COURSE CURRICULUM

The LLM Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive exploration of the criminal justice process through a series of specialist modules. In Block 1, students analyse substantive criminal law, focusing on how behaviour is criminalised, how harmful behaviour is regulated, and the balance between individual autonomy and collective welfare. Block 2 examines police investigatory powers, emphasising discretion, statutory powers, case law, and the PACE Codes of Practice, while critically assessing the safeguards in place to protect suspects’ rights and prevent misuse of power. Block 3 explores critical issues in the criminal trial, evaluating the adversarial system, rules of evidence and procedure, and the construction of a fair trial, while considering the influence of criminal justice policy. Block 4 turns to sentencing and punishment, offering advanced insights into penology and the theoretical foundations of modern sentencing practices, assessing their effectiveness in delivering justice to victims, offenders, and society. Finally, Block 5 culminates in a dissertation, where students independently research a chosen area of criminal justice under supervision, applying advanced research methods, critical analysis, and theoretical frameworks. This sustained project strengthens independent study, research design, and academic writing, while serving as valuable preparation for future employment or further academic pursuits in the field.