LLM Professional Legal Practice
Embark on your journey to becoming a solicitor with full SQE 1 and 2 preparation.
Find out moreLLB (Hons)Law with Criminology
Apply on UCAS
Starting in:Â 2026
Register your interest- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
- 3 years
UCAS code: LWC3
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a law with criminology degree at Solent University
Expand your career horizons across law, criminology, and criminal justice and gain the essential skills for working in the legal practice and criminal justice systems.
- 0ndin the UK for teaching satisfaction in law, out of 110 institutions (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- 0thin the UK in law, out of 110 institutions (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- Top0in the UK for career prospects in law, out of 95 institutions (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- Course content is tailored to suit the requirements of professional bodies and is designed to prepare you for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the Bar Exam.
- Preparation for the Solicitors Qualification Examination One (SQE1) is included in your fees.
- The course is designed, taught and assessed in partnership with social work practitioners, service users, and carers, ensuring you are up to date with the latest developments in the field.
- You will be taught by experts with extensive links with local and national employers, such as Hampshire Constabulary, the National Probation Service, the National Crime Agency and various international organisations.
- Guest speakers include professionals who work within the police, the probation service, cybersecurity and the military.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂCourse overview
Solent University’s LLB, delivered through the Solent Law School, places a strong emphasis on professional practice, covering the foundation subjects essential for aspiring solicitors or barristers.
Combined with the study of criminology, you will also develop knowledge in areas such as social problems, criminology and criminal justice, by exploring the experience of crime victims, examine media representations of social problems, and discuss the effect of modern communications technology on the processes of law.
Our recent ground-breaking partnership with the College of Legal Practice enables you to undertake modules in your final year that give you credit towards your degree qualification and also in preparing for the Solicitors Qualification Examination One (SQE1), giving you a real head start if you’re considering becoming a solicitor.
Real-world learning and professional networks are at the heart of the course; The Solent Law School is a founding member of Southampton City Law Network and and Solent University have established connections in the criminal justice sector, such as Hampshire Constabulary, the National Probation Service, the National Crime Agency and various international organisations.
This allows us to offer a dynamic programme of events, workshops and guest lectures from a wide range of visiting professionals from various fields. Additionally, students benefit from work experience opportunities, that give you the chance to experience the legal and criminal justice organisations to develop advanced skills and professional practices and explore diverse career paths.
You will have access to specialist facilities, too – including the University’s moot courtroom, which enables you to practice your legal skills in a realistic environment, and our portable crime scene as well as the law library, and an extensive range of law and criminology resources giving you both the theory and practice for a huge range of careers in law, criminology and criminal justice.
If you’re looking to study our law with criminology degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the business and law foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the business and law foundation year.Â
This course also offers the option of a placement year. A placement year allows you to put what you've learned in your first and second years into practice in the workplace, gaining valuable real-world work experience before you graduate. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.Â
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Who is this course for?
This degree is ideally suited to students looking to pursue a career as a solicitor or barrister and also if you’re looking for a career path in criminology or a similar professional capacity.
You will develop analytical and research skills that can be transferred to a broad range of careers, not only in criminology-related fields but also within the wider justice sector.
What does this course lead to?
You may not be sure yet which area of law, criminology or a mix of the two will suit you, but many industries are suitable.
Many students focussing on law, go on to train as a solicitor or barrister, while others pursue careers as legal executives, company secretaries or licensed conveyancers, or in areas such as legal and financial compliance, local and central government, the police service, or paralegal work.
You will also be well placed for a huge range of careers in criminology and criminal justice, from probation and policing services to charity and social service work with offenders and young people.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Law students have access to the moot court room to practice their courtroom and debating skills in a real-world environment, as well as access to our portable crime scene.
Students also have access to a dedicated law collection and an extensive range of criminology resources, journals and online materials in the Solent Library, plus on- and off-campus access to a broad range of subscriber law databases, including major collections from Westlaw, Lexis Library and i-Law – providing access to law reports, legislative material, and academic journals. Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Academic and Personal Development
As a future business, finance, marketing, maritime or law professional, awareness of personal strengths and development areas is essential to your success. This module teaches you critical academic and communication skills, and introduces the living CV concept.
Introduction to Business
Understanding the business environment is vital for running a business. Learn about the various forms, purposes, types of ownership and governance structures across different sectors and scales, explore strategy and its implementation, and look at measurement and environmental modelling.
Introduction to Marketing and Consumer Law
Effective marketing allows businesses to develop sustainable and valuable relationships with their audiences. Exploring real-world case studies, this module covers introductory marketing theories alongside branding, customer insight and data, GDPR, consumer rights and the latest innovations.
Introduction to Law
Understand the nature and sources of law and key concepts underlying legal systems. This module will look at the English legal system, consider the different courts and their functions, legal personnel and the legislative process.
Understanding Finance
Understanding finance requirements is key to ensuring a business thrives. You will learn fundamental terms and concepts, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), regulation, cashflow, financial statements and accountability – ensuring you are an asset to your team.
Business or Law Project
Study the value and social impact of enterprise, working as a group to analyse local organisations and provide valuable insights – and developing vital skills that employers are looking for, from research and teamwork to effective communication.
Core modules
Civil and Criminal Litigation and Procedure
Develop your knowledge of civil and criminal disputes, from alternative dispute resolution through the practice and procedure of formal litigation – covering everything from disclosure and costs to criminal sentencing and appeals.
Constitutional, Administrative and EU Law
Develop your analytical skills and your understanding of public law, examining the basic principles of the UK and EU constitutions, and of the relationship between EU law and national law.
Contract Law and Practice
Develop insight into the law and procedure relating to contractual obligations, from forming or ending a contract to assessing validity and remedying breaches – laying strong foundations for a career in commercial law.
Criminal Justice Process
This module will introduce you to the main stages and actors of the criminal justice process and the major theoretical and analytical approaches that inform the function and operation of the criminal justice process.
Criminal Law and Practice
Explore substantive law on a range of offences and defences; study key concepts and issues in criminal law, apply them in hypothetical scenarios, and learn to critically evaluate them.
Tort and Dispute Resolution
Explore civil wrongs, investigate the procedures for bringing an action, and discover the interaction of legal, social and economic factors on this exciting mix of common law and statutory law.
Core modules
Company and Commercial Law and Practice
Investigate how businesses and commerce operate within both external and internal legal frameworks, from structures of business organisations, corporate governance and dispute resolution to principles of taxation and professional ethics.
Cybercrime and AI
Technology is the defining feature of crime today and cybercrime poses one of the biggest threats to modern society. This module investigates the rapidly evolving range and nature of electronic crime, threat actors’ motivations and techniques, and how individuals, organisations, and governments can reduce such risks.
Equity and Trusts: Law and Practice
Get to grips with trust law and practices. Learn about the different types of trusts, the powers of trustees, beneficiary rights, tax liability reductions, anti-money laundering legislation and more.
Global Crime
No understanding of crime and justice can be complete without recognising the transnational nature of much criminal activity and, therefore, the need for cooperation between policing agencies. This module explores how perceptions of the nature and extent of crime have expanded and diversified in a globalised world.
Landlord and Tenant and Planning Law
Property law covers everything from rent reviews or terms of lease to planning. Learn about lease agreement conditions, breaches, subletting and resale, and explore the complexities of permitted development and planning enforcement.
Legal and Criminological Theory
What is the purpose of law? How does criminology help? Explore why the law is the way it is, develop your theoretical understanding, and discuss concepts such as fairness, morality, punishment and rights.
Core modules
Crime, Media, Culture
The media is a key player in issues of crime and justice. Drawing on a wide range of media types, media theory, and case-studies, this module tackles the complex interplay between the media, law enforcement, public, and offenders.
Dangerous Offenders
In this module, you will engage in discussions covering a range of current controversies surrounding dangerousness, risk and offences committed by those offenders deemed to be a threat to the public.
Land Law and Practice
Dive into the legal and practical aspects of land law. Learn about land registration and the various interests in and over land, as well as co-ownership, the conveyancing process, and more.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Crime, Gender and Sexuality
This criminology module offers you an insight into the intrinsic relationships between crime, gender, and sexuality, studying sexual offences such as rape and sexual abuse, as well as other serious crimes.
Developing Independent Learning (third year final project)
Develop and demonstrate your independent learning through a work-placement exercise report or traditional dissertation. Research and produce a written analysis that is professionally presented, articulately and logically argued, and supported by research.
Gangs, Drugs and Alcohol
The impact of alcohol and drugs on the perpetration of crime and deviance is significant. Drawing on national and global perspectives, this module navigates the complex areas of crime, health, addiction, government strategy, and multi-agency co-operation to understand offending and victimisation related to drugs, alcohol, and gangs.
Professional Practice
This module equips you with an in-depth knowledge of your chosen industry, giving you the insight to plan your long-term career. You'll be required to secure a work placement or freelance assignments equivalent to 100 hours in order to strengthen your knowledge of your chosen industry and to refine your skills.
SQE 1 Preperation
The pathway to becoming a solicitor, which has been established since the mid-1990s, is altering with the introduction of the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE). Delivered by Kaplan, this is a two-part centralised assessment (known as SQE 1 and SQE2) that all intending solicitors will need to pass before entering the profession. This module responds to these developments by prepare students for SQE1 (the knowledge-based part of the assessment) examination. This module is delivered through the College of Legal Practice and its virtual learning environment and quality assured / overseen by the Solent Law School.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂHow you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You will be assessed by:
- Case studies
- Assignments
- Written exams
- Individual presentations
- Group presentations
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in law with criminology?
Law affects almost every aspect of everyday life – and few degrees offer such a variety of well-paid career destinations. The law’s omnipresent nature is reflected in the wide variety of areas of legal practice, including rewarding specialist professions such as criminal law (police, criminology and social and probation work) or commercial law (including roles such as company secretaries, accountants, tax consultants and compliance officers).
Solent University is a founding member of the Southampton City Law Network, which promotes the interests of local law students, teachers, lawyers, and other legal professionals.
Through the law network, students have the chance to gain paid and unpaid work experience from local employers such as E3 Consulting and Lawdit Solicitors, and many law firms have Solent LLB alumni as trainee and fully qualified solicitors, company secretaries, trademark attorneys, legal executives, licensed conveyancers and paralegals.
Crime and justice are real, global concerns, and criminology is a key skill within criminal justice and related fields. The industry offers a variety of employment opportunities that are valuable to society, interesting, stimulating, rewarding and professional.
Some staff members attend and speak at the European Criminology Society Conference, National NSPCC Safeguarding Conference, New Jersey Leadership Conference, International Association of Chief Officers, National Catholic Church Diocese Conference and the Mencap South Regional Conference.
You could earn:
Solicitor
Newly qualified solicitors:  £28,000 to £68,000+
It is seen as good practice for trainee solicitors a minimum of £23,703 in London and £21,024 in the rest of the country. Starting salaries in large City firms can range from around £68,000 to £100,000. Starting salaries for newly qualified solicitors in private practices elsewhere in the country typically range from around £28,000 to £68,000. You can expect your salary to rise year-on-year as you gain more experience. If you become a partner in a firm, your salary could potentially reach in excess of £100,000. Partner salaries at Magic Circle, (London's five most prestigious law firms), and international law firms can be on average around £400,000.
Police officer
Starting salary: £21,402
The starting salary for police constables in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is £21,402, rising to £41,130 at the top of the scale - achievable after about seven years. In Scotland starting salaries are slightly higher at £26,737, rising to £41,578 after about ten years' service. The range of salaries for sergeants is £43,965 to £46,227. Inspectors can earn between £52,698 and £57,162 (£56,496 in London), rising to between £58,332 and £60,732 for chief inspectors (£60,654 in London).
Paralegal
Graduate salary:  £18,000 to £25,000
A paralegal with some experience (typically around three to five years') can expect a salary in the region of £30,000 to £40,000. Within larger firms it's possible for an experienced paralegal to earn up to £55,000, and in very rare cases up to £70,000.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.Â
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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LLM Intellectual Property Law and Professional Legal Practice
Get to grips with intellectual property law, copyright, and the fundamentals of modern commercial practice on this fascinating, highly career-focused master’s in law – ideal for business and management professionals looking to enhance their CV...
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2025/26 fees were:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £5,760 per year for foundation level. Fees will increase from year 1 onwards.
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year (from year 1)
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase from year 1 onwards.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year (from year 1)
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:Â
Optional costs
- UK study trip: approx £50
- European study trip: approx £300
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500 per year - this includes foundation years.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂEntry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven't recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please see our course entry requirement document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
How to apply
Want to apply through Clearing? Contact us today
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 in each component or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 48
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email:Â Call:ÂMake your application
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
- 3 years
