ Qualifying Exams (SQEs), providing a route into a legal career.
Top reasons to study with us
- Combines a qualifying law degree (LLB) with specialised modules in criminal justice, enabling you to tailor your studies and pursue a range of career paths
- Study on a central London campus near to the Old Bailey, major law firms and leading charities
- Learn from experts who have worked closely with the Law Commission, the Centre for Capital Punishment Studies and a wide range of NGOs
- Dynamic teaching style focused on small group seminars in which you’ll apply the laws of criminal evidence to real-life scenarios
- Experience the real world through 35 hours of work-based learning in your second year – which may include spending time in a law firm or NGO, attending a conference or conducting research
- Broaden your perspective by studying part of your course with one of our prestigious international partners
- Benefit from our close partnerships with judges, ‘magic circle’ law firms, HM Prison and Probation Service, and charitable NGOs through networking events, trips and speaker seminars
Course structure
Our varied, authentic, and inclusive means of assessment allow you to demonstrate the same competencies, or combinations of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, that you will need to apply in your future professional life.
In your last year with us, you participate in a distinctive element of the Law School experience at Westminster - the unique opportunity to reflect creatively on your learning journey with us in a final-year show.
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
Core modules
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Legal Systems, Cultures and Ideas
- Private Law
- Criminal Law
- Public Law
Option modules
- Cinematic Justice
- Introduction to Legal Practice
- Introduction to Rights and the Law
- Mooting and Advocacy
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
Core modules
- Professional Practice: Project
- Professional Practice: Skills
- Business Law
- Property Law
- Criminal Procedure
Option modules
- Child Protection Law and Policy
- Criminology and the Law
- European Law: Contemporary Legal Issues
- Law and Social Justice
- Rethinking Criminal Justice
- European Criminal Law
- Managing People
- Public Protection and Vulnerability
Credit Level 5
Study Abroad Year
You can spend an additional year of study abroad at our partner institutions around the world. You'll study for 120 additional credits through the two Law Study Abroad modules.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
Core modules
- Professional Legal Practice: Knowledge, Ethics and Transactions
- Professional Legal Research: Advanced Project
- Advanced Criminal Law
- Criminal Evidence
Option modules
- Clinical Legal Practice: Case Management and Progression
- Clinical Legal Practice: Interviewing and Advising
- Employment Law
- International Law, Peace, Conflict and Security
- Protecting Human Rights in the UK
- Race and Policing
- Countering Terrorism
- Family Law and Family Justice
- International Criminal Justice: Mass Atrocity crimes
Credit Level 6
Professional recognition
Your degree provides a high quality legal education that is intellectually aligned with both SQE1 and SQE2 (Solicitors’ Qualifying Exams). It meets the requirements of the Bar Standards Board and the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.
Studying Law with us
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Live chat with us
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
Can't attend? See more open events
Careers
Through core legal training and specialist modules, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills you need for a variety of roles within the legal profession and the criminal justice sector. Across our programmes, graduates from Westminster Law School go on to make a difference in law enforcement, the court service, prison and probation agencies, youth justice and human rights, or pursue traditional legal careers as barristers, lawyers or legal executives.
Practise in real-world environment
Apply your skills by working for our Legal Advice Clinic, providing a valuable service to the local community.
Prepare for the world of work
Gain 35 hours’ work experience or work-based learning, giving you an insight into different sectors and roles.
Specialist workshops and events
Take part in workshops, networking events and talks given by our legal and criminal justice partners.
Industry links
Our Law School has built up a network of partnerships with the legal profession (including ‘magic circle’ law firms, leading judges and barristers) and in the criminal justice sector (such as human rights and social justice NGOs). These include:
- Liberty
- Howard League for Penal Reform
- Penal Reform Trust
- Goldsmiths Chambers
- Kingsley Napier LLP
- Sheridans
- Tuckers Solicitors
Graduate employers
Graduates from our law courses have gone on to roles at organisations including:
- Crown Prosecution Service
- Financial Ombudsman Service
- Kingsley Napley LLP
- Latham and Watkins LLP
- Mackrell Solicitors
- Serious Fraud Office
- Sheridans
- Westkin Associates
- Winckworth Sherwood LLP
Job roles
This course will prepare you for a wide variety of roles including:
- Victim support officer
- Fundraiser
- Policy developer
- Prison officer
- Researcher
- Barrister
- Solicitor
- Legal Executive
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leader
Seema Kandelia
Senior Lecturer
Seema Kandelia graduated from the University of Essex with a LLB (Hons) degree in English and European Laws and a LLM in International Human Rights Law. Prior to joining Westminster Law School, Seema worked in the human rights field with organisations such as the Human Rights Centre (University of Essex), the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE Prague Office), the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (Geneva), the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (New Delhi) and the Centre for Capital Punishment Studies (University of Westminster). She is now a Senior Lecturer at the Law School.
Law and criminal justice are fascinating areas to study. We’ll provide you with a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice policy, procedure, and practice and open doors to diverse career opportunities, from legal practice and law enforcement to policy-making and advocacy.
Course Team
Meet the Head of Westminster Law School
Why study this course?
Gain a specialist training
Combine a grounding in law with specialist expertise in criminal justice, giving you a unique set of skills.
Fantastic location
Study in central London, the hub of our legal system, with easy access to charitable NGOs and major law firms.
Define your studies
Our flexible course enables you to tailor your studies to match your interests and career goals.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels – BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 112 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma – DMM
- BTEC Diploma – D*D*
- Access – 112 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
Direct entry
Direct entry to Year 2 or 3 is only possible in exceptional circumstances, if you have already successfully completed a course compatible with Year 1, or Year 1 and 2 of our LLB. You must have entry qualifications comparable to those needed to enrol at Credit Level 4 at Westminster. We may not be able to make a decision until all your previous results are available.
Direct entrants should have achieved a minimum average of 55 per cent in all modules (not including pass/fail modules) prior to their application to transfer.
Admission to Year 3 is rarely granted. Students at this stage of the course should check their proposed programme of study with the appropriate professional body to ensure that they are eligible for transfer.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 112 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in the other components. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Direct entry
Direct entry to Year 2 or 3 is only possible in exceptional circumstances, if you have already successfully completed a course compatible with Year 1, or Year 1 and 2 of our LLB. You must have entry qualifications comparable to those needed to enrol at Credit Level 4 at Westminster. We may not be able to make a decision until all your previous results are available.
Direct entrants should have achieved a minimum average of 55 per cent in all modules (not including pass/fail modules) prior to their application to transfer.
Admission to Year 3 is rarely granted. Students at this stage of the course should check their proposed programme of study with the appropriate professional body to ensure that they are eligible for transfer.
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polyang programme.
Hone your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning WeNetwork offers industry networking events, workshops, advice and start-up support.
Gain extra qualifications
Free access to online learning in Adobe, Microsoft Office and thousands of specialist LinkedIn Learning courses.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Regent Campus is composed of three sites, situated on and around Regent Street – one of the most famous and vibrant streets in London.
Little Titchfield Street is the home of Westminster Law School and, as part of our Regent Campus, benefits from a central London location. The facilities include a full-size mock courtroom, high-tech learning spaces, a pro-bono clinic and a 382-seat lecture theatre.
For more details, visit our locations page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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