Law with Criminology

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Professional Development in Practice

  The world's most pressing challenges don't fit neatly into one subject or discipline. This module puts you at the heart of tackling them.

  You'll choose one of two pathways, 

  Working alongside academics, fellow students and external partners, you'll engage in projects that develop critical, creative and transferable skills needed to address real-world issues. You'll learn to analyse problems, consider multiple perspectives and apply your knowledge beyond your subject area.

  Through collaboration and reflection, you'll deepen your understanding of yourself, your subject and the wider contexts in which you will live and work.

  The second of three Supportive Challenge modules running throughout the programme, Professional Development in Practice builds on your first year and prepares you for life beyond graduation.

• Land Law

  You'll build a strong understanding of the principles of English Land Law and explore how the law regulates the ownership, use and transfer of land and property.
  
  You'll develop your legal research, case reading and problem-solving skills as you explore topics including the nature of property, legal and equitable interests in land, freehold and leasehold ownership, land registration, co-ownership, trusts of land, easements, mortgages and freehold covenants.
  
  Through real legal cases and practical scenarios, you'll examine how land law affects individuals, businesses and communities, building the analytical skills and legal understanding that underpin many areas of legal practice.

• Tort Law

  You'll explore how the law responds when people, organisations or public bodies cause harm to others. You'll examine the principles of civil liability and the legal remedies available when rights are infringed.
  
  You'll develop your legal research, case reading and problem-solving skills as you explore topics including negligence, employers' and occupiers' liability, trespass to land and the person, public and private nuisance, defamation, privacy and vicarious liability. Throughout the module, you'll consider how human rights continue to influence this evolving area of law.
  
  Using real cases and practical legal scenarios, you'll strengthen your ability to analyse complex legal problems and apply legal principles to situations that affect individuals, businesses and wider society.

• European Union Law

  You'll explore the constitutional and institutional foundations of the European Union and its influence on legal systems across Europe and beyond.
  
  You'll examine the history and development of EU law alongside the role of key institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. You'll also explore the relationship between Union law and national law, the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the legal principles that shape how EU law is created, interpreted and applied.
  
  By studying EU law within its wider political and social context, you'll develop a deeper understanding of international legal systems and strengthen the analytical skills needed to navigate complex legal questions in an interconnected world.

Optional modules

• Critical Issues in Criminal Psychology

  Explore how psychology helps us understand crime, harm and justice. Examine key theories in psychology and criminal psychology and consider how these are applied in real-world settings.
  
  Look critically at the ways criminal psychology is represented in the media and political debate, and how psychological approaches have sometimes failed to deliver fair outcomes for different groups. Drawing on perspectives from feminism, post-colonial studies and other critical traditions, you'll explore alternative ways of understanding behaviour, identity and social harm.
  
  Through topics such as gender-based violence, stalking, harassment and race hate crime, you'll consider the experiences of marginalised and underrepresented communities, including women, LGBTQ+ people, neurodiverse individuals and Black and minority ethnic groups. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities, challenges and ethical questions facing criminal psychologists today.

• Globalisation and Crime

  In this module, you’ll explore and examine areas of crime and crime control across different regions of the world through the lens of 'globalisation', or the increased interconnectedness of social relations across the globe
  
  You’ll use a combination of theoretical concepts and case studies to interrogate and understand the interconnectedness of crime and responses to crime in the contemporary world.

   

• Criminology Work Placement

  In this module, you’ll kick-start your career, and gain key work experience in organisations related to crime. You’ll do a placement, or work-based learning activity in:

  • a public sector organisation
  • a non-governmental organisation (NGO)
  • a voluntary organisation.

  Whether working with the police, prison services, schools or charities, you’ll gain invaluable skills for your future career and a strong knowledge of how organisations identify and fight crime.

• Digital Crime and Criminology

  Digital Crime and Criminology examines how technology is reshaping crime, justice and the law in an increasingly connected world. Bringing together perspectives from criminology and legal studies, you'll explore how these disciplines intersect in the digital age and develop a deeper understanding of emerging challenges and debates.
  
  You'll be introduced to key concepts and theoretical frameworks used by digital criminologists and legal scholars, including ideas about digital identities, intersectionality and the regulation of online spaces. Applying these perspectives to contemporary issues, you'll investigate topics such as cyberhate, sexting, online pornography and other forms of digital harm.
  
  By engaging with real-world case studies and current debates, you'll develop the critical skills needed to understand how law and society respond to rapidly evolving technologies and the opportunities and risks they create.

• The Prison and Imprisonment

  Should we punish prisoners, or support them to re-enter society? In this module, you’ll dive into the key issues of prisons. You’ll consider modern prisons, globally and historically. You’ll also examine prisons through:

  • prisoners
  • prison staff
  • wider society.

  You'll trace the evolution of the prison - from the rehabilitative ideal of the post-war period, to the greater focus on punishment today. You’ll look at how political parties use prison policies to win votes, rather than reduce crime. 
  
  You’ll dive into the inner workings of prisons, from governance to administration. You’ll look at the routines of prison life, and how prisoners cope with, and give meaning to them. You’ll consider sentence progression for different types of prisoners and you’ll explore how well prisons prepare inmates for life after release. 

• Organised Crime

  In this module, you’ll get a comprehensive introduction to organised crime. Through a blend of case studies and theoretical discussions, you will learn about a range of criminal organisations, from mafias, drug cartels, and human trafficking rings to cybercrime syndicates and money-laundering operations.
  
  You’ll be encouraged to critically assess the ways in which criminal organisations operate, the challenges they present to law enforcement, and the impacts they have on our society, economy, and culture. Emphasis will also be placed on exploring emerging trends and future challenges to prepare you for analysing the evolving threats of organised crime across national and international contexts.

• Young People, Crime, and Justice

  You will examine classic and contemporary criminological theories that seek to explain why young people offend and why they desist, drawing on biological, psychological and social perspectives. The module also provides a clear understanding of the Youth Justice System, its legal framework, its purpose and how young people experience it. You'll be encouraged to think critically about current policy, public debate and professional practice, and to build the skills and knowledge needed for future work within Youth Justice settings.

  Key themes include:

  • How media and political conversations shape public views of youth crime.
  • How youth justice policies can affect some groups disproportionately, such as BAME young people, young women and young people who spend time in public spaces.
  • How well-intended interventions can sometimes have unintended negative effects, and how multi professional work can support positive change.

• Cyberlaw, Regulation and AI

  Technology is transforming the way we live, work and interact with the law. In this module, you'll explore the legal and ethical challenges created by digital technologies, from online content and data protection to cyber regulation and artificial intelligence.
  
  You'll examine how governments, organisations and international bodies regulate technology at national, European and global levels, considering questions of accountability, privacy, free expression and innovation. The module draws on contemporary legal developments, ensuring you engage with emerging issues shaping society and the future of legal practice.
  
  Through case studies and problem-based learning, you'll develop the skills to analyse complex legal questions and evaluate competing perspectives. Whether you're interested in legal practice, policy, technology or business, this module provides valuable insight into one of the fastest-evolving areas of modern law.

• Independent Study in Criminology

  This module gives you the chance to undertake independent study on a topic that fascinates you. With support from expert tutors, you’ll submit a proposal for independent study. We’ll agree to a programme of work and assessments, tailored to your interests.

Law ID

Optional modules

• Law ID - employability programme

  Through our LawID programme, you'll develop the real-world skills to thrive in legal and professional environments through a variety of experiential learning opportunities. You'll put your learning into practice through clinical legal experience, pro-bono opportunities, and our internationally renowned mooting and client interviewing opportunities. You'll benefit from in-house and external mentoring schemes, work experience opportunities and a range of guest speakers, as well as supporting our local community through initatives with Flag DV, Citizens Advice and Asylum Welcome.
  
  Whether you want to become a barrister, qualify as a solicitor, progress as a legal executive or apply your skills in a successful career outside of legal practice - you'll gain the knowledge and skills to reach your goals.

• Law in Action - Work Placement

  You may have the opportunity to undertake a work placement through our Law in Action module. This involves participating in a placement equivalent to approximately 28 days’ work experience. This may operate as a block of 6 consecutive weeks, or as 1 day per week depending upon the requirements of the placement organisation. This placement module is designed to enhance your practical legal knowledge and wider transferable skills.
  
  The work placements are facilitated by the university, however you will be responsible for your own travel and associated costs. Most travel costs are minimal as placements are organised to be within easy reach of the campus or in local Oxford. Placements in the surrounding area, such as Witney or Abingdon, will require bus travel which can amount to between £3-8 for a return ticket. Acceptance onto the Law in Action module is competitive and only a limited number of places are available, all subject to the availability of external placements.

Final Year

Compulsory modules

• Equity and Trusts

  Equity and Trusts explores the legal principles that ensure fairness where the strict application of the law alone may not provide an appropriate outcome. You'll examine how equitable principles have developed alongside the common law and continue to shape modern legal practice.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and problem-solving skills as you explore the creation and operation of trusts, including express, resulting and constructive trusts, charitable trusts, proprietary estoppel, trustees' powers and duties, breach of trust and equitable remedies.
  
  As the compulsory Honours-level project module, you'll also complete an independent research project and research trail, strengthening your research skills while developing the confidence to investigate complex legal questions and communicate well-reasoned legal arguments.

• Pathways out of Crime

  This module shifts the focus from why people enter the justice system to how people with criminal histories stop offending. You will be introduced to key theories and debates on desistance from crime, with particular attention to critical perspectives and emerging approaches in the field. The module begins with an overview of traditional desistance theories and their limitations, before exploring newer and alternative frameworks that aim to strengthen desistance theory and improve understanding of how to support long term change.
  
  You will engage with a wide range of critical literature, including feminist and intersectional theories, global perspectives beyond the UK and US, and Indigenous and ethnic minority viewpoints. This section will consider whether desistance remains a useful concept when applied to populations that differ from those originally studied.

Optional modules

• Becoming an Oxford Brookes Law Graduate

  The third in a series of three modules running throughout the programme, this final-year module brings together everything you've learned throughout your degree, helping you reflect on your experiences, recognise your strengths and prepare for your next steps beyond university.
  
  Through practical activities and guided reflection, you'll explore what it means to be an Oxford Brookes Law graduate and how your knowledge, values and skills can make a difference in the world. You'll consider the opportunities available within legal practice and across a wide range of professions, developing the confidence to articulate your ambitions and professional identity.
  
  Building on the experiences gained through your studies, LawID and wider university life, you'll create a personal action plan for the future. Whether your next step is legal qualification, postgraduate study or another career path, this module helps you graduate with a clear sense of direction and the confidence to pursue it.

• International Human Rights Law

  International Human Rights Law explores the history, philosophy and contemporary protection of human rights, asking whether today's international legal systems are fit for purpose.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine how human rights are protected through international and regional legal frameworks. You'll explore contemporary debates alongside topics such as refugee law, international criminal law and landmark cases under the European Convention on Human Rights, including freedom of expression and the prohibition of torture.
  
  By engaging with global legal challenges and competing perspectives, you'll deepen your understanding of one of the most significant and rapidly evolving areas of international law while strengthening your ability to analyse complex legal and ethical issues.

• Nationality, Immigration and Asylum

  Nationality, Immigration and Asylum explores the legal frameworks that govern citizenship, migration and international protection, examining how law responds to some of today's most significant social, political and humanitarian challenges.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine nationality law, immigration and asylum systems, refugee protection and the legal responses to issues such as detention, deportation, human trafficking and family life. You'll consider how UK, European and international law shape migration policy, while critically evaluating the legal and ethical debates surrounding borders, identity and human rights.
  
  Through contemporary case studies and legal analysis, you'll deepen your understanding of this complex and evolving area of law while strengthening your ability to assess competing perspectives and develop well-reasoned legal arguments. 

• Medical Law

  Medical Law explores the legal and ethical questions that arise in healthcare, examining how the law balances individual rights, professional responsibilities and the public interest.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and problem-solving skills as you examine issues including consent to treatment, medical negligence, resource allocation within the NHS, reproduction and surrogacy, abortion law, end-of-life care and the regulation of human tissue. You'll consider how legal and ethical principles shape decision-making in complex and often sensitive situations.
  
  Through contemporary case studies and legal debate, you'll develop a deeper understanding of one of the most challenging and fast-evolving areas of legal practice while strengthening your ability to evaluate competing legal, ethical and societal perspectives.

• Equality Law

  In this module, you'll explore how the law seeks to promote fairness and protect people from discrimination in everyday life, while examining the challenges of creating a more equal society.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine the Equality Act 2010 and other anti-discrimination legislation covering protected characteristics including sex, race, disability, religion and sexual orientation. You'll explore how the courts interpret equality law, its impact in areas such as employment, education and services, and the role of positive action in addressing inequality.
  
  Through contemporary case studies and legal debate, you'll evaluate the effectiveness of equality law, consider whose interests it protects, and explore how legal reform could strengthen equality and inclusion in the future.

• Contemporary Issues in Law and Technology

  This module explores some of the most pressing legal and ethical questions arising from technological change, drawing on current research and real-world developments as they happen.
  
  The topics you study will vary each year to reflect emerging issues and the expertise of Oxford Brookes Law School academics. Areas may include artificial intelligence, algorithmic decision-making, social media regulation, online safety, digital rights, deepfakes, hate speech, the gig economy and the use of technology in healthcare, security and conflict.
  
  Through discussion, debate and critical analysis, you'll examine how law responds to innovation and consider the wider social implications of technological change. The module offers a unique opportunity to engage with contemporary challenges at the forefront of legal scholarship and practice.

   

• Policing, Security and Society

  This is a key time to study policing in western countries. The response to crime in the west is changing fast as policing moves towards privatisation in the digital age. 
  
  You’ll analyse modern policing in the west and its former colonies. You’ll examine the history of policing. You’ll compare policing in other countries to policing in the UK. You’ll also look at the rise of neo-colonial policing today (the use of economic, political and cultural pressures to control other countries).
  
  You’ll explore areas like: 

  • securitization
  • militarization 
  • transnationalism 
  • human trafficking.

   

• The Carnival of Pleasures and Crime

  Why do people enjoy committing crimes? How might crime offer identity and purpose? In this module, you’ll explore the role of:

  • pleasures
  • performance
  • identity
  • meaning,

  in criminal acts. You’ll think about the multiple meanings and actions that crime holds for different people across time. You’ll consider the social benefits of crimes and resistance to the law. And you’ll explore how different interpretations of crime might affect crime control and criminal justice.

• Dealing with Drugs

  In this module, you’ll bust some key assumptions around psychoactive drugs. You’ll look at why we use them and how we control them in society. You’ll investigate:

  • criminological
  • sociological
  • historical 

  and policy insights, to explore the relationship between drug use, individuals and public morality. You’ll gain key critical skills as you debate drug policies, and how we can lessen the harm of substance abuse. You’ll look at alternative ways to regulate drugs than our current ‘war on drugs’ mentality. And you’ll explore the future of synthetic drugs.

• Law Dissertation

  The Dissertation gives you the opportunity to become a specialist in an area of law that interests you most, carrying out an in-depth independent research project with the support of an expert academic supervisor.
  
  You'll strengthen your legal research, critical analysis and written communication skills as you investigate a contemporary legal issue of your choice. Whether you're exploring hate crime, the impact of Brexit, sexual consent or another area aligned with your interests, you'll evaluate complex legal questions, develop well-reasoned arguments and communicate your findings effectively.
  
  The Dissertation provides the opportunity to explore your chosen area of specialism in greater depth while preparing for postgraduate study or a wide range of professional careers.

• Law in Action

  Law in Action gives you the opportunity to apply your legal knowledge in a professional setting, developing the practical skills, confidence and experience valued by employers.
  
  Through a placement in a legal or law-related organisation, you'll put your learning into practice while developing your communication, problem-solving and professional skills. Alongside your placement, you'll critically reflect on your experiences, exploring how legal knowledge is applied in real-world contexts and how it shapes your professional identity.
  
  By bridging the gap between academic study and professional practice, this module will help you develop the confidence, adaptability and reflective skills needed for a career in law and a wide range of other graduate professions.

• Independent Study Module

  The Independent Study Module gives you the opportunity to explore a legal topic in greater depth, working closely with an academic whose research interests align with your chosen area. It allows you to investigate issues that go beyond the taught curriculum and develop expertise in a subject that reflects your interests and future ambitions.
  
  Supported by seminars and individual supervision, you'll build advanced research, analysis and academic writing skills as you engage with legal scholarship, case law and contemporary debates. Students on our named pathways complete their project within their area of specialism, providing an opportunity to deepen their knowledge and showcase their expertise.
  
  Whether you're considering postgraduate study, legal practice or another professional path, the module enables you to pursue an area you're passionate about while developing the independent learning skills valued by employers and researchers alike.