Master of Laws Criminal Justice with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

Teaching Excellence: You'll be taught by experts, including practising solicitors and barristers who will train you to work on real-life scenarios at our £10m Law Building inclusive of a full-scale replica Crown Court Room.

Strong Industry Connections: Benefit from our strong relations with law firms such as Slaughter and May, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, and Clifford Chance. Students attend Law Fairs, employer workshops, and networking events.

Work-Related Learning: Gain client-facing casework experience working in legal services within our award-winning pro-bono Law Clinic providing community-based legal services.

A first degree in Law (or a subject in a related discipline, such as Business, Political Science or International Relations) at a minimum of 2:2. Or, an overseas qualification which is equivalent to a UK Honours degree, minimum 2:2 classification.

You must also satisfy the University’s English language requirement for the course, which is a GCSE grade 4 or above (Grade C or above under the old grading structure), or IELTS at 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band. Find out about country-specific qualifications

Please contact Admissions Tutor at lawadmissions@herts.ac.uk to discuss entry requirements further.


Institution code	H36
School of study	Hertfordshire Law School
Course length	Sandwich Placement, 2 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability
Careers

Gain specialist knowledge and skills required in all sectors related to Criminal Justice, Law and Criminology. Your degree will enable you to explore opportunities in private, public, and voluntary sectors, consultancy work or academic and research pathways.

We have University Enterprise Zone status: Students with ideas for a new business, or wishing to grow an existing business can access the support and networks of our University’s Enterprise Team.

Students can utilise our award-winning Enterprise Hub building on de Havilland campus, which has been part-funded by the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership and benefit from ongoing support available for entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses to use as and when it suits your needs, alongside access to our academic experts, talented graduates, facilities and equipment.

Industry Connections
- We have excellent relationships with Hertfordshire Constabulary, Hertfordshire County Council, Bedford and Luton Coroner Service, local courts, HM Prison & Probation Service, and the voluntary sector. Students expand their employability and net-working opportunities by attending our Law and Criminology Fairs, employer workshops, and networking events.
- We encourage experts and alumni who have progressed into careers in the field to host guest lectures to students on the programme to share their experiences and offer inspiration to our students.
- Students expand their employment and networking opportunities by attending regular Law Fairs, employer workshops, and networking events.
- We are very proud of our diverse student population and an active partner in Inclusive Futures.
- LLM students have access to our Inclusive Futures fair in semester A.
Work placement

As shown by Brooks and Youngson (2016), 50% of placement students are more likely to secure graduate-level work and have higher starting salaries (on average £2,000 per year) upon completion of their degree in comparison to non-placement students.

Hertfordshire Law School host networking events providing students with the opportunity to meet with industry connections. We have teams to support students into relevant workplacements.

You have opportunity to gain client-facing casework experience working within our award-winning pro-bono Law Clinic providing community-based legal services.

You can also apply to take part in a wide range of co-curricular and pro bono activities, including commercial awareness, adjudication, mediation, advocacy, mooting and legal technology, design & innovation.

From academic staff with PhDs to Qualified Barristers and Solicitors, Judges, Competition Law experts and Legal Risk Consultants, our teaching staff provide a wide range of skills and experience. Their connections with Law Firms and Industry ensure they remain up to date with legal and commercial developments.

As shown by Brooks and Youngson (2016), 50% of placement students are more likely to secure graduate-level work and have higher starting salaries (on average £2,000 per year) upon completion of their degree in comparison to non-placement students.

About the course

LLM in Criminal Justice provides knowledge, understanding and critical thinking in the areas of Criminal Justice. It is an ideal course for those who wish to specialise in the areas of Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, and Global Policing.

Our LLM Criminal Justice offers one compulsory module, Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice and Criminal Law, which is your Pathway Specific Module (only available to LLM in Criminal Justice students within the Programme) plus a compulsory elective where you may choose between Global Policing and Law Enforcement or Crimes of the Powerful.

Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice and Criminal Law will cover contemporary topics such as miscarriage of justice, presumption of innocence, case study analysis for Nulla Poena Sine Lege, cultural defence in criminal law, consent in sexual offences, process of criminalising new offences and decriminalising the existing offences. You will also have a wide range of other modules from the LLM programme to choose between for your optional modules, such as International Humanitarian Law, Medical Law and Ethics, and Family Law, which will help you to expand your areas of interest.

You’ll have one compulsory module: Contemporary Issues in Criminal justice and Criminal Law as your Pathway Specific module. By studying this module, you will explore and challenge how society, states, case law, policymakers and global trends affect regulating the law and the criminal justice system.

Modules contain authentic assessments (no exam) helping you to improve transferable skills. The compulsory elective enables you to choose between Global Policing and Law Enforcement or Crimes of the Powerful. To expand your areas of interest, you’ll also have a wide range of other modules from the LLM Programme to choose between for your optional modules, such as International Humanitarian Law, Medical Law and Ethics.

Expect to graduate with:

Research skills using a range of sources, including verbal questioning
Evaluation skills and the ability to interpret and explain complex information clearly
Analytical skills
Reasoning and critical judgement skills
Ability to formulate sound arguments
Lateral thinking and problem-solving skills
Ability to write concisely
Confident and persuasive oral communication skills
Attention to detail and the ability to draft formal documents with precision

These skills are in demand by employers, align with our graduate attributes outlined by the university and enable students to demonstrate their professional capability in a number of sectors and roles through the competency and strength-based evidence required throughout the interview process.

You will engage with highly controversial, debatable, and contemporary topics in Criminal Justice by participating in class discussions, debates, case study analysis, and role plays. Module assessments will enable you to improve your interpersonal skills, team working, critical analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Your dissertation will support you to improve your independent study, research, critical thinking, and presentation skills. Your authentic assessments will allow you to work on real life scenarios and enhance your employability skills.

Why choose this course?

You’ll be taught by experts, including practicing solicitors and barristers, gaining experience of real-life business law scenarios in our £10m Law Building which includes a full-scale replica Crown Court Room.
Criminal Justice is a fast growing and changing area of discipline appreciated by students with background in Law, Criminology, Sociology, Social Work and Psychology. You’ll receive excellent teaching delivery from experts in their fields at Hertfordshire Law School.
Module materials are regularly updated to capture recent developments and case law, providing opportunity to engage with a wide range of cutting-edge resources from a variety of leading scholars.
Hertfordshire Law School offers optional modules allowing you to expand your knowledge and understanding in different areas of Law and Criminal Justice.
In addition to the compulsory and optional modules, the University’s co-curricular programme is specially designed to enhance your skills.
Ongoing pastoral support is available throughout your course. You’ll be involved in an active law society, and participate in a broad range of employability-boosting co-curriculars.
Access to careers and enterprise support for the duration of your degree and 4 years following graduation.
Ranked 3rd for law in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024).

What will I study?

Hertfordshire Law School follows a blended learning approach with strong emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. We have a strategic focus around community, inclusivity, diversity of opportunity and employability in line with the University strategic objective (2020-25) of ‘Transforming Lives’ through the three pillars of Offering Opportunity, Building Community and Embracing Flexibility. You have an extensive range of optional modules available to tailor the course to your own professional goals and preferences.

We emphasise importance of authentic assessment where students are assessed in a manner designed to replicate aspects of situations and tasks they may face in the workplace.

The course is digitally enhanced for a blended learning experience making full use of technology and using authentic activities and assessments to ensure students develop skills and understanding required for future careers.

Students with interest in mooting and advocacy gain ‘real life’ experience of litigation in action in our replica Crown Court.
You have one compulsory module: Contemporary Issues in Criminal justice and Criminal Law as your Pathway Specific Module. By studying this module, you’ll explore and challenge how society, states, case law, policymakers and global trends affect regulating the law and the criminal justice system. The module’s authentic assessments (no exam) will support you to improve your transferable skills. You will also study a compulsory elective where you may choose between Global Policing and Law Enforcement or Crimes of the Powerful. In addition, you will also have a wide range of other modules from the LLM Programme to choose between for your optional modules, such as International Humanitarian Law and Medical Law and Ethics which will help you to expand your areas of interest.
You will study two modules during Semester A and two modules in Semester B. Each module will be taught through a two-hour Seminar each week together with a rich blend of online activities. You will also join a Research Methods and Skills seminar every fortnight in your first semester of study to help you develop the academic writing and research skills that you will need for your module coursework and Dissertation. In Semester B and C you will study for your Dissertation with the help of an expert supervisor
Our staff team include active researchers with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Cybercrime, Medical, Company and Investment Law to name but a few. There may be opportunities available for some students to become aware of and potentially involved in certain local and international research projects and initiatives.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Banking Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will allow students to develop an understanding of the role of Banks in our economy and certain regulatory and supervisory regimes that apply to them. You will analyse the nature of the Banker-Customer relationship and examine the impact of new electronic payments systems on the Banking industry. You will also consider developments within Money Laundering Regulations and the issue of Bank resolution with reference to the global financial crisis.
International Financial Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will allow students to compare the approach of different jurisdictions to key aspects of financial law. You will examine aspects of the regulation and supervision of financial institutions (particularly in response to the global financial crisis), explore aspects of the International Financial Architecture and evaluate the role of Credit Rating Agencies. You will also examine the nature of certain key debt and financial instruments including International Bonds and Syndicated Loan Agreements. You will be encouraged to research and discuss emerging legal issues relating to International Financial Law.
Data Protection Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module will enable you to examine the development of data protection law as a distinct area of legal practice. You will explore the current data protection legislation in the UK and the EU and its implementation through case law, real-life examples and scenarios. In this context, you will examine the key concepts of the data protection law, such as the notion of informed consent and transparency requirements in the face of continuous technological developments, e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Internet of Things. You will also consider in detail the obligations placed on data controllers, as well as the rights enjoyed by individual data subjects. Furthermore, the module involves the analysis of various policy challenges posed by Brexit such as in relation to international data transfers.
Medical Law and Ethics	30 Credits	Optional
On this course, you will examine a wide range of both medical law and bioethics, with an international perspective. Included in the module will be medical negligence and legal and ethical dilemmas regarding patients consent to medical treatment including Advance Decisions and treatment of the incompetent patient. You will then consider medical law and ethics from birth to death . Beginning with new and emerging assisted reproductive technologies that have global application to the start of life then turns to subjects such as abortion. Highly topical issues and relevant issues to the global society such as organ donation will be explored before moving onto the end of life which will include, examination of the law and ethics of assisted suicide in the UK and other countries and other end of life issues. You will also examine any new emerging technologies/areas of law in this fast-developing area of law and ethics globally.
Employment Law	30 Credits	Optional
In this course, you will look at the concept of employment status, particularly in the light of new ways of working and possible reform. You will be considering both express and implied terms of a contract of employment, along with possible ways to vary them and the implications thereof. You will analyse current Equality Law. The law relating to dismissal in its various forms will also be considered. You will also study remedies available for various claims.
Legal Risk and Compliance	30 Credits	Optional
Legal Risk is an atypical practically-oriented module that attempts to place the student into the role and mindset of an in-house adviser undertaking the evolving dual legal / commercial role within the risk / compliance paradigm. Seminars are structured with a view to student-focussed participation and discussion and bookended with a structured set of pre-seminar and post seminar tasks to enable students to consider and evaluate issues and topics of the week both in advance and consolidate and reflect after seminar sessions.
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence Law	30 Credits	Optional
You will study Copyright Law which is an Intellectual Property right providing its owner with the exclusive right to use a creative work such as, written, audio-visual, musical, or dramatic works, with some exceptions. Over the years, copyright law has gone through great changes to keep up with advances in technology and media. Current developments in AI technology raise new issues concerning the scope and purpose of copyright protection. Copyright is relevant to AI in multiple ways. Machine learning technology learns from data that might be protected by copyright. Moreover, some AI systems can also autonomously generate new works, which might be copyright protected. Additionally, AI technology is also used to identify and prevent online copyright infringement. By striking the right balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, copyright and Artificial Intelligence aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
Public International Law	30 Credits	Optional
This module considers the nature, sources, and mechanisms of public international law. It examines the role of the state and international institutions and engages students with contemporary international law challenges and encourages them to reflect on their geopolitical implications.
Private International Law	30 Credits	Optional
The subject comprises of the general principles of private international law and the role of connecting factors (domicile/residence etc.) while moving on to the three substantive areas (a) jurisdiction (b) choice of law (c) recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Students are encouraged to read and consider the content of primary materials and to reflect on the difficult litigation that may sometimes arise in this area of law, acknowledging how the nature of the subject has changed from being concerned with the propertied expatriate to the multinational operations of a globalised world.
International Human Rights Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module provides a rigorous and stimulating, theoretical and practical understanding of human rights law from a comparative and cross-cultural perspective. Students will examine theoretical and philosophical discussions on human rights, international law on human rights, as well as regional systems of protection and the effectiveness of the United Nations system. In this module, students will focus on civil, political, social, economic and cultural rights and will use certain case studies from around the world to demonstrate the relevance and applicability of international human rights law.
Intellectual Property Law	30 Credits	Optional
Intellectual Property (IP) can be defined as creations of the mind - everything from works of art to inventions, computer programs to trademarks and other commercial signs. The purpose of the various fields of Intellectual Property Law is to deter others from copying or taking advantage of the works or reputations of another and provide remedies should this occur. Intellectual Property is protected in law by, for instance, trademarks, copyright and patents that allow individuals to gain financial benefit or recognition from what they create or invent. By striking a fair balance between, on the one hand, the interests of innovators and, on the other hand, the wider public interest, Intellectual Property aims to foster an environment where innovation and creativity can flourish.
International Commercial Law	30 Credits	Optional
The module will examine the choice of law/jurisdiction clauses, the different types of international commercial contracts and the respective implications for the parties involved. In the module, you will also examine the various international conventions applicable to international commerce as well as the role of documentation through a consideration of bill of lading. Finally, marine insurance and the typical method of financing used in international commerce will be discussed in detail.
Introduction to Work Placement	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module will explain the benefits of a work placement and will support students in their applications for work placement. It will help student identify their strengths and weakness and help them select the most appropriate role for them. The Module will assist students to make an application through a combination of lectures and skills support.
Work Placement	60 Credits	Compulsory
Undertaking a placement year provides students with an opportunity to set their academic studies in a broader context, to gain practical experience of the legal professional services and to strengthen employability skills. During the placement, students will critically reflect on their experiences, culminating in the submission of a portfolio.
Crimes of the Powerful	30 Credits	Optional
To limit criminological blindness on how crime is defined and/or considered, studies have sought to broaden the criminological discourse on criminality and examined crimes or harm committed by the powerful in society. Crimes of the elite cover a range of harmful activities, crimes committed by the powerful and states have harmed, killed, injured, robbed, and sexually violated more people than non-state violent crime/terrorism, and this pattern continues. This module will enable students to examine crimes/harm perpetrated by the state and individuals who hold a significant social/political authority. Students will be challenged to examine the full dimensions of crimes of the elite as one of the social problems within society. The module will generally include state crime, human rights with human security, war crime, and human rights, historical and contemporary forms of mass violence, corruption, hate crime, cooperate crimes, and the international mechanisms designed to prevent large-scale social harms.
GLOBAL POLICING AND LAW ENFORCEMENT	30 Credits	Optional
Global law enforcement operates within a complex and interconnected world to respond to crime by sourcing their efforts within an international legal framework to enforce national criminal law. This module aims to enable students to examine law enforcement in different cultural contexts (i.e., Europe, Africa, Asia, North America), a comparative analysis between the policing systems. The respective social, cultural, and political systems that influence social order and control will be considered. The module traces the development of international, transnational and EU legal frameworks on law enforcement cooperation. Develop conceptual and critical insights into contemporary issues in the theory, policy, and practice of law enforcement, and apply the knowledge to own jurisdictions. Key concepts include the development of global policing, global policing power, theorising global policing, law enforcement models and procedural requirements in different jurisdictions. The module considers the nature of global policing, police cooperation strategies and underlying legal frameworks.
Company Law	30 Credits	Optional
In this module, you will focus on the fundamental and contemporary aspects of company law. You will learn and develop your knowledge of the internal operations of a company, ranging its incorporation, the rights and duties of shareholders and directors, the governance of the firm and remedies available to the company. You will also critically evaluate the nature of its separate legal personality and consider the agency problem.
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice and Criminal Law	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module will enable you to critically analyse and examine the contemporary issues in the criminal justice system and criminal law. It will look at issues related to policing, trial process, sentencing and, rehabilitation. In this module, you will also explore the emergence of new crimes and consider the technological developments, changes in societies and our understanding of deviance. You will also explore the role of society, policy makers, states, and case law in criminal justice system to understand how different factors shape our approaches to creating laws and regulating the criminal justice system.
Research Methods and Skills	0 Credits	Compulsory
This module prepares you for undertaking independent research in your chosen modules, as well as an individual research dissertation in your chosen field. The aim is to provide the opportunity for students to develop and apply postgraduate level skills of independent research, analysis, evaluation, writing and presentation. You will examine different legal and other research methods and assess their relevance to your own independent research and practice.
LLM Dissertation	60 Credits	Compulsory
The dissertation requires you to select a topic relevant to one of your LLM module choices. Guidance is given on topic selection. Students are allocated a supervisor for their dissertation to provide them with support and some formative feedback. Supervision meetings are documented through diary sheets completed by both parties.

Further course information

Course fact sheets
LLM Criminal Justice (Sandwich) with Sandwich Placement	Download

Programme specifications
LLM Criminal Justice - Extended	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Mandatory
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £14805. for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £17950. for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £17950. for 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 inclusive
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £15720. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
EU Students
Full time
- £18800. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
International Students
Full time
- £18800. for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 inclusive
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet
How to apply

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2025 31/05/2026 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Sandwich)
2026
Start Date End Date Year Location Link
26/09/2026 31/05/2027 1 UH Hatfield Campus Apply online (Sandwich)

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Master of Laws Criminal Justice with Placement Year

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Work placement

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026