Why I Chose to Study the Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Degree at LJMU

Choosing what to study at university is a massive decision, and when I was in Year 13, I wasn’t confident in making it. I studied Criminology, Psychology and Sport at A level, but I didn’t have a clear idea of what degree would suit me best. When I put LJMU down as my main choice on UCAS, I still wasn’t completely sure which course I wanted to study. 

At first, I decided to pick the Criminology degree because it was the subject I felt most confident in. I enjoyed it, I understood it, and it felt like the obvious option. But over the summer, I started thinking more and more about what I wanted from university. I realised through talking to my mum and friends that although I loved Criminology, I wanted a degree more aligned to my interests. I wanted to do a degree that would build on what I already knew, but also open doors into new areas like law, youth justice and the overall justice system. 

That’s when Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at LJMU really stood out to me. 

When I looked through the modules on the LJMU website for this degree they excited me. The mix of topics such as Human Rights, The English Legal System, Criminological Theory and other justice focused modules made me feel like I’d found a course that matched both my interests and my desired career ambitions.  

I could have chosen to study this course somewhere else, but LJMU felt right for me. The university has a strong reputation for graduate employability, and as someone who has always cared about future career options, that mattered. The city itself also played a big choice in my decision as Liverpool is lively, friendly and full of opportunities. I wanted to study somewhere that felt safe, exciting and focused and LJMU gave me that feeling straight away. 

First Year of Studies – Part-time Roles and Meeting Employers

From first year, I was given opportunities that helped me grow both personally and professionally. I was able to get a part-time job as a student ambassador online which was a paid role I was able to gain from our Unitemps branch in the Student Life Building. I was also given the opportunity to meet employers at LJMU job fairs, attended guest speaker events, and started to understand the huge range of careers connected to criminal justice and law. These experiences helped me feel more confident about my future and made me realise that I’d chosen the right degree. 

Second Year - My Internship in Youth Work

In second year, things became even more exciting. I gained real experience in the justice system and wider community through my Youth Worker Internship. Working directly with young people showed me how the theories and scenarios we learn in lectures play out in real life and how I should react as a professional in those situations.

 I wouldn’t have been able to have these opportunities if I didn’t choose LJMU, as their partnership with Unitemps has opened multiple internship opportunities that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve elsewhere.  

My Final Year - Preparing for Life After Graduation

Now, as a third-year student, I’m preparing for life after graduation and LJMU has supported me every step of the way. I’ve applied for work experience at law firms, explored internships that will help me progress into postgraduate study, and recently secured an interview for the Criminal Justice Employee Mentor Scheme. This scheme will allow me to meet monthly with an employer, develop professional skills and gain even more insight into the justice sector whilst making valuable connections.  

Student Ambassador Role

During my ongoing role as student ambassador, I have also had the opportunities to work open days throughout my time at universities!

This is another paid opportunity where I help prospective students and their families and friends by showing them where to go, answering questions about the university and talking about their course options.

It’s an enjoyable role and allows me to gain experience in customer service, building rapport with the community, public speaking skills and much more!  

These opportunities look amazing on my CV and have shaped who I am both personally and professionally. They’ve helped me grow in confidence, understand my strengths, and figure out the kind of career I want to build. They have also allowed me to make strong connections that will help me with employment after I have graduated.  

Studying Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at LJMU has changed the way I see society, the justice system and even myself. It has challenged me academically, supported me personally and opened doors I never expected. I’ve met inspiring lecturers, connected with professionals, built friendships and gained experiences that will stay with me long after I graduate. 

If you’re in Year 13 and unsure about what to study - don’t panic! It is completely normal to feel that way and life won’t always be what you expect. Branch out and explore your interests and allow yourself to have lots of opportunities. For me, choosing LJMU and choosing this degree has genuinely been life‑changing. It’s given me plenty of guidance, confidence and opportunities I never thought were possible when I was filling out my UCAS form. 

If you’re someone who’s interested in crime, justice, people, society or law this course might be exactly what you’re looking for too. You don’t have to have studied Law at A level (I didn’t) and you don’t have to know everything before you start. I could not recommend this course more, my peers and lecturers are amazing, and the university have supported me at every stage.

Looking back now, choosing Criminal Law and Criminal Justice at LJMU has been the best decision I’ve ever made.