PART 1 – LLB (HONS) LAW WITH CRIMINOLOGY LLB (HONS) …€¦ · Criminology programme with an...

Programme Specification: LLB (Honours) Law with Criminology, LLB (Honours) Legal Studies with Criminology Page 1 of 22

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PART 1 – LLB (HONS) LAW WITH CRIMINOLOGY LLB (HONS) LEGAL STUDIES WITH CRIMINOLOGY

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

1 Awarding institution

St Mary’s University, Twickenham

2 Partner institution and location of teaching (if applicable)

N/A

3 Type of collaborative arrangement (if applicable)

N/A

4 Award title

Law with Criminology Legal Studies with Criminology

5 Final award

LLB (Hons)

6 Interim award(s) with award titles (if specific titles have been designated)

Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

7 Faculty with responsibility for the programme

Education, Humanities and Social Sciences

8 Language of study

English

9 Joint Honours combinations

The LLB Law with Criminology and LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programmes may be taken as single honours degrees only.

10 UCAS code B911

11 JACS code L300, L311, L437, L600, L611, M200, M210, M211, M221, M222, M223, M224, M240, M250

12 Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (PSRB) accreditation / recognition

The LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology is accredited through Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) status from the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)


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13 QAA subject benchmark or other relevant external reference point

The programmes follow the guidelines of the QAA Honours Degree Benchmark Statement for Law (2015) and for Criminology (2014).

14 Normal completion time and maximum duration of study

Normal completion time: Full-time study – three years Part-time study – six years Duration of study - LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology • As prescribed by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and Solicitors Regulation

Authority (SRA) the maximum time limit for completion of the academic stage of training through a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) (studied either full-time or part-time) is six years.

• If this time limit is exceeded by a student undertaking the LLB Law with Criminology programme, save in exceptional circumstances, the degree will not receive QLD status and will not be recognised by the SRA or BSB. Students may still graduate with a non-QLD status degree in so far as the overall duration of study at each level of programme, from initial registration to completion, does not exceed the limits set out in the Academic Regulations of St Mary’s University.

Duration of study - LLB (Hons) Legal Studies with Criminology • The duration of study for the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme

is in alignment with the requirements for the duration of study of undergraduate programmes as set out in the Academic Regulations. The overall duration of an undergraduate honours degree programme of study from initial registration to completion shall be no less than three years of full-time study. LLB, BA/BSc and three year BA (ITT) degrees shall not exceed 4 consecutive semesters for FHEQ level 4, 5 consecutive semesters for FHEQ level 5, and 5 consecutive semesters for Year 3 (FHEQ level 6). Therefore, the overall duration shall not exceed fourteen consecutive semesters, although individual applications for remission of this regulation may be approved by the Undergraduate Examinations Board on the recommendation of the Registrar.

15 Mode of study Both LLB Law with Criminology and the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programmes may be taken on a full-time or a part-time basis. The LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme will not be marketed as an independent programme and therefore will not attract an entry cohort, but provides students who are not able to meet the requirements of the LLB Law with Criminology programme with an alternative route to an Honours degree. The LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme is constituted by the same modules as those available in the LLB Law with Criminology programme, however in the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme all modules are designated as option modules.

16 Mode of delivery Face to face


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17 Date approved

and name of authorised body

FADC, September 2019

18 Applies to students commencing study in (month/year)

September 2019

PART 2 – CURRICULUM SPECIFIC DETAILS

19 Summary of the programme

If you are interested in becoming a barrister or solicitor, or pursuing a career in commerce or government, our Law with Criminology LLB degree will give you the foundation you need to be successful. You will learn the core ‘foundations of legal knowledge’ required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and Bar Standards Board in order to pass the academic stage of training and progress on to the vocational stage. The degree's focus on practical (as well as theoretical) teaching means you can develop the analytical and critical skills essential for formulating legal arguments. You will also have the opportunity to study a range of specialist subjects that are relevant to your own aspirations. The Criminology modules enable you to explore why crime exists, how crime and deviance is socially constructed, which soviets have the most crime and how societies deal with crime. No society is crime free; crime and society are intertwined. With a wide range of option modules - including work-based learning placements - and a diverse variety of assessment methods, such as simulated negotiation exercises and delivering presentations, you will learn through experiencing the law, not just through exams.

20 Aims of the programme

LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology Primary Aims and Outcomes of the Programme Aims In line with the University’s Mission, the QAA Benchmarking Statements for both Law and Criminology and the requirements of the SRA and BSB for QLDs the primary aims are:

1. To provide students with a supportive learning environment in which to foster

intellectual self-confidence for all students. 2. To provide a framework within which students can achieve a detailed

knowledge and critical understanding of and the foundations of legal knowledge and of other selected areas of law.

3. To provide a balanced, stimulating and academically sound education in Criminology.

4. Promote knowledge and understanding of the nature and development of Criminology as a discipline.


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5. Encourage recognition of the contested, conditional nature of knowledge expressed in the competing perspectives in Criminology.

6. To seek through taught modules and a supervised independent research module, to create a positive, stimulating learning environment for students in which to develop knowledge and understanding of legal principles and the legal process.

7. To provide a framework within which students can practice scholarship and research and gain academic and intellectual progression by imposing increasing demands in terms of the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

8. To enhance the employability of students in the context of employers’ expectations of subject knowledge and practical experience for those wishing to enter the legal profession as well as those who choose to enter a wide range of other careers and professions; and

9. To enhance students’ awareness and appreciation of the ethical issues central to society and the study of law.

Outcomes On successful completion of the programme, students will have achieved the following outcomes:

10. Developed the knowledge and understanding of the foundations of legal

knowledge and of other selected areas of law. 11. Developed a fundamental understanding of the role and function of law in a

social context. 12. Developed understanding of the major developments in contemporary

criminology. 13. Be able to outline key concepts and theoretical approaches that have

developed and are developing with criminology. 14. Developed a critical understanding of the construction and influence of

representations of crime and victims, and of responses to crime and deviance, as found in official reports, the mass media and public opinion.

15. Developed a critical understanding of the principles of human rights and civil liberties which are applicable to the disciplines.

16. Developed a critical understanding of the stages of the criminal justice process and to all official responses to crime and deviance.

17. Developed a critical understanding of the local, national and international contexts of crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance.

18. Developed the transferable skills of fact management, decision making, research and independent learning; and be equipped with the ability to apply these skills in a wide variety of legal situations.

19. Developed the ability to identify, conceptualise and solve legal problems across a range of functional areas.

20. Undertaken an independent study of a topic relating to law, involving planning, research, analysis and construction of a written research project.

21. Be equipped with the inter-personal and communication skills necessary for effective entry and operation in the graduate work place; and

22. Developed the skills necessary to be autonomous lifelong learners with a sense of study and enquiry and the skills to comprehend and contextualise developments in law and Criminology.


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LLB (Hons) Legal Studies with Criminology Primary Aims and Outcomes of the Programme Aims In line with the University’s Mission and the QAA Benchmarking Statement in Law, the primary aims are: 1. To provide students with a supportive learning environment in which to foster

intellectual self-confidence for all students. 2. To provide a framework within which students can achieve a detailed

knowledge and critical understanding of selected areas of law. 3. To provide a balanced, stimulating and academically sound education in

criminology. 4. Promote knowledge and understanding of the nature and development of

criminology as a discipline. 5. Encourage recognition of the contested, conditional nature of knowledge

expressed in the competing perspectives of criminology. 6. To seek through taught modules and a supervised independent study module,

to create a positive, stimulating learning environment for students in which to promote a fundamental understanding of the role and function of law in a social context.

7. To provide a framework within which students can practice scholarship and research and gain academic and intellectual progression by imposing increasing demands in terms of the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

8. To enhance the employability of students in the context of employers’ expectations of subject knowledge and practical experience for those who choose to enter a wide range of careers and professions; and

9. To enhance students’ awareness and appreciation of ethical issues central to society and the study of law.

Outcomes On successful completion of the programme, students will have achieved the following outcomes: 1. Developed the knowledge and understanding of selected areas of law. 2. Developed a fundamental understanding of the role and function of law in a

social context. 3. Developed understanding of the major developments in contemporary

criminology. 4. Be able to outline key concepts and theoretical approaches that have

developed and are developing with criminology. 5. Developed a critical understanding of the construction and influence of

representations of crime and victims, and of responses to crime and deviance, as found in official reports, the mass media and public opinion.

6. Developed a critical understanding of the principles of human rights and civil liberties which are applicable to the disciplines.

7. Developed a critical understanding of the stages of the criminal justice process and to all official responses to crime and deviance.


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8. Developed a critical understanding of the local, national and international contexts of crime, victimisation and responses to crime and deviance.

9. Developed the transferable skills of fact management, decision making, research and independent learning; and be equipped with the ability to apply these skills in a wide variety of legal situations.

10. Developed the ability to identify, conceptualise and solve legal problems across a range of functional areas.

11. Undertaken an independent study of a topic relating to law, involving planning, research, analysis and construction of an extended piece of written work.

12. Be equipped with the inter-personal and communication skills necessary for effective entry and operation in the graduate work place; and

13. Developed the skills necessary to be autonomous lifelong learners with a sense of study and enquiry and the skills to comprehend and contextualise developments in law and criminology.

21 Criteria for admission

LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology • Candidates must satisfy the general admission requirements of St Mary’s

University outlined in the Admissions Policy (see www.stmarys.ac.uk/admissions-policy). To qualify for entry, students are normally expected to have a minimum of 112 points, of which 80 must comprise at least 2 B grades. The remainder points can be made up of A Level and AS grades. Candidates must also have a GCSE in English and Maths to Grade C, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates with other educational experience and qualifications will be considered on an equal basis to those with A-level qualifications.

• Non-native speakers of English must achieve a score of either 6.0 overall or not less than 5.5 in any section of the IELTS test of English language proficiency (or equivalent).

LLB (Hons) Legal Studies with Criminology • Candidates will not have direct entry onto the LLB Legal Studies with

Criminology programme. Subject to the discretion of the Programme Board of Examiners, a student who has failed to pass any module designated core on the LLB Law with Criminology programme at the third attempt will be recommended to transfer to the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme as an alternative to programme termination.

• Candidates will therefore have satisfied the general admission requirements

of St Mary’s University and those of the LLB Law with Criminology programme as set out above.

Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Accreditation of Prior Learning • Students who have undertaken study or learning elsewhere may apply for

exemption from a proportion of a University programme of study and be given entry with advanced standing (e.g. at a point beyond the beginning of FHEQ Level 4) and exemption from parts of their programme. The learning which may merit advanced standing is as follows:

http://www.stmarys.ac.uk/admissions-policy


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o Relevant credits, i.e. credits at an appropriate level and in an appropriate subject, earned in another institution or in other institutions;

o Relevant certificated prior learning.

• The relevance, status and currency of the prior learning will be considered by the Registrar on the advice of the Programme Director. The University will accept applications for accreditation of prior experiential or uncertificated learning for entry to Masters or other professional programmes as determined by the Programme Director on the advice of the Registrar. The University will accept applications for the accreditation of prior uncertificated learning for particular modules as outlined in the regulations for programmes of study.

Credit Accumulation & Transfer and Accreditation of Prior Learning for LLB Law with Criminology • The University will consider, on an individual basis, applicants for credit

transfer and APL whom wish to transfer credit from the law degree of one UK Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) institution to the QLD at St Mary’s University. To ensure compliance with the Academic Stage regulations as required by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), applicants must have successfully passed all of the necessary assessments and examinations for the relevant academic years of study for which credit is transferred. If a transfer is in breach of the credit transfer rules, the SRA and BSB will not accept the final award as a QLD.

Credit Accumulation & Transfer and Accreditation of Prior Learning for LLB Legal Studies with Criminology • The University will consider, on an individual basis, applicants for credit

transfer and APL whom wish to transfer credit from other institutions for exemption from elements of the programme. These will be applicants for whom it has not been possible to accept their initial wish to have sought exemptions from the LLB Law programme.

22 Scheduled learning time (the number of guided learning hours (GLH) is 10 hours per 1 credit http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/contact-hours-student.pdf)

[This section should detail the total number of hours in each KIS category and express them as a percentage. Completion of this section is essential for accurate data reporting. If a row is not relevant to the programme of study, please complete with zero rather than leaving blank]

Type of learning time

Number of hours

Expressed as %

Contact time 584 16% Placement/work-based learning hours

0 0%

Guided learning hours

0 0%

Independent study time

3016 84%

TOTAL* 3600 100% *A typical 3 year undergraduate programme has a total of 3600 hours

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/contact-hours-student.pdf






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23 Programme

learning outcomes

LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology Programme Learning Outcomes The Programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes: Knowledge and understanding Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 1. the principal features, processes and procedures of the English and European

legal systems 2. the Foundations of Legal Knowledge of English law 3. selected areas of law chosen from electives 4. the philosophical, policy, social, political, economic, ethical and cultural

context in which law and social processes operate 5. the intellectual and practical skills needed to research and analyse the law

and undertake practical problem solving 6. principal concepts and theoretical perspectives developed in criminology 7. the relationship between individuals, groups and social institutions 8. the distinctive nature of criminological understanding in relation to other

disciplines and common-sense explanations

Cognitive Skills In terms of cognitive skills, students should be able to: 9. demonstrate an ability to apply legal knowledge to complex problem scenarios

and present reasoned arguments for the resolution of the problem(s) supported by legal authority

10. identify accurately within a problem the legal issues which require research 11. identify and retrieve up to date legal information, using paper and electronic

sources 12. recognise and rank items and issues in terms of relevance and importance 13. synthesise and evaluate information from primary and secondary legal

sources 14. make a critical judgment of the merits of a particular argument 15. present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions 16. interpret the political, cultural and ethical implications of different theoretical

criminological perspectives

Performance and Practice In terms of performance and practice, students should be able to: 17. compile information and materials from a variety of different sources 18. conduct independent legal research 19. where relevant and as the basis for an argument, to use, present and evaluate

information provided in numerical or statistical form 20. make appropriate use of information technology in carrying out a broad range

of tasks 21. undertake an advanced body of independent legal research and demonstrate

a critical awareness of developments in that area.

Personal and Enabling Skills


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In terms of personal and enabling skills, students should be able to: 22. reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of feedback 23. work effectively, both individually and in a team 24. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, complex material and

argument 25. make effective use of legal terminology 26. manage their time effectively and work to deadlines LLB (Hons) Legal Studies with Criminology Programme Learning Outcomes The Programme provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning outcomes: Knowledge and understanding Students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 1. selected areas of law 2. the philosophical, policy, social, political, economic, ethical and cultural

context in which law operates 3. the intellectual and practical skills needed to research and analyse the law

and undertake practical problem solving 4. principal concepts and theoretical perspectives developed in criminology 5. the relationship between individuals, groups and social institutions 6. the distinctive nature of criminological understanding in relation to other

disciplines and common-sense explanations Cognitive Skills In terms of cognitive skills, students should be able to: 7. demonstrate an ability to apply legal knowledge to complex problem scenarios

and present reasoned arguments for the resolution of the problem(s) supported by legal authority

8. identify accurately within a problem the legal issues which require research 9. identify and retrieve up to date legal information, using paper and electronic

sources 10. recognise and rank items and issues in terms of relevance and importance 11. synthesise and evaluate information from primary and secondary legal

sources 12. make a critical judgment of the merits of a particular argument 13. present and make a reasoned choice between alternative solutions 14. interpret the political, cultural and ethical implications of different theoretical

perspectives

Performance and Practice In terms of performance and practice, students should be able to: 15. compile information and materials from a variety of different sources 16. conduct independent legal research


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17. where relevant and as the basis for an argument, to use, present and evaluate information provided in numerical or statistical form

18. make appropriate use of information technology in carrying out a broad range of tasks

19. Undertake an advanced body of independent legal research and demonstrate a critical awareness of developments in that area.

Personal and Enabling Skills In terms of personal and enabling skills, students should be able to: 20. reflect on their own learning and seek and make use of feedback 21. work effectively, both individually and in a team 22. communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, complex material and

argument 23. make effective use of legal terminology 24. manage their time effectively and work to deadlines

24 Programme structure and module requirements

SINGLE HONOURS PROGRAMME – LLB Law with Criminology This programme is accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and the LLB Law with Criminology award has Qualifying Law Degree status. FHEQ level 4 – Certificate of Higher Education in Law Students must acquire 120 credits at FHEQ level 4 in total. Students must select the six core 20 credit modules listed below. Students must select 100 credits of Law modules and the 20 credit Criminology module.

Code Title No. of credits

Sem of delivery

Module status (core, option)

LAW4007 Legal Process and the Introduction to the Practice of Law

20 2 Core

LAW4008 Sources of Law and Academic Legal Skills

20 1 Core

LAW4010 Human Rights Law

20 2 Core

LAW4021 Criminal Law

20 1 Core

LAW4013 Law of Contract

20 2 Core

CRY4024 Investigating Criminal Justice

20 1 Core

FHEQ level 5 – Diploma of Higher Education in Law Students must acquire 120 credits at FHEQ level 5 in total. Students must select the six core 20 credit modules listed below. Students must select 80 credits of Law modules and 40 credits of Criminology modules.


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Sem of delivery


LAW5025 Law of the European Union

20 1 Core

LAW5026 Land Law

20 2 Core

LAW5020 Law of Tort

20 1 Core

LAW5022 Public Law (Conversion)

20 1 Core

CRY5021 Criminalising Social Problems

20 2 Core

CRY5023 Crime and the Media

20 2 Core

FHEQ level 6 – LLB Law with Criminology Students must acquire 120 credits at FHEQ level 6 in total. Students are required to select the core 20 credit Law module and the core 20 credit Criminology module listed below. Students are required to select either the Law Research Project module or the Extended Essay in Law from the list of core option modules in order to fulfil the requirement specified in the Academic Regulations that an independent study project should be undertaken at FHEQ level 6. Students are required to achieve a minimum of 60 credits at FHEQ level 6 from the list of Law modules below and a minimum of 40 credits at FHEQ level 6 from the list of Criminology modules below. The remaining credits to achieve a total of 120 credits at FHEQ level 6 overall may be selected from either discipline.


Sem of delivery


Either

LAW6015 Law Research Project 40 1/2 Core Option Or LAW6028 Extended Essay 20 1 or 2 Core Option LAW6014 Equity and Trusts 20 1 Core LAW6038 Cultural Legal Studies 20 2 Option LAW6030 Work Based Learning for

Law 20 1 Option

LAW6021 Introduction to Sharia Law 20 2 Option LAW6026 Intellectual Property 20 1 Option LAW6037 Jurisprudence 20 2 Option LAW6020 Insurance Law 20 2 Option LAW6023 Medical Law and Ethics 20 2 Option


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LAW6027 Employment Law in the Workplace

20 2 Option

LAW6034 International Criminal Law 20 2 Option CRY6021 Criminology: New

Perspectives 20 1 Core

CRY6025 Counter Radicalisation and Terrorism

20 1 Option

CRY6024 Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Organised Crime

20 2 Option

SINGLE HONOURS PROGRAMME – LLB Legal Studies with Criminology FHEQ Level 4 – Certificate of Higher Education in Legal Studies Students must acquire 120 credits at FHEQ level 4 in total. Students must select modules to achieve a total of 120 credits from the list of option modules below. Students successfully completing 120 credits at FHEQ level 4 from the modules listed below are eligible to be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Legal Studies as an exit qualification.


Sem of delivery


LAW4007 Legal Process and the Introduction to the Practice of Law

20 2 Option

LAW4008 Sources of Law and Academic Legal Skills

20 1 Option

LAW4010 Human Rights Law

20 2 Option

LAW4021 Criminal Law

20 1 Option

LAW4013 Law of Contract

20 2 Option

CRY4024 Investigating Criminal Justice

20 1 Option

FHEQ level 5 – Diploma of Higher Education in Legal Studies with Criminology Students must acquire 120 credits at FHEQ level 5 in total. Students must select modules to achieve a total of 120 credits from the list of option modules below. There are no restrictions on the number of credits that must be selected from Law modules or from Criminology modules, although the proportion of credits selected from each subject discipline does impact the exit


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award students are eligible to receive if they exit upon completion of FHEQ level 5. Students successfully completing 120 credits at FHEQ level 5, including a minimum of 80 credits of Criminology modules at FHEQ levels 4 and 5 combined, are eligible to be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Legal Studies with Criminology as an exit qualification. Students successfully completing 120 credits at FHEQ level 5, but which does not include a minimum of 80 credits of Criminology modules at FHEQ levels 4 and 5 combined, are eligible to be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Legal Studies as an exit qualification.


Sem of delivery


LAW5025 Law of the European Union

20 1 Option

LAW5026 Land Law

20 2 Option

LAW5020 Law of Tort

20 1 Option

LAW5022 Public Law (Conversion)

20 1 Option

LAW5027 Jurisprudence 20 2 Option

CRY5021 Criminalising Social Problems

20 2 Option

CRY5023 Crime and the Media

20 2 Option

FHEQ level 6 – LLB Legal Studies with Criminology Students must acquire 120 credits at FHEQ level 6 in total. Students must select modules to achieve a total of 120 credits from the list of option modules below. Students are required to select either the Law Research Project module or the Extended Essay in Law from the list of core option modules below in order to fulfil the requirement specified in the Academic Regulations that an independent study project should be undertaken at FHEQ level 6. There are no further restrictions on the number of credits that must be selected from Law modules or from Criminology modules, although the proportion of credits selected from each subject discipline does impact the title of the award that students are eligible to receive. Students successfully completing 120 credits at FHEQ level 6, including a minimum of 100 credits from Criminology modules at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 combined, are eligible to be awarded the LLB in Legal Studies with Criminology.


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Students who successfully complete 300 credits including at least 60 credits at FHEQ level 6 and at least 120 credits at FHEQ level 5 who achieve a minimum of 80 credits from Criminology modules at FHEQ levels 5 and 6, are eligible to be awarded the LLB Ordinary Degree in Legal Studies with Criminology as an exit qualification.


Sem of delivery


Either

LAW6015 Law Research Project

40 1/2 Core Option

Or LAW6028 Extended Essay

20 1 or 2 Core Option

LAW6014 Equity and Trusts

20 1 Option

LAW6038 Cultural Legal Studies

20 1 Option

LAW6030 Work Based Learning for Law

20 1 Option

LAW6034 International Criminal Law

20 2 Option

LAW6021 Introduction to Sharia Law 20 2 Option LAW6026 Intellectual Property 20 1 Option LAW6037 Jurisprudence 20 2 Option LAW6020 Insurance Law 20 2 Option LAW6023 Medical Law and Ethics 20 2 Option LAW6027 Employment Law in the

Workplace 20 2 Option

CRY6021 Criminology: New Perspectives

20 1 Option

CRY6025 Counter Radicalisation and Terrorism

20 1 Option

CRY6024 Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Organised Crime

20 2 Option

25 Work placements or study abroad

Work Place Learning Students will have the opportunity to undertake the bespoke Work Based Learning for Law (Law with Criminology) module which has been developed by the programme team supported by the Centre for Workplace Learning. This module will be available to students of both LLB Law with Criminology and LLB Legal Studies with Criminology. This module provides an intense period of experience within a law firm, in-house legal department or legal advice centre giving students where possible a realistic insight into legal practice. Initial instruction and supervision is provided by a member of the programme team with practice experience. The module will utilise the database of links with the legal profession at the local and regional level that has been created. Extra-Curricular Experience Opportunities


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The programme will offer its students law specific community related voluntary work. The programme has liaised with the Richmond CAB which has provided opportunities for students to gain experience providing legal advice and working in a legal services environment. A number of students are committed even at an early stage, to a legal career and are keen to make an immediate contribution by providing legal help to local people. In addition the programme provides the opportunity for students to undertake a European Institutions field trip in Level 5. This is a three day trip which visits the Hague and international courts. The cost of the trip is subsidised by the programme.

26 Links to industry and employability

Employability Employability as the combination of subject knowledge, skills and personal qualities, developed through an effective learning, teaching and assessment strategy, clearly underpins the Law and Criminology Benchmark Statements, the Joint Statement of the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board (the “Joint Statement”) and is fully embraced by the programme team in the design of the programme and in affording opportunities for students outside of the programme. The programme has also been designed to meet all indicators listed in Chapter B4 of the QAA Quality Code (Enabling Student Development and Achievement) in particular Indicator 6. Both the Law and Criminology modules have embedded within them employability skills development. Outside speakers are frequently invited into teaching sessions to share their experience of working in a particular role in the criminal justice field or practising in a specialised area of law. For example, the Level 4 Criminology module, Investigating Criminal Justice has invited speakers such as a police officer, a criminologist and a barrister. The Level 4 Law modules, Sources of Law and Academic Legal Skills and Legal Process and the Practice of Law both invite outside speakers and also have imbedded careers sessions delivered in conjunction with the University’s Careers Service. Personal Tutoring and Pastoral Support Students are provided with the opportunity to engage in the Personal Tutoring scheme which is the University’s version of a Personal Development Planning (“PDP”) scheme. Personal Tutoring gives students the opportunity to: • Reflect on their progress and development since the last Personal Tutoring

meeting; • Discuss their progress and areas for improvement with their Personal Tutor; • Review their feedback from module assessments to identify common themes,

both in terms of achievement and potential learning needs and discuss these with their Personal Tutor;

• Link their learning in their programme and extra-curricular activities to their ongoing academic, career and personal development;

• Identify skills to be developed in order to enhance their academic performance and future employability;


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• Identify potential opportunities for work experience, internships or other employment opportunities which will better equip them in their professional careers after graduation; and

• Create and implement a Personal Development Plan based on the learning needs and employment opportunities identified, and evaluate the success of the Plan at agreed times in the academic year.

At induction each student is allocated a Personal Tutor who will remain that student’s tutor during their time at the University (Academic Tutors should have no more than 25 academic tutees). Various induction and orientation activities are conducted with each team member’s academic tutees. The programme will share responsibility for careers advice to students between the Law and Criminology teaching teams. The Law programme team has two careers tutors. They are responsible for liaising with the Careers Service to organise an appropriately tailored event for each year group in each semester. They also disseminate any updates regarding current opportunities and careers events. In addition, the Law Programmes have run an annual Law Forum which will contain a specific component relating to possible criminal justice or related careers for graduates of the programmes. The development of a student’s employability and personal development by these methods enables students to have a much deeper understanding of the learning process and their skills and helps them to develop their ability to evaluate their own performance and take control over their learning so that they become independent learners. Students become reflective individuals who are forward thinking and capable of working on their own and with others. University Services In addition to the above, opportunities to enhance are offered by Student Services, the Student Union, the Careers Service and resources developed within the University. Wider opportunities include positions of responsibility, programme representatives, posts within the Students’ Union or student clubs; part-time employment; taking part in activities within the community or voluntary work. The Careers Service provides considerable support in terms not only of the careers service but in developing study skills and in the provision of guidance on CV construction and letter writing and a whole range of employability focused resources. Other opportunities will be provided for students through extra-curricular activities which include a Student Law Society, membership of the Programme Board and through competitions in mooting. Careers Available to Graduates of the Programme As discussed above, one of the key features of the programme is its status as a QLD. Significantly this means that students who desire to qualify as a barrister or


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solicitor can, after successful graduation from the programme commence the relevant vocational course. This status provides students with considerable flexibility. Graduates having studied the core FLKs will have developed sufficient skills and understanding of key areas of law to allow them entry into any area of legal practice. However, should they wish to practise in the criminal justice system their specialised knowledge of criminology modules will provide an advantage. Although an important qualification for prospective lawyers whether intending to work in the criminal justice field or other areas of legal practice, the programme recognises that approximately half of all law graduates nationally do not enter the legal profession. The LLB Law with Criminology programme will therefore provide a valuable educational experience with learning outcomes that are highly relevant to a large range of career routes other than the practice of law. For example, the programme may be of interest to students interested in careers in the criminal justice system such as the Police; the Probation Service; the Prison Service; community, health and social work; policy and administration; government; and campaign groups working for social and criminal justice. As far as careers in the Police are concerned, the College of Policing is currently consulting regarding routes to qualification. One pathway is through a graduate conversion course which would be a possible route from this programme.

27 Programme awards

This programme conforms to the University Academic Regulations. Eligibility for Awards In order to achieve the LLB Law with Criminology or LLB Legal Studies with Criminology awards students must attain 360 credits at FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6 in total. Students who transfer to LLB Legal Studies with Criminology as a result of failing a core module after three resit attempts on the LLB Law with Criminology programme will be required to take an additional module at either FHEQ level 5 or FHEQ level 6 (depending on the FHEQ level of study they transferred to the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme at). In this scenario students will take 140 credits overall at the FHEQ level at which they transfer into the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology, in order to compensate for the credits they failed at the previous FHEQ level on LLB Law with Criminology. Compensation As set out in the Academic Regulations, where a student has achieved a pass mark of 40% or more overall for a module but has not passed each individual assessment element, a Programme Board of Examiners may recommend, following careful consideration as to whether the learning outcomes of a module have been met, that the student be allowed to pass the module providing they have gained a mark of at least 30% in any substantive assessment element (i.e. carrying at least 35% of the total marks available for the module). Full compensation is permitted for non-substantive elements (i.e. those carrying less than 35% of the total marks available). Compensation Credit (Condonation) Subject to a maximum of three attempts, students should re-sit within their degree any module where they have obtained less than 40% overall. As set out in the

http://www.stmarys.ac.uk/academic-regulations


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Academic Regulations Section C.18-19, at the discretion of the University Undergraduate Board of Examiners, a student who has failed a module but has shown strength in other areas may be awarded compensation credits for the module (referred to as condonation by the professional bodies). Compensation credit may not be awarded for a module that forms a mandatory part of a professional programme, or for a module that is considered an independent study module at Level 6 (section C (19.2 and 19.3). The modules forming a mandatory part of the LLB Law with Criminology programme are the ‘Foundation of Legal Knowledge’ (FLK) subjects, these are: • Human Rights Law (Level 4) • Criminal Law (Level 4) • Law of Contract (Level 4) • Public Law (level 5) • Law of Tort (Level 5) • Law of the European Union (Level 5) • Land Law (Level 5); • Equity and Trusts (Level 6) Failure of a Module Designated Core The Academic Regulations at Section G (16.1(iv)) stipulate that, upon failure of a module designated core following a maximum of three attempts and where there is no further resit or retake opportunity and it is a core module, the student's programme should be terminated. Where this scenario arises, the Programme Board of Examiners will recommend that the student is transferred to the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme instead. Marginal Failure of a Foundation of Legal Knowledge (“FLK”) A FLK subject cannot be awarded compensation credit (as noted above) and following a maximum of three attempts (along with the other modules designated core), the student will be recommended for transfer onto the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology (as noted above). A student transferred onto the LLB Legal Studies with Criminology programme who has passed all but one of the FLK’s may still receive QLD status in order to progress onto the vocational stage of training, subject to the discretion of the BSB and the SRA. The BSB and SRA may at its discretion, in exceptional circumstances, condone a single marginal failure in a FLK (marginal failure is achieved where the mark obtained is within the 5% of the QLD pass mark of 40%, i.e. 35% or above) allowing the student to obtain exemption from the academic stage of training. Where a student has not only marginally failed a FLK, but has also failed or has been compensated or received compensation credit by the University in one or more other subjects within the programme, the BSB and the SRA is unlikely to condone the marginally failed FLK. Exit Awards Students successfully completing 120 credits at FHEQ Level 4 are eligible to be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Law as an exit qualification.


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Students successfully completing 240 credits, including at least 120 credits at FHEQ level 5 or higher are eligible to be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Law as an exit qualification. Students who successfully complete 300 credits including at least 60 credits at FHEQ level 6 and at least 120 credits at FHEQ level 5 may be awarded a LLB Ordinary Degree in Law with Criminology as an exit qualification. The LLB Ordinary Degree in Law with Criminology does not meet the criteria for Qualifying Law Degree status. PART 3 – TEACHING, LEARNING & ASSESSMENT

28 Programme

teaching and learning strategies

Research Enriched Teaching and Learning In line with the University’s Research-Enriched Teaching and Learning Policy all teaching is underpinned by scholarship and research both in terms of pedagogy and content. The programme team seek to utilise evidence-based rationales for teaching practice. Seven members of the teaching team are fellows of the Higher Education Academy (“HEA”) and all remaining members are currently working towards obtaining this recognition. Three members of the programme team are working towards Senior Fellowship of the HEA. The programme will make full use of the research expertise and interests of the programme team. Many of the modules in the programme are enriched by doctoral and post-doctoral research of the team. The programme contains a number of research-enriched modules including Crime and the Media, Criminalising Social Problems, International Criminal Law, Cultural Legal Studies, Jurisprudence, Medical Law and Ethics, Criminology: New Perspectives, Counter Radicalisation and Terrorism, and Modern Slavery, Trafficking and Organised Crime. It is anticipated that as the work of the University’s Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery develops and attracts more research active academics, their research will also enrich the programme. In addition to the Centre of Study Modern Slavery, the Law Programmes contain the Centre for Law and Culture. This centre was established in 2013 as an interdisciplinary hub for research at the intersections of law, justice, and the humanities. Students of the programme will be taught by academics working in this centre and will be invited to attend its public lecture series and annual conference. Students will also have the opportunity to select a Law Research Project or Extended Essay topic related to the issues considered by the centre and be supervised by one of its directors or member of the law programmes’ teaching team. Teaching and Learning Strategy The programme’s principle aim for teaching and learning is for the programme team to support and facilitate independent learning by students. The programme will make use of a wide range of learning and teaching strategies. Law and criminology are predominantly taught in a classroom environment through a


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combination of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, these are explained below. • Lectures Lectures will be held weekly and will provide a guide to a topic, highlighting important areas and providing information on matters that may not be readily available from other sources. • Seminars Seminars are normally held once a week for each module. The seminars will provide opportunities for students to consolidate their learning. From the outset of the programme, students start to develop their legal research skills, particularly in the ‘Sources of Law and Academic Legal Skills’ module. • Workshops Workshops are held weekly and normally act as a substitute to the lecture and seminar format of delivery. Students will come together in larger groups than a seminar, but smaller than for a lecture and undertake a variety of activities placing emphasis on the student developing their problem solving skills, their reasoning and research skills as well as detailed knowledge and understanding of the topic or area in question. • Tutorials Tutorials are provided for weekly and allow students to discuss a piece of prepared work, for example, a single problem question on a one-to-one basis. Tutorials will also be used as a way of providing feedback to draft plans and also completed assignments and they are a useful tool in supporting the process of learning. In addition to these formal sessions, students will be expected to organise meetings with other students in the form of study groups and to prepare for group assessments and will have an opportunity to take part in field trips to the local courts. This will be particularly reflected in the module ‘Sources of Law and Academic Legal Skills’ where students will be grouped into small study groups to work together throughout the module. The programme team will make extensive use of MyModules, the University’s virtual learning environment which uses the Moodle platform. This will be used as a means of disseminating important information and resources and for encouraging learning engagement. There is an emphasis on tutor-led learning at Level 4, moving towards a greater degree of self-directed learning at Level 5, culminating in a self-managed research project at Level 6 (Legal Research Project). At Level 4 students will focus on the reading and the comprehension of legal and criminology materials. They will also be exploring different methods of studying through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, written and oral presentations and skill-based workshops as noted above. At Level 5 students will build on their knowledge and skills with a greater focus on analysis and critical evaluation. At Level 6, students will have greater autonomy in selecting which option modules they wish to undertake and will develop their independent study skills further by undertaking either the ‘Legal Research Project’ module, where a


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2,000 word research proposal and literature review followed by a 10,000 word project is required or the Extended Essay in Law which requires a 5,000 word essay.

29 Programme assessment strategy

Assessment Strategy The assessment strategy has been designed to align to the University’s Assessment Policy and Tariff and also with reference to Chapter B6 of the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education. It is part of the assessment strategy for the programme that assessments have explicit assessment criteria which will, when combined with feedback on performance, create an effective means of learning. Assessment criteria are used to ensure that students understand the knowledge and skills each assessment is seeking to develop and assess. Assessment types and criteria are clearly linked to the learning outcomes. Students may expect to encounter a variety of different assessment methods (noted below) aimed at developing and assessing their competence in terms of knowledge, understanding and skills. A variety of assessment methods are used to test subject knowledge and understanding. Examinations are also an important part of the assessment framework. On the programme students are likely to undertake examinations in half the modules undertaken at Level 4, five out the six Level 5 modules and in both the core Level 6 modules. This reflects the traditional importance given to examinations, most notably in the FLK, by the Professional Bodies. In addition to examinations, students will be assessed by coursework. Coursework is usually undertaken in the student’s own time and will often be based on a written assignment addressing a problem scenario or an essay question. However, coursework may also include, inter alia, making an oral presentation, a viva voce, writing a skills portfolio or carrying out a simulated exercise. The aim of the assessment strategy is to have a variety of assessment which will provide a range of appropriate opportunities to assess learning. The programme adheres to the University’s three week turnaround time for feedback to students.

PART 4 – UNIVERSITY SUPPORT

30 Student support and guidance

We have a dedicated Student Centre in the heart of the University. Our aim is to assist, guide and support students throughout their period of study. The Student Wellbeing Service provides personal 1-1 Counselling in addition to group workshops such as mindfulness. The Disability Service includes both physical disabilities and learning support such as Dyslexia. Mental Health Advisors and Mentors together with an on-site Health Centre. Our Student Life and Guidance Team includes; the Accommodation Services, Student Funding, Pastoral Care & Advice & Guidance. Each student is allocated a Personal Tutor who can assist with any academic advice and support with any personal issues.


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The Careers Service provides in curriculum delivery and one to one support for all students and alumni of the university. They also offer CareerConnect, an online platform that allows you to be able to manage your own employability if you are off campus. They run employer engagement events throughout the academic year and an online jobs board especially for St Mary’s students and alumni, Jobs on Career. Connect. The Centre for Teaching and Learning and Academic Success also offers academic guidance to students through its Learning Development Lecturers.

31 Quality management arrangements

This programme aligns with the quality assurance requirements of St Mary’s University through the following processes:

• Five yearly cycle of revalidation • Ongoing monitoring through the Programme Review process • Programme Boards • Consideration of marks and graduate profiles at Exam Boards • Engagement with programme student representatives • Engagement with approved external examiners

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