To introduce students to fundamental principles of criminalisation and criminal liability;
To enable students to understand key concepts in the framing of criminal liability;
To cover the most significant offences and defences in the criminal law of England and Wales;
To enhance students’ acquisition of key skills in the study of law;
To develop students’ understanding of how the study of law differs from practising law;
To equip students to carry out independent tasks and research to a reasonably good level.

(LO1) Ability to attain a reasonably good theoretical and doctrinal understanding of the criminal law.

(LO2) Proficiency in extracting the law from legislation and cases.

(LO3) Proficiency in tracing the development of the law through legislation and case law.

(LO4) Proficient ability to analyse and assess the law.

(LO5) Proficient ability to apply their knowledge of the law to hypothetical factual situations.

(LO6) Proficient ability to effectively use traditional and electronic sources of material.

(LO7) Ability to complete specified tasks with minimal direction from academic staff.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills – oral

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Influencing skills – argumentation

(S4) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S5) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S6) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

(S7) Skills in using technology - Information accessing

(S8) Reflection on performance, including the use of feedback to develop the quality of work produced and self-assess work.

Indicative Syllabus (final syllabus to be made available to students ahead of each academic year via Canvas)
• Principles of criminalisation and criminal liability
• Actus reus
• Mens rea
• Homicide
• Rape
• Non-fatal, non-sexual offences against the person
• Property offences
• Complicity liability
• Inchoate liability
• Defences

Teaching Patterns

Semester 1
18 x 1-hour lectures to provide overview of topics. MCQs will accompany lecture topics across both semesters.
3 x 90-minute tutorials to deepen student understanding of topics (with essential and further reading and questions to prepare in advance of each tutorial).
1 x 2-hour workshop to develop assessment/self-evaluation skills.

Semester 2
22 x 1-hour lectures
5 x 90-minute tutorials
1 x 2-hour workshop

Contact Hours

2022/23: 56 contact hours across the module.