LLB Law

This course provides an introduction to some key offences and defences in English criminal law and to its general principles.  Criminal law is an exciting and multi-faceted subject that students usually really enjoy studying.  Our main focus on the course is on legal doctrine, ie. the rules that determine the scope of the criminal law, but we will consider a range of perspectives (eg. theoretical, political, sociological) on its operation.  By the end of the course, you should have a good knowledge of the law and an ability to analyse and evaluate its scope and effectiveness. 

Lectures set out the overall structure of the course, the workshops provide a focus for your reading and work as well as an opportunity for discussion.  In addition to textbooks, you will read primary legal materials (mainly cases and statutes) and academic commentary.  
 

Provide an overview of the doctrinal and theoretical aspects of criminal liability in England and Wales including detailed investigation of select criminal offences and defences. 

KU1, KU2: Students will demonstrate knowledge of Criminal Law which will enhance employability in legal and related professions.

IS1, IS2: Students will demonstrate intellectual skills which will enhance their evaluative skills and ability to synthesise information and reach reasoned judgments.

PS1, PS2: Students will develop written communication skills and an ability to marshal evidence to support arguments and reach reasoned conclusions.

TS1, TS2: Students will develop oral and written communication skills and the ability to engage in discussion of complex ideas

Taken together these ILOs will support students to develop independent research skills, clear communication skills, the ability to synthesis complex ideas and present coherent arguments and the ability to evaluate evidence.

Actus Reus and Mens Rea
Homicide and the Partial Defences to Murder
Criminal Law Reform
Non-Fatal Offences against the Person
Sexual Offences
Property Offences
General Defences to Criminal Liability
Criminal Law Reform and General Principles
 

All Level 1 and Level 2 Law course units use a combination of lectures and 2 hour workshops as the scheduled teaching and learning activities.  Lectures will include delivery of substantive content, interactive quizzes for ongoing oral feedback and skills development sessions.  Workshops will enable students to participate in a range of activities in groups and will be led by the workshop leader.  Workshops provide opportunity for peer interaction and oral feedback from the workshop leader.  Canvas will be used to deliver course materials and information about teaching, learning and assessment.  Independent study, including an online discussion board, will support research skills, and knowledge and understanding of the course unit content.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the doctrinal basis for select criminal offences and defences in England and Wales.
• Develop knowledge of a range of theoretical perspectives within the academic literature on the aims, values and principles of the criminal law.

• Identify and interpret primary legal sources and demonstrate knowledge of different interpretations of criminal law doctrine.
• Develop arguments which draw from perspectives within the academic literature.

• Apply criminal law doctrine to practical problem-solving scenarios.
• Prepare written work meeting appropriate academic standards and reference sources correctly.

• Communicate theoretical and doctrinal ideas relating to criminal law clearly
• Engage constructively and respectfully with others in discussions and be able to communicate arguments in writing about the purpose, scope and reform of criminal law.  

This unit is one of the Foundations of Legal Knowledge subjects required for students wishing to satisfy the Academic Stage of Training for the Bar Standards Board.

Individual and cohort feedback on summative assessments within standard university timeframe.

J. Herring, Criminal Law text Cases and Materials (Oxford University Press – latest edition).

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,800 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships . This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.