Criminology BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

How curious are you about crime, why it happens and what we are doing to prevent it?

If you are interested in studying crime and victimisation then the BA (Hons) Criminology provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop a critical understanding of the major theories deployed throughout criminology. 

Criminology draws on a wide range of human and social science disciplines and is both a theoretical and empirical subject, with many of criminology’s most significant advances achieved through empirical studies. Core to this programme is developing clear and confident research methods and analysis skills. You will also develop a critical understanding of the local, national and international context of crime, offenders, victimisation and responses to crime (including cybercrime, crime in literature, and globalisation and crime). 

In the first and second years, you will follow a traditional broad approach to the study of criminology. In years three and four, you will examine, in-depth, particular areas of criminology, allowing you to study specific topics and themes which reflect staff research specialisms. Each year, you will build on your analytical and research abilities through the core research methods modules. 

The degree also offers the opportunity to study other Humanities subjects such as sociology, history, literature, archaeology, politics, and theology.

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

Special features

• You will have the opportunity to study the social world in relation to crime and its control
• You will develop your research and methodological skills, which you can take into your future career
• You will have the opportunity to attend the annual staff/student Social Sciences conference, with the opportunity to present at the conference in your 4th year, further enhancing the graduate skills you develop as part of the course
• You will develop and enhance your digital skills The nature of the degree will give you greater flexibility in employment, advanced study and research opportunities
• Taught by highly experienced academics
• Exciting modules are offered at upper levels of the course, based on the research of course staff
• Full-time and part-time options mean you can fit your studies around your personal circumstances
• You can study individual modules for personal or professional development

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
• 2 A levels at grade BC or above
• These must include at least two from the list of relevant academic subjects
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Advanced entry

• HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:
Semester 1

• The enquiring student
• Understanding the social world

Semester 2

• Comparative institutions of justice
• Introduction to criminological theory

You will also choose two option modules from our range of humanities subjects. 

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:
Semester 1

• Qualitative research methods
• History of crime and punishment

Semester 2

• Practical research and analysis skills
• Politics of policing

You will also choose two option modules from our range of humanities subjects. 

Year 3 - BA

Core modules may include: 
Semester 1

• Advanced social research methods
• Victimology
• Psychology of criminal justice

Semester 2

• Strange cases: crime literature and the construction of crime
• Gender, crime, and justice
• Understanding violence and crime in sport

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:
Semester 1

• Cultural criminology
• Globalisation of crime

Semester 2

• Restorative justice
• The darker side of the internet

You will also complete a dissertation (both semesters).

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.