Criminology degree

Yes.
You can study for a Postgraduate Diploma In Law after completing a degree in any subject.
Strictly speaking, you do not need a PGDL if you wish to become a solicitor, but it appears that most law firms prefer non law graduate applicants to have a PGDL.
You must obtain a PGDL if seeking to become a barrister without a law degree.
It appears that roughly half of the practising lawyers in the UK do not have law degrees.

Hi, I'm in Year 12 and I'd like to know if it's possible to pursue a career in law after studying Criminology at University, rather than Law? Thank you

Hello,
It is entirely possible to pursue a career in law after studying Criminology, however for a career as a Solicitor or Barrister you will require a qualifying law degree.
If you want to do a Criminology degree you have two main options. Firstly, you could do a law with Criminology degree and this will be classed as a qualifying law degree if it is an LLB. The second option is to do a Criminology degree and then do a law conversion which is usually a year long course.
If you have any further questions please do let me know.
Charlie
Law LLB Student

Thank you so much for clearing it up!!
Yes, I do have another question- how are you finding your law degree? I currently study Law at A Level along with History and Religious Studies so I might have some idea on what it's like. Do you recommend Law LLB? I'm stuck between studying either Law, Criminology or Politics at University and I'm trying to make my mind up before I have to start applying in Year 13.

Hello again,
That's not a problem! I'm really enjoying reading law because it just seems to be very interesting and I love learning about things which are all around us and very relevant. Having said that, Law is a hard degree with LOTS of reading but it is also very respected.
You do not need A Level Law to study Law at degree, largely because you have to unlearn A Level Law to relearn the law because it is very different.
In terms of the subject pick something which you enjoy as it will be easier to study for it and get good grades. Some academics such as McBride in Letters for a Law Student suggest that doing a non law degree first can be very valuable.
Again, if you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to let me know!
Charlie
Law LLB Student

Yeah I have heard in the past too that Law A level isn't necessarily needed for doing Law in uni, I wish I considered that when I picked my subjects.
Thank you for painting a picture for me on what studying for your degree is like, I'll use it when laying out my options in the future. It does seem like a very interesting course, tbh for me its more between Law and Politics than Criminology.
If I find myself asking more questions again I'll definitely reach out! I appreciate the help! My Law teacher also did recommend buying Letters to a Law Student so now I will be giving it a read.
Zoya

Yeah I have heard in the past too that Law A level isn't necessarily needed for doing Law in uni, I wish I considered that when I picked my subjects.
Thank you for painting a picture for me on what studying for your degree is like, I'll use it when laying out my options in the future. It does seem like a very interesting course, tbh for me its more between Law and Politics than Criminology.
If I find myself asking more questions again I'll definitely reach out! I appreciate the help! My Law teacher also did recommend buying Letters to a Law Student so now I will be giving it a read.
Zoya

Yeah I have heard in the past too that Law A level isn't necessarily needed for doing Law in uni, I wish I considered that when I picked my subjects.
Thank you for painting a picture for me on what studying for your degree is like, I'll use it when laying out my options in the future. It does seem like a very interesting course, tbh for me its more between Law and Politics than Criminology.
If I find myself asking more questions again I'll definitely reach out! I appreciate the help! My Law teacher also did recommend buying Letters to a Law Student so now I will be giving it a read.
Zoya

Hello @zm06
I hope you are well. It is also worth nothing that once you make your decision, you are not stuck with it forever! I really struggled to know what subject to pick, I was conflicted between studying Criminology or studying law. I originally went to the University of Leicester to study criminology. However, I had felt I made the wrong decision and put in a course transfer application in January. I was then able to transfer to Law LLB that September. I am really glad I switched and really enjoy Law. Therefore, when deciding what to study, it is not the be all and end all. ☺️
Also, whilst it is not necessary to study A-Level Law to study law at university. I personally found it very useful. While you do have to apply the law and structure your answers differently, the knowledge is similar. I found that I had a good basic understanding of contract and tort at university due to my experience studying it at A-Level.
I hope this information has been useful and please feel free to ask any questions you may have!
Claire
Law LLB Student

Hi, I'm in Year 12 and I'd like to know if it's possible to pursue a career in law after studying Criminology at University, rather than Law? Thank you

Hey Claire,
Thank you so much for your help.
how did you revise for a level law? The content is so heavy and I am struggling.

Hi, I'm in Year 12 and I'd like to know if it's possible to pursue a career in law after studying Criminology at University, rather than Law? Thank you

Hi there!
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to pursue a career in law after studying Criminology at university! Many students take non-law undergraduate degrees and then complete a law conversion course like the Postgraduate Diploma in Law (PgDL) or the MA Law, which prepares you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) or Bar Training Course (if you want to become a barrister).
Criminology is actually a great degree to have if you’re interested in areas like criminal law or social justice because it gives you a solid understanding of the criminal justice system and societal factors influencing crime, which can complement your legal studies later.
If you’re already set on a legal career, it’s worth keeping in mind that you’ll need to take an extra year for the conversion course, but many non-law graduates thrive in the legal profession. Make sure to gain some relevant experience through legal internships, volunteering, or shadowing while studying Criminology, as this will strengthen your CV when applying for legal training.
If you’re passionate about Criminology and law, you’ll find plenty of ways to make the transition! 😊

Yes. Study any subject. Then obtain a PGDL. Strictly speaking, you can take the SQE without a PGDL, but law firms appear to prefer candidates to have a PGDL. The Bar requires a PGDL if your degree is not in law.

Okay! Thank you so much! If you don't mind me asking, what did you study in university, if you went? just out of curiosity.

I studied history at university and became a barrister thereafter.