About the course
Graduating with an LLB from the University of Bedfordshire is the first step on your journey towards becoming a solicitor or barrister as well as a range of other professional opportunities. This LLB is for you if you have a particular interest in crime and punishment aspects of the law.
The LLB is the undergraduate degree for all students wishing to pursue a career in law.
With this degree, you study the core legal subjects all LLB undergraduates are required to study as well as key aspects of criminology, including what constitutes a crime in the eyes of the law. You also look at crime from a social-science perspective - the problem of crime, how crime is controlled and why people offend - and explore contemporary issues such as violence in today's society, and corporate and organised crime.
You learn from a dedicated team with professional experience in the legal industry and criminal justice system. You can extend your in-class learning with a range of fantastic extra-curricular opportunities including our Law Clinic; award-winning Refugee Legal Assistance Project; and mooting programme.
All our LLB courses satisfy the requirements set by the Bar Standards Board for the academic component of Bar training. For further information, go to the Bar Standards Board website
Why choose this course?
- Our Law courses rank 5th for on-track graduate outcomes, out of 99 HE institutions offering the subject (Complete University Guide 2023)
- Study law and criminology within the broader economic, social, political, historical, ethical and cultural environment
- Develop your advocacy skills in our modern Moot Court, giving you confidence in a realistic setting
- Gain skills in critical analysis, research, teamwork, use of language and argument, and the ability to work and learn independently
- Explore your ability to present arguments in a clear, persuasive and authoritative way
- Graduate with a qualification accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and highly regarded by employers
- Become an articulate, knowledgeable individual with a range of transferable skills, ready to pursue a career in law, management, human resources, the public sector, education and many other areas
Accreditations
- All our LLB courses satisfy the requirements set by the Bar Standards Board for the academic component of Bar training.
About the course
The Bedfordshire International Foundation Year (IFY) offers guaranteed progression* to a wide range of our undergraduate degrees, for those applicants who do not have the required qualifications or English language proficiency to join the first year of their chosen subject.
The IFY will help you improve your English language level, enhance your study and IT skills and increase your subject knowledge. This will help you succeed when you progress on to your main degree programme.
*subject to successful completion of the course
Why choose Bedfordshire International Foundation Year?
Unlike many university International Foundation programmes, The Bedfordshire IFY is delivered by the University of Bedfordshire and at the University of Bedfordshire. You will be a University of Bedfordshire student from day one.
The IFY offers guaranteed progression to over 75 bachelor’s degree programmes, via eight different pathways.
Each pathway is designed to accommodate students with a range of English language abilities from IELTS 4.5 upwards, and aims to take students up to IELTS 6.0 overall, or above, which is the requirement for undergraduate courses at the University of Bedfordshire.
The course also covers academic skills necessary to thrive in UK Higher Education and enables students to progress to their undergraduate degree, fully prepared and confident to face the challenges of a level 4 programme of study. Each pathway also offers a broadly subject-specific unit in the second semester, delivered by specialist staff from the relevant faculty, to offer you a programme specific to your subject area, as well as meeting your linguistic needs. In some cases, you may join an existing class for this session, further embedding you into university life.

A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Units
- Contract Law (LAW007-1) Compulsory
- Criminal Law (LAW003-1) Compulsory
- Introduction To Criminology (ASS073-1) Compulsory
- Constitutional And Administrative Law (LAW019-2) Compulsory
- Gangs And Serious Youth Violence (ASS067-2) Compulsory
- Land Law (LAW001-2) Compulsory
- Law Of Tort (LAW002-2) Compulsory
- Rehabilitation Of The Offender: Probation, Restoration And Social Justice (ASS097-2) Compulsory
- Dissertation (LAW008-3) Compulsory
- Equity And Trusts (LAW001-3) Compulsory
- Institutions Of The European Union And Judicial Protection (LAW016-3) Compulsory
- International Human Rights Law (LAW005-3) Compulsory
- Violence In Modern Society (ASS148-3) Compulsory
- Youth Justice: Models And Approaches (ASS137-3) Compulsory
Throughout the course, you will be involved in a variety of learning activities which are designed to foster the incremental development of your subject knowledge and transferrable skills, whilst at the same time supporting your personal and professional development. Learning activities are structured around lectures, seminars and workshop. The nature and format of the activities will vary from unit to unit, with emphasis being placed upon interactive learning and practice-based activities, such as mooting and debating. The various units, and the course as a whole, are designed in such a way as to enable you, first, to adjust to university-level education, and then to develop towards greater autonomy of learning, independent analysis and critical evaluation. Our course is taught by a team of experienced, professional and committed academics and practitioners. The lecturers on the course combine expert knowledge underpinned by current research and professional experience which enables them to offer teaching which reflects current developments and issues within the context of contemporary practice.
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
Entry Requirements
We will consider you as an individual and take into account all elements of your application, not just your qualifications. We are looking for breadth and depth in your current studies and enthusiasm for the subject you wish to study.
UCAS Tariff Points
- At least 112 points with 96 points from at least 2 A level passes
- At least 112 points with Distinction Merit Merit in BTEC Extended Diploma or Distinction* Distinction* in BTEC Diploma
- A completed Access to Higher Education Diploma (with 12 merits and 12 distinctions at level 3)
- Equivalent qualifications such as Irish Leaving Certificate, OCR Nationals, International Baccalaureate and CACHE Level 3 awards.
You can work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth with the UCAS tariff calculator
Contact the Admissions Team for additional guidance on whether the qualifications you currently hold or are taking would be suitable for entry.
T: +44 (0)1582 743500
E: admission@beds.ac.uk
As a general guide, to apply for a place on an undergraduate course (BA/BSc) at the University you need to have completed your high school education and have the required English qualification.
We have students from all the European Union member countries so we are quick to make decisions on most qualifications. See your country page for more details
Check Your Country page to confirm that your local qualifications are suitable or contact your International Admissions Team
How will this course improve my career prospects?
For students who aim to get into the legal professions, this course is your first step towards professional qualification to become a solicitor or to practice at the Bar.
Even without acquiring further professional qualifications, the course provides a solid foundation for access to a range of graduate roles in the legal sector, for instance as a paralegal or member of court staff; in the civil service (whether in local or central government); or in third-sector organisations working with offenders and victims of crime.
Alongside these career tracks, the course prepares you for a career in a broader range of graduate roles within the criminal justice system, including in the police, prison administration and other law enforcement agencies.
In addition, by allowing you to explore criminology alongside your qualifying law degree, it will open up career opportunities in a range of other professional areas, including the probation service; youth justice and youth work; victim support; and the charity sector.
This course will also provide you with the necessary research and critical analysis skills which you will need if you choose to pursue further study at Master’s level and beyond.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Fees and Funding
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2022/23 is £13,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs.
See www.gov.uk/student-finance
The University of Bedfordshire offers a number of scholarships and bursaries to help you finance your studies.
See www.beds.ac.uk/scholarships
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2023/24 is £14,500 per year. A prompt payment discount is available if you pay the full Year 1 fee before or at registration. There are also special scholarships available.
Extra Costs
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
Application for most full-time undergraduate and foundation courses is via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
We expect to receive UCAS applications between 1 September and 15 January for courses starting in the following academic year, but may consider applications received after this date should places be available.
Please contact admission@beds.ac.uk for further details.
All UK schools and colleges are registered with UCAS to manage their students' applications. Advice on how to submit your UCAS application is available from your school or college.
If you are not at school or college (including mature students) you should apply independently via UCAS
EU students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply via UCAS or direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country
You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student