Law and Criminology LLM Postgraduate Taught - September 2025/26* Entry

One of the fastest growing areas of research and enquiry, the combination of criminology and the law has become a key interdisciplinary framework for understanding the way societies and their norms function, and the role law, deviance and how these are policed. Not only an academic qualification, criminological research and take students into the world of forensics, evidence, international criminal enquiry and beyond.

Another very popular degree programme, our LLM Law and Criminology provides the opportunity to study legal structures and application at the same time as learning criminological theories, policing and conflict. It builds on criminological and legal skills and knowledge so as to provide specialist training in criminological, criminal justice and legal research. The course programme enables students to develop an international perspective on crime, justice and law through national and cross-national approaches and case studies of other societies, and/or ‘cutting edge’ issues in contemporary criminology and law.

Why study this LLM at Bangor?

• A range of Law and Criminology specialist modules which offer both national and international focus.
• Dedicated Law Library on campus which houses specialist collections, law reports, journals, and specialist Master's level monographs and texts.
• Electronic access to specialist online law databases, including: LexisNexis, Westlaw, Justis, and Hein Online.
• A replica courtroom on campus, with state-of-the-art specialist audio-visual equipment (for facilitating personal reflective development, as well as international moot court competitions remotely, via video link).
• Gives you a competitive edge in the job market by providing Masters level legal skills and knowledge, whilst developing new specialisms.

What will you study on this course?

You can choose from Law topics such as;

• Public International Law
• International Climate Change Law and Policy
• Cultural Heritage in International Law
• Contemporary Issues in International Environmental Law

You can also choose from topics within Criminology such as;

• Comparative International Criminal Justice
• Transnational Crime

The dissertation is law focused, giving students the chance to apply their understanding of crime and criminal justice within a legal context, using their legal research methods and training on the degree.

There is a sister course MA Criminology and Law based in the Criminology Department which gives students the chance to specifically choose a criminological area for their dissertation, with less expectation of legal-based research and more those based on social science methods.

Students can choose particular areas of interest from the options provided, ensuring there are 40 credits taken from law and 60 credits taken from criminology, creating a balance of options across semesters amounting to 180 credits (including Legal Research Methods and the Dissertation).

Programmes and modules are constantly updated and reviewed. As with most academic programmes, please remember that it is possible that specific modules or programmes may not be offered in any particular year, because a member of staff is on study leave, for instance, or too few students opt for it. Bangor Law School reserves the right to vary or withdraw any course or module.

How will I learn?

Our LLM courses bring together a mix of learners from different backgrounds. Some students will have studied Law at undergraduate level, others join us from other related disciplines. Our LLM programmes also attract students from other countries and jurisdictions, as well as students from the world of legal practice who wish to develop new specialisms. Bangor's Law Department values the diversity of our LLM community, particularly in enriching our learning environment and seminar discussions.

Teaching on the LLM course will mostly be seminar-based which will promote group and individual interaction, which also ensures that every individual student is encouraged to contribute to discussions. Seminar-based teaching enables lecturers and students to discuss issues and investigate topics in greater depth, and develops critical thinking and solution-based learning skills in students. Emphasis will be placed on the use of virtual learning through the mechanism of the Blackboard Collaborate computer-assisted learning system and databases such as Westlaw and LexisNexis. Throughout all modules, comparative elements with other legal systems will be emphasised.

Teaching will be in English; however, according to the University’s Welsh language policy, students who so wish may be examined and present essays, coursework and dissertations through the medium of Welsh.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Law and Criminology LLM Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

A 2(ii) degree from an approved University is required.

International applicants are normally required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. The minimum English language requirements will normally be:

• IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each individual component score
• Pearson PTE: a score of 62 (with no element lower than 58)
• Cambridge English Test – Advanced: 176 (with no element lower than 169)

In addition to developing your expertise in Law and Criminology, studying for a Masters of Law degree adds value to your CV and enhances your career opportunities. The skills set of an LLM graduate includes legal research and writing, analysis, and critical evaluation and communication skills, which are highly valued by both the public and private sector alike.

Students can also benefit from our clinical legal education program and CYMUNED employability scheme. In addition, Law takes part in the annual College Employability Fair, which introduces students to a variety of prospective employers in traditional and non-traditional legal careers. Students can also develop additional advocacy skills in our moot courtroom.

LLM study opens a range of professional opportunities for students hoping to develop a career within domestic, regional or international law, or those already in a legal career. Studying a Masters of Law (LLM) can also help you gain employment in sectors such as;

• the civil service
• government departments
• international diplomacy
• business
• teaching and further academic research