Criminal Law
Are you interested in a career in criminology and law but need extra preparation before starting a full undergraduate degree? Our BA (Hons) Criminal Law with Foundation Year is designed to equip you with essential study skills for academic success. You’ll gain a strong foundation in key criminology and law concepts, both in the UK and globally, helping you build valuable skills for a wide range of career opportunities.
Course Overview
This course follows a digital-first, practice-driven approach aligned with the UK’s Ministry of Justice Digital Strategy (2025). You’ll develop modern skills to meet the evolving demands of the sector while exploring the relationships between crime, society, and law, including political, psychological, and social aspects of criminology.
Guided by experienced academics and industry professionals, the program includes regular webinars and guest lectures from international scholars, senior criminal justice officials, policymakers, and even former offenders. This real-world perspective ensures your learning is relevant and applicable to a variety of career paths.
Intakes
To be confirmed
Duration
Mode of Study
Awarded Degree
Fees
Arden’s foundation year modules are designed to provide a strong introduction to university study, equipping you with the academic and subject-specific skills needed for success in higher education.
Your learning journey begins with essential academic study skills to ensure you’re well-prepared for your undergraduate degree. You’ll then explore key developments and best practices in criminology and law, both in the UK and globally, gaining valuable and modern expertise. Additionally, the opportunity to publish your work will help build your professional profile.
Course Duration
You have between 4 to 12 years to complete this course, with up to 4 years per level. Most students typically finish within 4 to 6 years.
Modules
Foundation Year
- Preparing for University Success
- Exploring the Social World
- Advancing Your Academic Skills
- Examining Social Justice
- Planning for Your Future Success
- Investigation & Innovation Project
Level 4
- Becoming a Criminologist (20 credits)
- English Legal System and Legal Skills (20 credits)
- Crime 1 (20 credits)
- Civil Liberties in Practice (20 credits)
- Working within the Criminal Justice System (20 credits)
- Policing Priorities (20 credits)
Level 5
- Researching the Field (20 credits)
- Defending the Realm (20 credits)
- Youth Crime and Justice (20 credits)
- Crimes of the Powerful (20 credits)
- The Prison (20 credits)
- Crime 2 (20 credits)
Level 6
- Victimology (20 credits)
- Miscarriages of Justice (20 credits)
- Professional Practice: A Case Study (20 credits)
- Public International Law (20 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
No exams here! Our innovative assessments focus on real-world skills employers seek. Each assessment is designed to provide transferable skills for your future and may include:
– Assignments
– Essays
– Reports
– Presentations
– Case Studies
– Portfolios
– Roleplay
– Interactive Decision-Making
– Research Proposal
This course provides opportunities to strengthen your knowledge and understanding through informal formative assessments, which take place before formal summative assessments that determine your final grades.
Each module typically includes at least one formative assessment, allowing you to receive feedback from your course team. These assessments are designed for development and do not contribute to your final grade. They help you build confidence and a deeper understanding of the module content and assessment methods. Students who do not engage with these informal assessments often face challenges in progressing through the Foundation Year and beyond.
Formal summative assessments usually occur toward the end of each module and may include written exams, reports, portfolios, essays, and presentations. The grades from these assessments contribute to your final module mark.
Assessment methods are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback or recommendations from the External Examiner—an independent academic expert from another institution—who ensures the course maintains high academic standards.
Career Prospects with a BA (Hons) Criminal Law
This degree’s interdisciplinary approach equips you with transferable skills, opening doors to various exciting careers in criminology and law. Whether you have a clear career goal or are exploring your options, we provide continuous support to help you achieve your professional aspirations.
What Will the BA (Hons) Criminal Law Do for Me?
This degree is designed to give you a deep understanding of criminology and law, along with practical skills for tackling the current and future challenges of the sector. During your studies, you will:
- Explore the causes and patterns of criminal behavior at both individual and societal levels.
- Gain an understanding of key legislation related to criminal behavior and its application.
- Examine criminology and law in national and international contexts.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of justice and legal systems.
- Investigate governmental and non-governmental agencies involved in crime prevention and legal application.
- Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Foundation Year Support
Your Foundation Year will provide essential support and preparation for your university journey, including:
- Introduction and Preparation: Foundation Year courses will help you adapt to university-level teaching and assessments. You will develop critical study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities.
- Personalized Support: Our academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year, ensuring a smooth transition into your degree and providing ongoing support.
- Direct Relevance to Your Degree: The Foundation Year aligns closely with your future degree, giving you the subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary insights to succeed.
- Improved Degree Outcomes: The Foundation Year helps build your confidence and understanding, enabling you to excel in your degree and expand your career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
A criminology with law degree can lead to numerous career paths in criminal justice and related fields. It also provides universal skills applicable in various industries. Potential career options include:
- Police Officer
- Prison Service
- Probation Officer
- Paralegal
- Community Justice Worker
- Charities or NGOs
- Government roles (e.g., Home Office)
- Education and more
By completing this degree, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the field of criminology and law.
For more information about course fees, please click here or call us at OptimusEducation.