University of Surrey International Study Centre

Study law and Criminology in the UK

What is law and criminology?

Law and criminology relates to the rules set by society and government, and the problems related to crime and social disorder. Although laws and what is defined as criminal behaviour can vary around the world, the principles you will study in Law and Criminology will provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to specialise in the area you are most interested in. Some of the specialist topics covered include crime theory, punishment in society and the criminal justice system.

Studying a Law and Criminology degree will do more than just prepare you for a legal career. It will teach you to think about ethics, the relationship between individuals and governments and examine current and historic legal systems. 

Law has a number of fields that you can specialise in, including:

  • Criminal law - A system of law focusing on the punishment of lawbreakers.
  • International law - Centres on laws between nations that bind relations with one another.
  • Family law - Focuses on laws that affect family relationships.
  • Environmental law - Covers laws that concentrate on human activities impacting the environment.

Why study law and criminology?

There are many reasons to study law and criminology:

Through your studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the principles of law and criminology, looking at real-world examples of how to apply that knowledge in legal cases. You will learn how the law can be applied in a variety of industries and careers, as well as have the opportunity to specialise in your area of interest. You will also gain a unique understanding of the connection between law breaking and the construction of law.

An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in law and criminology will equip you with a variety of transferable skills. The skills you will learn and develop will make you desirable to employers, both in the legal industry and out of it. Some of the transferable skills you will gain are:

  • Critical analysis
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Research

Law graduates have the opportunity to go on and change the world. You will be able to pursue a career as a barrister, family lawyer, human rights lawyer or as an environmental lawyer, where you can make meaningful and lasting impacts on individuals and on society. Enjoying a strong professional status, law graduates will typically also benefit from a high earning potential; from £25,000 for entry-level solicitor roles (National Careers Service).

Why study law at the University of Surrey?

Our Criminology degree is ranked first in the Guardian University Guide 2019, making Surrey one of the leading universities for Criminology. Studying Law and Criminology at the University of Surrey means you will be based in the School of Law. Our law school will help you gain the skills and knowledge required to pursue a legal career.

Through a student-focused approach, you will learn the fundamentals of Law and Criminology with the opportunity to study specific modules that interest you.

The School of Law at Surrey is renowned for giving students the opportunity to gain practical legal experience. Undergraduate students can take part in a Professional Training placement programme that offers students the chance to work in prestigious organisations which have included the European Parliment and the House of Commons in UK Parliament.

Surrey offers a programme of career sessions to help and support you in pursuing your dream job. Graduates of Law and Criminology at Surrey have secured roles in a variety of global companies, including:

  • Clifford Chance
  • Eversheds
  • Electricité de France.

The School of Law also boasts a number of research centres including:

  • China Law Centre
  • Surrey Centre for Law and Philosophy
  • Environmental Regulatory Research Group
  • Surrey International and European Law Research Group.

Degree options at the University of Surrey

There are a range of law and criminology degrees you could progress to after studying the relevant pathway at the University of Surrey International Study Centre:

  • Law with Criminology BA (Hons)
  • Law with International Relations BA (Hons)
  • Law LLB (Hons)
  • Criminology BSc (Hons)

Subject rankings

1st in the UK for Criminology (The Guardian University Guide 2019)

Professional recognition: Law LLB (Hons) - Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

Why I chose criminology?

Degree preparation at the International Study Centre

Our Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences International Foundation Year is a two-semester programme that will prepare you for a range of Law and Criminology undergraduate degrees at the University of Surrey. You will learn the core principles, rules and structure of English law and equip you with the language proficiency and study skills needed to succeed at university.

Undergraduate pathway to law

Doing an experiment in science class

Discover more about the Business, Economics, Law and Social Sciences International Foundation Year and how it can help you start your legal career.

Entry requirements

A teacher helps students at Surrey ISC

Learn about the entry requirements for the International Foundation Year, including the English language and academic requirements. 

What are the law and criminology graduate job opportunities?

Graduates of Law and Criminology will benefit from a range of job opportunities, with students able to pursue legal and non-legal careers. Some of the jobs you could follow include:

  • Legal Executive
  • Barrister
  • Solicitor
  • Tax Consultant
  • Management Consultant
  • Paralegal
  • Prison officer
  • Detective
  • Criminologist
  • Forensic science technican
  • Probation officer