Criminology and Law (with Placement Year)

Bringing together the closely related disciplines of Law and Criminology, this course explores the widely publicised and often emotive issues surrounding crime, punishment, justice and the legal system.

You will be introduced to the notion of crime, control of crime and legal treatment of crime. Students are taught using a mixture of lectures and small group seminars and ‘hands-on’ skills workshops. This supports students to explore topics more independently, in-depth and see their connection to real-world issues.

Designed and shared by Criminology and the Law School and also having input from International Studies, the programme aims to prepare you to think about deviance, victimisation, punishment and regulation of justice issues. It is designed to give you an opportunity to develop a rounded understanding of public and state responses to crime with guest speakers including staff from prisons, and victims providing real-world learning insights into such topics as mental health, court procedures and custody. Law modules also emphasise putting legal writing and research skills into practice.

Ideal for those interested in careers in criminal justice and with transferrable analytical and problem-solving skills useful in a wide range of jobs, the course considers the strengths and shortcomings of the legal system and the various philosophical, political, social, economic and moral issues which have shaped it and affect us today.

Coventry has a reputation for teaching excellence and excellent professional links with the Police, HM Prison Service and youth Offending Service. Our partnership with Warwickshire Police to provide Police Support Volunteers was the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Ranked 4th for Career Prospects in Criminology and 10th for Teaching Quality in Law – Guardian University Guide 2020.