Aberystwyth University
Department of Law and Criminology

Founded in 1901 as a Department of Law, the Department of Law and Criminology at Aberystwyth bases itself on a long, reputable and increasingly varied experience of education and academic work. Over the years a large number of well-known legal academics have taught in the Department and Aberystwyth law graduates have made their mark in a range of subsequent careers. The Department is confident in its distinctive identity and reputation for teaching of a high quality, linked to a vigorous research activity and carried out in a stimulating and friendly environment. The Department's activities benefit from a mature and well-stocked library and generous and up-to-date information technology provision.

Research

The Department of Law and Criminology is committed to and engages in research activity of international quality in a number of areas of Law and Criminology. This research is carried out by academic staff and a cohort of postgraduate research students, who together comprise an active and vibrant research community.

The Department's objectives in carrying out research are to provide information, analysis and reflection, and develop critical argument and insights in relation to subjects of significance in the fields of law, socio-legal studies and criminology, and to ensure that the product of such research activity is effectively disseminated. Research outputs from the Department, written papers, monographs, reports and advisory documents, are directed at a diverse readership, comprising not only specialists in the academic community, but also the professional, business, public policy and government sectors, and serving the broad public interest in a fuller understanding of law, the legal system, and the operation of criminal justice. Researchers in the Department are also active in attending conferences, research workshops and other meetings, both in the UK and abroad, at which their work is presented and discussed, and may be involved in informal and formal networks of research activity, such as the recently established Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice, and the Centre for Welsh Legal Affairs. Much of the research carried out within the Department is of a collaborative nature, often involving other researchers elsewhere, and some of it is externally funded.

The Department's strong research culture is underpinned by a commitment to research training for new researchers and the support (including regular periods of research leave) and professional development of more experienced staff. Research is carried out with a clear awareness of any ethical implications to Research Ethics. Research activity and the development of new projects, and common interest in theory and methodology may be discussed through a number of research groups within the Department. Through the greater part of the academic year, the Department hosts a series of weekly research seminars at which the work and ideas of staff and postgraduate researchers and some visiting speakers is presented and discussed. The seminars provide a valuable testing ground for the development of research argument and the use of research material. The Department's research activity is managed and steered by its Director of Research and Research Committee. A number of staff are also involved in editorial activity and the reviewing of research.

For further information about the main areas of current research interest of staff and postgraduates see the web page on Departmental Research Interests.

The Legal Practice Course (LPC)

The LPC is a requirement for anyone who wishes to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales and is a key element of the vocational training associated with becoming a solicitor. The LPC was first offered at Aberystwyth in 2006 and the Centre for Legal Practice has rapidly developed a distinct identity. As a small provider we are able to deliver the LPC in a professional, yet personal, environment where students benefit from getting to know their tutors and peers well. Our personal tutor system and open door policy support this approach. We have received excellent student feedback as a result and external examiners have commented on how much students benefit from being on a small course with committed staff.

Now available - Legal Practice LLM top up for students wishing to upgrade their Aberystwyth LPC to a Masters degree.

Taught masters

• International Business Law - This course provides a professional knowledge of International Business Law that will reflect the changing environment and realities of the current global economy. Through this course we deliver the skills and knowledge required for any high level career in a legal environment whether it be an international law firm, government organisation or a private company.
• Research Training - This course is designed for students either contemplating doctoral research through a PhD programme, or gaining a free standing qualification for purposes of becoming a research professional

For further information see the web page for the Taught Masters.

Taught masters by distance learning

• Environmental Law and Management
• International Business Law
• Information Technology Law
• Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

For further information see the web page for the Distance Learning Masters.

Masters by research

At Aberystwyth you can register for an MPhil or an LLM (Research). There is no difference between these qualifications. Overseas students, generally, prefer to be awarded an LLM because the title signifies that it is a law degree. The main advantage of the Research Masters, therefore, is that it enables you to complete a piece of research and obtain a qualification for it in a relatively short period of time.

PhD

The Department offers a PhD qualification over 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time. Our doctoral research students are a crucial part of the Law School's research community and we welcome applications from potential students in all of the Department's fields of research.

Contact details

Postgraduate Admissions Office
Student Welcome Centre
Aberystwyth University
Penglais
Aberystwyth
SY23 3FB
Wales, UK.

Tel: +44 (0) 1970 622270
Fax: +44 (0) 1970 622921
Email: pg-admissions@aber.ac.uk