Criminal Law and Justice with foundation year

The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from our Coventry University campus.

This course examines the foundations of criminal law both within the domestic and international contexts, while inviting you to critically assess the legitimacy of state power and its impact on individual autonomy and freedom.

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Foundation year
The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. It aims to provide a thorough understanding of legal principles and best practice. With a focus on European, national and local contexts, this course explores the development of legislation and case law with core academic skills.

Degree
This course explores the mechanisms underpinning criminal law, domestically and internationally, whilst encouraging you to challenge the legitimacy of state power and its interference with individual autonomy and freedom.

This course aims to help you:
- acquire knowledge and understanding of legal doctrines, concepts, principles, rules and values in the core areas of law and the specialist area of criminal law and justice


- develop an appreciation of the context in which law operates, and an understanding of the dynamic nature of law, its uncertainty, the need for reform and proposals for such reform in the furtherance of securing justice for all


- develop the ability to apply the legal knowledge and skills you should acquire throughout the course to the theory and practice of law, particularly in a criminal law setting.


Why you should study this course
Foundation year
• Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study.



• Provides a grounding in key areas of law and legal practice.



Degree
* Immerse yourself in criminal law by following a criminal case from the commission of an offence through trial preparation and finally sentencing, through an authentic case simulation.Hone your criminal advocacy skills in our mock courtroom known as the moot room.


* Apply to volunteer in the Employment Law Clinic, Advocacy Clinic or Summer Placements at the Coventry Law Centre. Selected students can gain practical legal experience under the supervision of trained solicitors and lawyers.


* Engage with industry experts and students from other international universities through joint initiatives like our Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects.


* Grow your network by getting to know members of the legal industry through our 'Raising the Bar' scheme, which offers professional networking events, industry insights, and career development opportunities.


*For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

Coventry University, part of Coventry University Group, is a modern, globally connected university with a mission to create better futures. Founded in 1843 through innovation and enterprise, they continue to work closely with industry to equip their graduates with the real-world skills and creative thinking they need to make a difference.

Coventry is also a Top 5 Student City in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2026), and they guarantee accommodation if you apply through Clearing. With campuses across Coventry, London, Scarborough, Dagenham, and Greenwich, you can choose to study where it suits you best.

They're rated overall Gold in TEF 2023, recognising the quality of their teaching and student experience. From academic and wellbeing support to their Phoenix+ programme of employability activities and dedicated Success Coaches, they’re with you every step of the way.