COURSE OVERVIEW
- Join a long tradition of legal history in the city of Winchester
- Develop real-world professional skills from practical assessments such as negotiation and mooting – presenting a legal argument to defeat an opponent in court
- Gain in-depth legal knowledge while developing your understanding of the criminal mind and behaviours.
- Benefit from small numbers in tutorials, which allow for rewarding discussions and debates and closer interaction with our expert staff
The BA (Hons) Law with Criminology Programme explores the legal framework of our modern society, whilst being underpinned by criminological theories and issues. Legal knowledge and practical skills will be developed alongside an applied examination of the fundamentals of contemporary criminal justice.
The Law discipline at Winchester has been developed to embed legal skills, which include mooting, negotiation and client‐interviewing as a general learning, teaching and assessment method. The emphasis on skills-based learning is a core component of the programme and forms a key element in the assessment pattern.
Our three‐year Law with Criminology course appeals to those who are fascinated by these two overlapping and intellectually stimulating subjects. Taught by research‐active experts who form part of a strong and lively community of students and staff, you are actively encouraged to critically evaluate a broad range of criminal and legal concepts, developing your understanding for strategic and operational entities.
Studying for a law degree with us is a thought-provoking experience. The programme encourages you to develop an enquiring and critical attitude to law, learn to think logically and communicate clearly.
In Year 1, you study The English Legal System and Academic Legal Skills; Introduction to English Legal Process and Practical Legal Skills; Introduction to Public Law; Public Law: Judicial Review and Human Rights; Foundations of the Law of Tort; Further Principles of Tort; Introduction to Criminology, and Police and Police Work.
In Year 2, you study Criminal Law - Principles and Personal Offences; Criminal Law - Property Related Offences; Criminal Justice; Penology, and Violent Crime.
In Year 3 you undertake a dissertation or an Independent Research Project. This provides you with an opportunity to research in-depth an area of law which is of particular interest with the support of an assigned supervisor.
A wide range of optional modules available in Years 2 and 3 may include The Politics of Crime; Human Rights Law; Medical Law; Mental Health Law; Employment Law in the Workplace; Intellectual Property Law, and Technology and Cyber Law.
Careers
This programme is ideal if you are interested in becoming a practising solicitor or barrister and you intend to go on to the vocational stage of training which is required before beginning to practice law. It also suits those seeking a flexible qualification with a solid foundation in law that leads to a wide-range of careers in both the public and private sectors.
Legal knowledge is highly useful in a range of roles, including management, finance, human resources, education, local and central government and the voluntary sector. Criminology skills will enable you to pursue roles within criminal justice, the police and security services.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Suitable for applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Learning and Teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 264 hours
Independent learning: 936 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 276 hours
Independent learning: 924 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 204 hours
Independent learning: 996 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
13% coursework
62% written exams
25% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
49% coursework
13% written exams
38% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
62% coursework
0% written exams
38% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 104-120 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course enquiries and applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0) 1962 827023.
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| The English Legal System and Academic Legal Skills | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the structure and operation of the institutions and processes of the English legal system. It will consider at the primary and secondary sources of English law and how the law is interpreted. In addition, the module will allow students to develop a theoretical understanding of a number of foundation academic legal skills used in the study and practice of law. |
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| Introduction to English Legal Process and Practical Legal Skills | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the civil and criminal justice systems in England and Wales. Students will gain an insight into the role of judges, the legal professions and lay participation in the legal system. In addition, the module will allow students to develop a theoretical understanding of a number of foundation practical legal skills used in the study and practice of law. |
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| Introduction to Public Law | 15 | |
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This module explores core issues relating to the UK constitution, such as the role of parliament and the monarchy within a parliamentary democracy. We will examine the balance of power between parliament and the courts, as well as the powers of government and its limitations. The module introduces students to the legal and political sources of the British constitution, the relationship of the State towards its citizens and to other States, and to the scope of the courts to review government action. |
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| Public Law: Judicial Review and Human Rights | 15 | |
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This module continues to explore the constitutional role of the courts in examining the actions of government, as well as the steps a petitioner must take when asking a court review the legality of government action. We will examine the legal analysis used by the courts in the process of judicial review of the government. This module will encourage you to examine the individual human rights afforded to citizens, as well as the protections provided by the common law. |
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| Foundations of the Law of Tort | 15 | |
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A ‘tort’ is a civil wrong against protected interests such as the physical integrity of the person, land and property, reputation and economic interests. This module introduces some foundations of the of torts. It considers key principles of selected torts and considers their historical development. This module will examine the interactions between law and public policy, as well as the social and philosophical foundations of the law of torts more broadly. |
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| Further Principles of Tort | 15 | |
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This module follows on from the Foundations of the Law of Torts module and aims to further develop the knowledge and skills already gained. This module studies a range of different torts, each varying in nature and possessing unique complexity. This could include those relating to physical integrity of the person, land and property, reputation and economic interests. The key principles of various selected torts and their historical development are explored including reflections on the social and public policy implications, as well as the philosophical or social foundations of each tort studied. |
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| Introduction to Criminology | 15 | |
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Criminology is considered as a ‘rendezvous’ but specialist discipline; a study of crime and criminal activity that serves as a meeting point for Social Science disciplines. This module introduces and explores the various disciplinary approaches to the study of crime. However, it will have as its starting point an exploration of common-sense and everyday perceptions and the social construction of crime, as well as the representation of crime and the criminal justice system. The module will also begin to introduce and explore the range and scope of issues and topics examined by the specialist discipline of Criminology. |
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| Police and Police Work | 15 | |
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The police are one of the most important parts of the criminal justice system and also one of the most scrutinised. This module will introduce students to the work conducted by the police in England and Wales and focus on key debates on the role of the police with respect to the rest of society. The module will also examine and explore issues such as policing by consent, the arming of police and contemporary issues such as community policing and the policing of terrorism. Other issues will include the policing approaches to protests and demonstrations. Challenges around police and youth groups and policing culture will be further considered. There will also be some comparisons with police forces outside the United Kingdom. |
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Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Criminal Law - Principles and Personal Offences | 15 | |
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The criminal law provides citizens with a framework set of rules for conducting day to day activities. Under the criminal law, those people who have been found to fail to comply to these rules are punished. The state – through legislation and common law – uses its power to uphold these rules and award punishments to those who offend. The criminal law covers a wide range of behaviours that vary in severity and regularity. This module focuses on the fundamental principles of criminal law. It explores key offences against the person, including non-fatal offences against the person, homicide, and sexual offences, and examines legal and moral issues relating to these offences. |
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| Criminal Law - Property Related Offences | 15 | |
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The criminal law provides citizens with a framework set of rules for conducting day to day activities. Under the criminal law, those people who have been found to fail to comply to these rules are punished. The state – through legislation and common law – uses its power to uphold these rules and award punishments to those who offend. The criminal law covers a wide range of behaviours that vary in severity and regularity. This module focuses on the fundamental principles of criminal law. It also explores key offences against property, including theft, criminal damage, burglary, robbery and fraud, and examines legal and moral issues relating to these offences. |
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| Criminal Justice | 15 | |
| Penology | 15 | |
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What constitutes ‘justice’ and how is this ‘delivered’? How did we come to contemporary concepts of “just punishment”? You will be introduced to the most important philosophical interpretations of the concept of punishment, and will discover the birth, evolution and socio-criminological characteristics of the main form of punishment (prison) and its alternatives. Finally, contemporary penological approaches to the punishment of offenders will be analysed, from community penalties to restorative justice. You will be invited to practice and maintain a critical approach to the subject, in order to understand that theory and reality in criminal justice practice may be two different things, and to identify where some change in the policies could be needed. |
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| Violent Crime | 15 | |
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Violent crime often triggers social outcry and political response when targeted towards particular vulnerable groups within society. However, the notion of violent crime moves beyond the obvious offending into areas such chastisement of children, violence in social disorder and domestic violence/abuse. The aim of this module is to explore the range of violent offending currently criminalised within the criminal justice system, the social and political responses to such offending and the treatment of violent offenders. Drawing on theoretical considerations from sociological, penological and psychological fields of knowledge alongside political, social and media reactions, the module offers a multi-disciplinary view on this particular form of offending. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Criminal Law - Principles and Personal Offences | 15 | |
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The criminal law provides citizens with a framework set of rules for conducting day to day activities. Under the criminal law, those people who have been found to fail to comply to these rules are punished. The state – through legislation and common law – uses its power to uphold these rules and award punishments to those who offend. The criminal law covers a wide range of behaviours that vary in severity and regularity. This module focuses on the fundamental principles of criminal law. It explores key offences against the person, including non-fatal offences against the person, homicide, and sexual offences, and examines legal and moral issues relating to these offences. |
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| Criminal Law - Property Related Offences | 15 | |
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The criminal law provides citizens with a framework set of rules for conducting day to day activities. Under the criminal law, those people who have been found to fail to comply to these rules are punished. The state – through legislation and common law – uses its power to uphold these rules and award punishments to those who offend. The criminal law covers a wide range of behaviours that vary in severity and regularity. This module focuses on the fundamental principles of criminal law. It also explores key offences against property, including theft, criminal damage, burglary, robbery and fraud, and examines legal and moral issues relating to these offences. |
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| Criminal Justice | 15 | |
| Penology | 15 | |
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What constitutes ‘justice’ and how is this ‘delivered’? How did we come to contemporary concepts of “just punishment”? You will be introduced to the most important philosophical interpretations of the concept of punishment, and will discover the birth, evolution and socio-criminological characteristics of the main form of punishment (prison) and its alternatives. Finally, contemporary penological approaches to the punishment of offenders will be analysed, from community penalties to restorative justice. You will be invited to practice and maintain a critical approach to the subject, in order to understand that theory and reality in criminal justice practice may be two different things, and to identify where some change in the policies could be needed. |
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| Violent Crime | 15 | |
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Violent crime often triggers social outcry and political response when targeted towards particular vulnerable groups within society. However, the notion of violent crime moves beyond the obvious offending into areas such chastisement of children, violence in social disorder and domestic violence/abuse. The aim of this module is to explore the range of violent offending currently criminalised within the criminal justice system, the social and political responses to such offending and the treatment of violent offenders. Drawing on theoretical considerations from sociological, penological and psychological fields of knowledge alongside political, social and media reactions, the module offers a multi-disciplinary view on this particular form of offending. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
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Students will need to choose either Dissertation OR Independent Research Project
The Law Dissertation module provides students with an opportunity to research an area of law which is of particular interest. Students will be assigned supervisor who will help to guide and support them as they focus their research question on a specific area of law. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor and work with them to formulate a working title and structure, with a view to producing a coherent and detailed dissertation which critically analyses a particular legal issue. This will require researching a range of primary and/or secondary legal sources and materials in order to engage with the required depth of analysis and evaluation. |
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| Independent Research Project | 15 | |
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Students will need to choose either Dissertation OR Independent Research Project
The Independent Research Project module provides students with an opportunity to undertake an independent study, with the support of an assigned supervisor. This will facilitate the in-depth critical analysis of an area of law which is of interest to the student. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor and work with them to formulate a working title and structure, with a view to producing a coherent research project on a particular legal issue. This will require engaging in a critical analysis of primary and/or secondary legal sources and materials. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Optional Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
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Students will need to choose either Dissertation OR Independent Research Project
The Law Dissertation module provides students with an opportunity to research an area of law which is of particular interest. Students will be assigned supervisor who will help to guide and support them as they focus their research question on a specific area of law. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor and work with them to formulate a working title and structure, with a view to producing a coherent and detailed dissertation which critically analyses a particular legal issue. This will require researching a range of primary and/or secondary legal sources and materials in order to engage with the required depth of analysis and evaluation. |
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| Independent Research Project | 15 | |
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Students will need to choose either Dissertation OR Independent Research Project
The Independent Research Project module provides students with an opportunity to undertake an independent study, with the support of an assigned supervisor. This will facilitate the in-depth critical analysis of an area of law which is of interest to the student. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor and work with them to formulate a working title and structure, with a view to producing a coherent research project on a particular legal issue. This will require engaging in a critical analysis of primary and/or secondary legal sources and materials. |
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| Optional modules | ||
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £44,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,135 | £45,540 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
Mandatory
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- M211
- Duration
- 3 years full-time
- Typical offer
- 104-120
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
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