Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Law with Criminology

Modules, teaching and learning

This is a qualifying law degree and you will gain the knowledge and skills you will need to become professionally qualified. You will be able to analyse and challenge contemporary issues in law and specialise to match your career aspirations through criminology and law option modules. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload will be informed by your core modules and the option modules you choose to study – the information provided is an indication of what you can expect and may be subject to change. The option modules listed are also an indication of what will be available to you. Their availability is subject to demand and you will be advised which option modules you can choose at the beginning of each year of study.

What you'll learn

This module will introduce you to the study of law and the English legal system. You will start to develop the key skills you will need to acquire and apply legal knowledge, and you will gain an understanding the personnel, structure, the law making and the judicial reasoning process within the English legal system. You will learn to research and analyse primary sources of law and authoritative secondary sources.
Study how a contract is created before looking at terms of a contract that determine the obligations of each party, as well as specific terms concerned with liability. You will also consider the remedies and damages available in the event of a breach of contract.
Criminal law plays an important role in everyday life, affecting both individuals and society. This module will consider the foundations of criminal liability in a practical, applied way, enabling you to draw the link between academic study and courtroom practice. You'll examine some of the key ingredients of criminal liability such as underpinning principles of individual autonomy and the harm principles, actus reus, mens rea and causation. You'll then move on to study selected offences and defences which are commonly encountered in practice. This module will also look at criminal attempts as well as participation in crime. Your study will enable you to develop the knowledge to understand and apply criminal law. Ultimately, you'll learn to approach the question of liability in a logical way and to undertake independent research to find legal solutions.
Start to understand the key concepts of public law by studying the relationships between the institutions of state. You will gain an insight into the historical progression of the UK constitution and developments over the last 50 years of international treaties and agreements that have contributed to it. You will study a variety of topics including the rule of law, human rights and judicial review.
This module will enhance your employability skills and enable you to practise demonstrating those skills. You will be introduced to recruitment and selection procedures and you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own skills and attributes.
This module will introduce you to the study of law and the English legal system. You will start to develop the key skills you will need to acquire and apply legal knowledge, and you will gain an understanding the personnel, structure, the law making and the judicial reasoning process within the English legal system. You will learn to research and analyse primary sources of law and authoritative secondary sources.
Study how a contract is created before looking at terms of a contract that determine the obligations of each party, as well as specific terms concerned with liability. You will also consider the remedies and damages available in the event of a breach of contract.
Criminal law plays an important role in everyday life, affecting both individuals and society. This module will consider the foundations of criminal liability in a practical, applied way, enabling you to draw the link between academic study and courtroom practice. You'll examine some of the key ingredients of criminal liability such as underpinning principles of individual autonomy and the harm principles, actus reus, mens rea and causation. You'll then move on to study selected offences and defences which are commonly encountered in practice. This module will also look at criminal attempts as well as participation in crime. Your study will enable you to develop the knowledge to understand and apply criminal law. Ultimately, you'll learn to approach the question of liability in a logical way and to undertake independent research to find legal solutions.
Start to understand the key concepts of public law by studying the relationships between the institutions of state. You will gain an insight into the historical progression of the UK constitution and developments over the last 50 years of international treaties and agreements that have contributed to it. You will study a variety of topics including the rule of law, human rights and judicial review.
This module will enhance your employability skills and enable you to practise demonstrating those skills. You will be introduced to recruitment and selection procedures and you will have the opportunity to reflect on your own skills and attributes.

What you'll learn

Option modules may include

Understand the concept of land and the difference between real and personal property. You'll study a range of topics including the nature of property rights as contrasted with personal rights; leases, leasehold covenants and mortgages; co-ownership and trusts of land; and land registration. You'll develop a strong understanding of the core legal principles of property and land law, allowing you to confidently evaluate and apply these principles to practical scenarios.
Study the circumstances in which organisations and individuals who have suffered harm at the hands of others might be able to claim compensation from the wrongdoer. Initially, you will concentrate on negligence before studying other key and topical areas such trespass to the person.
Learn practical advocacy skills and knowledge to present cases before courts and tribunals. This module will build on the understanding of substantive law you gained in your first year as you move towards being able to practically demonstrate that knowledge in short advocacy submissions. Your submissions will cross over civil and criminal law and include opposed and unopposed performance opportunities.
Develop an understanding of the principles of child law. You'll study the principles in the context of rapidly changing value systems, state intervention and the law’s influence on and regulation of the child in the family. You'll learn to relate laws and legal systems affecting the child, looking at both legal and non-legal solutions, to child law problems and developing the student’s problem-solving skills.
This module aims to prepare you for life in legal practice. During your study, you'll undertake the role of a paralegal and gain a grounding in the principles of professional conduct as outlined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and CILEx. You'll also study matters relating to client care and some of the key legal skills relevant to practice, including interviewing, legal writing and negotiation.
Develop a practical overview of the key modes of procurement and delivery of building and infrastructure projects in the UK. You'll study their social value and the roles of the primary stakeholders. This module will then explore the risks which adversely impact construction work and how they are allocated and managed. As you study the risks, you'll focus on the contractual, tortious and statutory liabilities of procurers, end-users, contractors, subcontractors, designers and construction professionals. You'll be given a grounding in key features of the standard-form contracts typically used for construction projects and the sub-contracting, claims and dispute resolution practices unique to the industry.
Gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of family law by placing these in the context of rapidly changing value systems, state intervention and the law’s influence on and regulation of family. You will develop your problem-solving skills by learning to relate the law and legal system affecting family life to family law problems, looking at both legal and non-legal solutions.
Explore current and emerging technologies that are being used within the legal services landscape. This module will emphasise technologies likely to play a significant role in the future of the legal profession. You'll also study the skills you'll need as a graduate working in the digitally enhanced legal workplace.
Study theoretical perspectives drawing on classic jurisprudence as well as other theories such as feminist theory, queer theory, critical race theory and Marxist theory. You will be introduced to these theories through a critique of legal education before then applying them to legal issues currently topical and/or controversial.
Explore the ways in which the law has been used to facilitate international trade. You will learn to define, analyse, and apply legal and non-legal rules to the operation of international trade law in a public law context. This module will enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of topics such as international treaties designed to remove trading barriers and how trading blocs such as the EU operate within that regime, the philosophical and theoretical approaches to the main areas of international law and international trade law, in particular property law, and the role of the EU in international trade.
Build on the knowledge of the rules of contract law that you developed in your first year and gain a grounding in commercial law and an appreciation of commercial factors which influence the operation of a business. You will examine the general principles of law which govern commercial transaction and you will set the rules of the substantive law within their commercial context and evaluate the need for the law to provide predictability for commercial decisions and transactions and to give efficacy to freedom of contract.
Understand the concept of land and the difference between real and personal property. You'll study a range of topics including the nature of property rights as contrasted with personal rights; leases, leasehold covenants and mortgages; co-ownership and trusts of land; and land registration. You'll develop a strong understanding of the core legal principles of property and land law, allowing you to confidently evaluate and apply these principles to practical scenarios.
Study the circumstances in which organisations and individuals who have suffered harm at the hands of others might be able to claim compensation from the wrongdoer. Initially, you will concentrate on negligence before studying other key and topical areas such trespass to the person.
Learn practical advocacy skills and knowledge to present cases before courts and tribunals. This module will build on the understanding of substantive law you gained in your first year as you move towards being able to practically demonstrate that knowledge in short advocacy submissions. Your submissions will cross over civil and criminal law and include opposed and unopposed performance opportunities.
Develop an understanding of the principles of child law. You'll study the principles in the context of rapidly changing value systems, state intervention and the law’s influence on and regulation of the child in the family. You'll learn to relate laws and legal systems affecting the child, looking at both legal and non-legal solutions, to child law problems and developing the student’s problem-solving skills.
This module aims to prepare you for life in legal practice. During your study, you'll undertake the role of a paralegal and gain a grounding in the principles of professional conduct as outlined by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and CILEx. You'll also study matters relating to client care and some of the key legal skills relevant to practice, including interviewing, legal writing and negotiation.
Develop a practical overview of the key modes of procurement and delivery of building and infrastructure projects in the UK. You'll study their social value and the roles of the primary stakeholders. This module will then explore the risks which adversely impact construction work and how they are allocated and managed. As you study the risks, you'll focus on the contractual, tortious and statutory liabilities of procurers, end-users, contractors, subcontractors, designers and construction professionals. You'll be given a grounding in key features of the standard-form contracts typically used for construction projects and the sub-contracting, claims and dispute resolution practices unique to the industry.
Gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of family law by placing these in the context of rapidly changing value systems, state intervention and the law’s influence on and regulation of family. You will develop your problem-solving skills by learning to relate the law and legal system affecting family life to family law problems, looking at both legal and non-legal solutions.
Explore current and emerging technologies that are being used within the legal services landscape. This module will emphasise technologies likely to play a significant role in the future of the legal profession. You'll also study the skills you'll need as a graduate working in the digitally enhanced legal workplace.
Study theoretical perspectives drawing on classic jurisprudence as well as other theories such as feminist theory, queer theory, critical race theory and Marxist theory. You will be introduced to these theories through a critique of legal education before then applying them to legal issues currently topical and/or controversial.
Explore the ways in which the law has been used to facilitate international trade. You will learn to define, analyse, and apply legal and non-legal rules to the operation of international trade law in a public law context. This module will enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of a variety of topics such as international treaties designed to remove trading barriers and how trading blocs such as the EU operate within that regime, the philosophical and theoretical approaches to the main areas of international law and international trade law, in particular property law, and the role of the EU in international trade.
Build on the knowledge of the rules of contract law that you developed in your first year and gain a grounding in commercial law and an appreciation of commercial factors which influence the operation of a business. You will examine the general principles of law which govern commercial transaction and you will set the rules of the substantive law within their commercial context and evaluate the need for the law to provide predictability for commercial decisions and transactions and to give efficacy to freedom of contract.

What you'll learn

Engage with the development of criminal justice policies at a national and global level, drawing on sociological, social policy and socio-legal perspectives. You will investigate the complex inter-relationships between theory, policy and practice in the field of criminal justice. You will be encouraged to evaluate different sources of knowledge about crime and criminal justice, and focus on the role of academic research in shaping and evaluating criminal justice policies.
Engage with the development of criminal justice policies at a national and global level, drawing on sociological, social policy and socio-legal perspectives. You will investigate the complex inter-relationships between theory, policy and practice in the field of criminal justice. You will be encouraged to evaluate different sources of knowledge about crime and criminal justice, and focus on the role of academic research in shaping and evaluating criminal justice policies.

Option modules may include

In this module you will look at how and why trusts are created, including the different forms of trust, their legal frameworks, the principles of equity affecting their creation and the use of trusts in practice. You will also consider the statutory and equitable rules that govern the way in which a private trust is managed including asset management and distribution and the appointment retirement and removal of trustees.
Build on the knowledge you developed in your first year of study concerning the law of the UK constitution. You will explore the law of the European Union by examining the structure and status of the law of the EU and its relationship to the national laws of the Member States. You will investigate the key legal doctrines of the law of the EU and the specific application of the law of the EU in certain selected substantive legal contexts.
Develop knowledge and practical understanding of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation and arbitration. Every legal practitioner must be familiar with ADR due to factors such as the cost of litigation, the pre-action protocols that require parties to civil litigation to have considered a form of ADR to assist with settlement, and the popularity of mediation and arbitration in multi-tier dispute resolution clauses in commercial contracts. This module will enable you to develop the skills you'll need to advise a client on their options for dispute resolution either at the time of drafting contracts or after disputes have arisen.
Study the relevant national and international laws which relate to animal welfare in different contexts. Exploring the effectiveness of these laws, you'll think deeply about our relationship with animals and the socio-legal and ethical implications of their use. You'll investigate a variety of theories relating to our treatment of animals. You'll then undertake a critical examination of the law to assess whether it is adequate to protect animals or whether reform is needed.
Explore companies as a type of business organisation. You'll examine the legal relationships between stakeholders in a company and the impact of companies as legal entities on society. During the module, you'll be encouraged to consider the economic, social and political role of company law.
Explore the law of evidence and gain a critical understanding of how evidential principles apply within the criminal and civil jurisdictions. This module aims to promote independent learning, critical thinking and the development of problem-solving skills cultivated throughout the course.
Carry out an in-depth research project in a subject area that is appropriate to the course and of particular interest to you. During this module, you'll critically evaluate key concepts, research approaches, techniques, theoretical perspectives, and findings of existing research within the context of law. You'll also analyse, evaluate and synthesise ideas and information, communicating these effectively through an appropriate research design.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the law and legal framework relating to the individual employer/employee relationship. This module will encompass the broader social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, moral and cultural context of employment law. It will consider the employer/employee relationship and the effect and impact of statutory intervention.
Step into the world of intellectual property law, covering key areas such as copyright, trademarks, patents, the law of confidence and design rights. You'll explore various topics including the legal requirements for each intellectual property right (IPR), how each IPR might be infringed, and the application of the relevant laws to realistic problem-based scenarios.
This module will consider the international human rights framework with reference to the role and function of the United Nations. You'll be introduced to the nature and structure of international human rights and the systems and institutions that seek to protect and promote them. This module will focus on civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, torture and the rights of prisoners. We'll encourage you to engage actively in wider reading and make both guided and independent links between your studies and world affairs. Additionally, you'll evaluate the successes and challenges of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
Gain experience and apply your expertise by working on real cases and offering pro bono legal advice in a practical setting. Under the supervision of a practising solicitor, you'll engage in interviewing clients, conducting research, providing written advice, and observing oral guidance across various areas of law. This may include small business and charity problems, family, employment, housing, landlord and tenant, small debt and social security. Your clients could range from individuals to small businesses or charities requiring advice or seeking more general assistance with law reform. Ultimately, this module will introduce you to a client-focused role in a professional setting that follows strict procedural and operational rules.
Examine UK law as it applies to the media and entertainment industries. Areas covered will include human rights, privacy and confidentiality; freedom of expression and defamation; contempt of court; the reporting of legal proceedings, media regulation; copyright, passing off, image rights and performers' rights; journalists' sources and official secrets. You'll study key aspects such as broadcasting, the printed press, the music industry, online news and entertainment, and social networking sites. Your studies will also cover the law relating to intellectual property for the entertainment industry.
Develop your individual, transferable, personal, intellectual, subject-related and professional skills and competencies through work experience. You'll undertake a placement for one year in a graduate environment such as a law firm or other appropriate organisation. During your placement, you'll gain relevant industry experience which will enable you to reflect on the skills and knowledge that you've developed throughout your course. Your experience will help you to build your enterprising attributes and wider skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration, entrepreneurial, interpersonal, managerial and communication with others.
In this module you will look at how and why trusts are created, including the different forms of trust, their legal frameworks, the principles of equity affecting their creation and the use of trusts in practice. You will also consider the statutory and equitable rules that govern the way in which a private trust is managed including asset management and distribution and the appointment retirement and removal of trustees.
Build on the knowledge you developed in your first year of study concerning the law of the UK constitution. You will explore the law of the European Union by examining the structure and status of the law of the EU and its relationship to the national laws of the Member States. You will investigate the key legal doctrines of the law of the EU and the specific application of the law of the EU in certain selected substantive legal contexts.
Develop knowledge and practical understanding of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation and arbitration. Every legal practitioner must be familiar with ADR due to factors such as the cost of litigation, the pre-action protocols that require parties to civil litigation to have considered a form of ADR to assist with settlement, and the popularity of mediation and arbitration in multi-tier dispute resolution clauses in commercial contracts. This module will enable you to develop the skills you'll need to advise a client on their options for dispute resolution either at the time of drafting contracts or after disputes have arisen.
Study the relevant national and international laws which relate to animal welfare in different contexts. Exploring the effectiveness of these laws, you'll think deeply about our relationship with animals and the socio-legal and ethical implications of their use. You'll investigate a variety of theories relating to our treatment of animals. You'll then undertake a critical examination of the law to assess whether it is adequate to protect animals or whether reform is needed.
Explore companies as a type of business organisation. You'll examine the legal relationships between stakeholders in a company and the impact of companies as legal entities on society. During the module, you'll be encouraged to consider the economic, social and political role of company law.
Explore the law of evidence and gain a critical understanding of how evidential principles apply within the criminal and civil jurisdictions. This module aims to promote independent learning, critical thinking and the development of problem-solving skills cultivated throughout the course.
Carry out an in-depth research project in a subject area that is appropriate to the course and of particular interest to you. During this module, you'll critically evaluate key concepts, research approaches, techniques, theoretical perspectives, and findings of existing research within the context of law. You'll also analyse, evaluate and synthesise ideas and information, communicating these effectively through an appropriate research design.
Gain an in-depth understanding of the law and legal framework relating to the individual employer/employee relationship. This module will encompass the broader social, economic, political, historical, philosophical, moral and cultural context of employment law. It will consider the employer/employee relationship and the effect and impact of statutory intervention.
Step into the world of intellectual property law, covering key areas such as copyright, trademarks, patents, the law of confidence and design rights. You'll explore various topics including the legal requirements for each intellectual property right (IPR), how each IPR might be infringed, and the application of the relevant laws to realistic problem-based scenarios.
This module will consider the international human rights framework with reference to the role and function of the United Nations. You'll be introduced to the nature and structure of international human rights and the systems and institutions that seek to protect and promote them. This module will focus on civil and political rights, economic, social and cultural rights, torture and the rights of prisoners. We'll encourage you to engage actively in wider reading and make both guided and independent links between your studies and world affairs. Additionally, you'll evaluate the successes and challenges of international human rights and international humanitarian law.
Gain experience and apply your expertise by working on real cases and offering pro bono legal advice in a practical setting. Under the supervision of a practising solicitor, you'll engage in interviewing clients, conducting research, providing written advice, and observing oral guidance across various areas of law. This may include small business and charity problems, family, employment, housing, landlord and tenant, small debt and social security. Your clients could range from individuals to small businesses or charities requiring advice or seeking more general assistance with law reform. Ultimately, this module will introduce you to a client-focused role in a professional setting that follows strict procedural and operational rules.
Examine UK law as it applies to the media and entertainment industries. Areas covered will include human rights, privacy and confidentiality; freedom of expression and defamation; contempt of court; the reporting of legal proceedings, media regulation; copyright, passing off, image rights and performers' rights; journalists' sources and official secrets. You'll study key aspects such as broadcasting, the printed press, the music industry, online news and entertainment, and social networking sites. Your studies will also cover the law relating to intellectual property for the entertainment industry.
Develop your individual, transferable, personal, intellectual, subject-related and professional skills and competencies through work experience. You'll undertake a placement for one year in a graduate environment such as a law firm or other appropriate organisation. During your placement, you'll gain relevant industry experience which will enable you to reflect on the skills and knowledge that you've developed throughout your course. Your experience will help you to build your enterprising attributes and wider skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration, entrepreneurial, interpersonal, managerial and communication with others.

This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.

Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.

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