Law with Criminology (with optional placement year)

Law at the University of Suffolk provides a dynamic new degree programme for 2026, balancing academic study with opportunities for you to develop legal skills to enhance your employability prospects. A range of learning and teaching approaches are adopted to provide a flexible yet rigorous degree that maintains high academic standards whilst improving the student experience.
In particular, the development of new modules and enhanced use of technology to prepare you for legal practice and the employment market more generally are a central feature of the course. This programme will support you to develop over the course of your degree into an agile and independent learner who can apply your knowledge and skills to your future endeavours.

As a criminology student at University of Suffolk, you will also be able to critically engage with national and international dimensions of crime and criminal justice policy and develop well informed views on contested public issues. There is a strong emphasis on challenging "common-sense" notions of criminal and deviant behaviours by critically examining academic research and making informed decisions based on available evidence. To this end, you will be introduced to a variety of research methods and ethical considerations, so that you can challenge and understand the limitations and ambiguities of empirical research, whilst assessing its value. This will provide an excellent theoretical and practical platform for the completion of a third-year independent project in an area of personal or career interest.

Why study law with us?

Focus on employability and development of advanced digital and technological skills, including ethical use of AI
Work experiences through our Legal Placement module and/or the Legal Advice Centre
Interdisciplinarity – opportunities to collaborate with and learn alongside students from cognate subjects such as sociology, business management, social work, and psychology.
Research-driven learning and teaching – each of our teaching staff design and teach two optional modules in their areas of research and expertise, not only capitalising on our wide range of fields of interest, but giving students phenomenal choice to learn in a research-driven environment
A commitment to sustainability through (where possible) a two-day teaching week, significantly cutting down on the environmental costs of commuting for students and staff, a pledge to use eBooks wherever possible and to facilitate second-hand book sales run by the Student Law Society, and introducing discussions of the responsibility of the legal profession to environmental sustainability where relevant.
Students can progress in to a range of law and criminology related careers, including roles as Barristers and Solicitors as well as other careers within the law sector. Examples of careers students may pursue include: legal practice (with further training for those intending to become Solicitors, Barristers, Chartered Legal Executives, Patent Attorneys or Trade Mark Attorneys), local government, criminal justice roles, social justice, financial services and journalism.

Big ambitions, real opportunities - study at a university recognised for outstanding teaching and student experience. At Suffolk, you’ll benefit from career-focused courses designed in partnership with industry, hands-on learning that builds real-world skills, and strong employer connections that open doors. Their supportive, close-knit community means you’re more than just a number, with personalised support every step of the way. From day one, you’ll gain the confidence, experience and practical knowledge you need to stand out and shape your future with success.