88 points required

Clearing 2023

There are places available on this course.

course page main image

Law with Criminal Justice - LLB (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry. Switch to 2024/25 Entry

September 2023 — UCAS code M1MF

A law degree is an important first step into a career in law, as well as an important foundation on the route to many other careers, and Birmingham City University is a long-established provider of legal education to the Birmingham legal community and beyond....

88 points required

Calculate UCAS points

Clearing 2023

There are places available on this course.

  • Level Undergraduate
  • Study mode Full Time/Part Time
  • Location City Centre
  • School School of Law
  • Faculty Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences

This course is:

Overview

Clearing 2023

88 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

Apply now Call the hotline

Call 0121 331 6777

See hotline opening hours

A law degree is an important first step into a career in law, as well as an important foundation on the route to many other careers, and Birmingham City University is a long-established provider of legal education to the Birmingham legal community and beyond.

This course has been developed to enable anyone wishing to qualify as a solicitor or barrister to undertake this first, important academic stage of their career. To achieve this, the course has been designed to align with the subjects that you will need to study further in order to successfully undertake the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), while also meeting the requirements of the Bar Standards Board for an undergraduate law degree.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

The study of law is both academic and practical, and therefore both of these are important elements in the LLB (Hons) degree at BCU. Theory and academic study are important on an LLB, but so too is the application of that knowledge, and so our LLB (Hons) degree offers plenty of opportunity for you to develop the practical lawyering skills, as well as the transferable skills enhancing your employability, that graduates will need when entering the workplace.

The different pathways on the LLB course will allow you to make decisions regarding the direction in which you want to take your studies, with named degrees in Law with American Legal Studies, Law with Business Law, and Law with Criminal Justice, as well as a broad range of optional modules ranging from more theoretical topics through to those aimed at the practical application of the law in real-world situations.

You will also have the opportunity to put those skills to practical use, both in the local community and beyond. Whether that is through our programme of placement opportunities with local providers such as Citizen’s Advice and various legal advice charities, through opportunities in the local legal community, or via BCU’s own Law Clinic, established to serve the local community from our City Centre campus, there are plenty of options available to you.

You can also apply your legal knowledge further afield, through our US internship programme which has been placing students with attorneys throughout the US for over 20 years. A professional placement year is also available, between years 2 and 3 of the degree, offering further opportunity for you to put your knowledge and skills to practical use, and thereby enhancing your CV further.

By focussing on the development of a range of transferable skills, the course employs numerous innovative assessment methods, going beyond the typical forms of written academic assessment.

You are also encouraged to engage in extra-curricular activities to support your learning, with student societies such as the highly successful Mooting Society. Furthermore, you will have the ability to engage with the wider Birmingham legal community through our connections with the Birmingham Law Society, the largest regional law society in the UK.

Why Choose Us?

  • We aim to give students exposure to real-world experiences. The Law Clinic offers students the chance to work on real-life legal cases with real-world clients. The clinic is open to members of the public who may not be able to access legal support for a variety of reasons. The Clinic then supports these clients with their case while offering students exposure to practice as well as the theory of the classroom. This offers a unique opportunity for students to gain this invaluable experience while they study.
  • We have a strong focus on employability and through placement opportunities and our links with the local law community in Birmingham. We aim to ensure you graduate not only with your degree but also with the skills and knowledge needed to embark on your chosen career.
  • Our Research Centres have a strong focus on American Law and Human Rights and allows academics and students to remain on the cutting edge of legal matters around the world and also offering consultancy and written materials.
  • We pride ourselves on being the University for Birmingham and our commitment to contribute to the city and community. As part of this commitment, we have forged strong links with local law firms across the city and many graduates end up playing valuable roles in the local law community.

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person, hear from our trailblazing academics and explore our innovative £340m facilities.

Next Open Day: 30 September 2023

Book now

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

88 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

Apply now Call the hotline

Call 0121 331 6777

See hotline opening hours

Alternative options

If you do not have 88 points, you may like to look at our other courses available.

View Clearing courses

Or explore your options if you don't have enough points for any of our courses.

Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential

BBC or 112 UCAS tariff points from a maximum of 3 subjects.

GCSE

GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.

Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level)

See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.

Scottish National 5

English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.

Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications

A level and Advanced VCE

  • BBC / 112 UCAS points
  • A maximum of 3 subjects are considered (excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking). These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents.

Access to HE Diploma

  • Law-related pathway
  • Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3. 18 of the level 3 credits must be achieved at either merit or distinction grade.
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma
    (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
    (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
    (2002 – 2010)
  • DMM
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
    (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
    (2010 – 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
    (2002 – 2010)
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
  • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
    (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
    (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Award
    (2002 - 2010)
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design & Media)

  • Distinction

IBO Certificate in Higher Level

  • Students who do not complete the IB Diploma will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates if they obtain a total of 14 points or above from three Higher Level Subjects
  • Considered with other acceptable level 3 qualifications to meet 112 UCAS Tariff Points
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

  • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H5/D1)

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Applied General Certificate in Health and Social Care

  • 112 UCAS points.
  • Can be considered along with A-levels or a combination of equivalent level 3 qualifications

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

  • DMM
  • Must be in Business

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
    (2016 – present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate

  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Scottish Advanced Higher

  • Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers.
  • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD.
  • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers).

Scottish Higher

  • Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either five Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers.
  • Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades BBCCC is required. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers.

T-Levels

  • 112 UCAS points (Merit overall)

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016)
  • ESW/KS Combined component
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

WJEC Level 3 Diploma in Criminology (QCF)

  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other qualifications

If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Additional information for EU/International students

Applications from international applicants with equivalent qualifications to 112 points are welcome. Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept.

In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table.

IELTS

6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses.

Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information.

Other accepted qualifications

Visit our English language page

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: LLB (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 3 Years
  • £9,250 in 2023/24
  • £1542 per 20 credits
  • Year 1 80 credits
  • Year 2 80 credits
  • Year 3 80 credits
  • Year 4 80 credits
  • Year 5 40 credits

Fees for Part-time students

This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: LLB (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 3 Years
  • £13,980 in 2023/24

Online applications are now closed

Our Clearing hotline will open on Thursday 17 August at 8am.
0121 331 6777

Sign up for Clearing updates

Places available to start in September 2023

If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.

Apply now Call the hotline

Call 0121 331 6777

See hotline opening hours

International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.

Want to start in September 2024? You can apply via UCAS from September 2023.

Personal statement

UK / EU students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.*

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:

  • Course choice - Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
  • Career plans - If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
  • Work experience - Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
  • School or college experience - Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
  • Non-accredited skills or achievement - eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.

You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

*Non-EU students are not required to submit a personal statement when applying for this course.

Course in Depth

First Year

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all of the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Second Year

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all of the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):

Professional Placement

In order to qualify for the award of LLB (Hons) Law With Criminal Justice with Professional Placement Year you must successfully complete the following module.

Final Year

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete all of the following CORE modules (totalling 80 credits):

You will also choose one of the following:

In order to complete this course you must successfully complete at least 40 credits from the following list of OPTIONAL modules:

All core modules are guaranteed to run. Optional modules will vary from year to year and the published list is indicative only.

Download course specification

Download now

Employability

Enhancing employability skills

Key employability skills are embedded within the learning and teaching, and we will provide you with additional careers development opportunities through a programme of guest speakers, pro bono and placement opportunities which offer you practical experience of work.

Our nationally recognised Mooting Society, Student Legal Society and Student Debating Society also provide extra-curricular opportunities for you to practise, develop and enhance the transferable skills you have developed within the learning environment.

Placements

The Department of Criminology has close links with local and national criminal justice agencies such as Midland regional police forces and community safety partnerships. 

Being part of this Department will provide you with the opportunity to liaise and work with external organisations such as The Howard Student League, which raises awareness of penal reform issues, The New Bridge Group which trains and pays for students to write to and visit prisoners, and Prison Link, a Birmingham-based organisation that offers help to serving prisoners.

More about our placement opportunities

International

The School of Law at Birmingham City University is home to students from a wide number of countries studying on traditional degree programmes and short-term international courses both at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

A legal education at Birmingham City University is widely recognised and many of our international students return to their home country to either pursue legal practice or requisite professional qualifications in their jurisdiction.

As a law student you will not only develop and refine knowledge in discrete areas of English and international law but also develop key transferable skills designed to enhance your employability profile. Many international students have travelled thousands of miles to study at Birmingham City University and the School offers you an engaging and diverse study experience based in the city of Birmingham which is the second largest city in the UK.

Due to our proximity close to the legal and business district of the city we enjoy strong links with Birmingham Law Society and law firms around the West Midlands. The benefit of these links is passed directly onto you so that you can enhance your network of contacts whilst seeking relevant legal practice experience to enhance your employability profile.

More information for International students

Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:

The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.

Facilities & Staff

Curzon facilities eatery
Curzon facilities staircase
Curzon facilities student hub

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £260 million on learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at the City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Law, Business and Social Sciences courses.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The facilities at the Curzon building include two bespoke Law Courtrooms, replicating a Crown court and a Magistrates court. These rooms will play a key part in your learning experience, allowing you to try your hand in mock court cases, whilst also being the venue for our Mooting and Debating Societies.

On top of this, the Curzon building houses an extensive Law library, with books covering every aspect of Law history.

The Curzon Building also features:

  • An impressive library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
  • Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
  • A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
  • Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
  • Shared facilities with the wider campus including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point

Our staff

Professor Jon Yorke

Professor of Human Rights and Director of the Centre for Human Rights

Jon Yorke is the Professor of Human Rights in the School of Law and the Director of the Centre for Human Rights (CHR). His qualifications include LL.B. (Hons) (BCU), LL.M. and Ph.D. (Warwick).

More about Jon

Dr Sarah Cooper

Professor of Interdisciplinary Criminal Justice

Professor Cooper, a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Authority and Lord Denning Scholar of Lincoln’s Inn, is a Professor of Interdisciplinary Criminal Justice at BCU Law School where she is the School’s Director of Research and US Internship Programme Convenor.

More about Sarah

Tracey Cooper

Director of International Recruitment and Development | Director of Staff Professional Development

Tracey Cooper is the Director of Educational and Professional Development at BCU, prior to this she held the role of LLB Programme Director for 7 years. Her teaching areas are Land Law, Contract Law and ADR. She obtained her LLB with the Open University and LLM with the University of Wolverhampton.

More about Tracey

Jessica Gallagher

Lecturer

Jessica Gallagher is a Lecturer in Law, and is currently studying for her PhD in Law which researches Self-Harm and Suicide in Adult Male prisoners. Her areas of research interest include prison conditions, the Criminal Justice system, sentencing criminal law and the relationship between politics and the Criminal Justice System.

More about Jessica