Criminal Law (727M3)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll explore:

• the elements of a crime
• actus reus and mens rea
• negligence and strict liability
• the criminal liability of corporations and children
• defences
• accomplices
• homicide
• non-fatal offences against the person
• theft and other property offences
• inchoate offences.

You’ll study the law within the context of the Human Rights Act 1998 and criminal law theory. This includes:

• theories of punishment
• why conduct should be criminalised
• issues of procedure, evidence and sentencing relevant to the substantive law.

You’ll reflect critically on the type of conduct that should be criminalised in society. You’ll also examine the underlying aims of the law, such as deterrence and punishment.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.