Geography and Criminology BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

If you're looking for a degree that helps you understand human and social interactions from different angles, this BA (Hons) Geography and Criminology is the one for you.

Geography is the study of the earth and the link between physical and human landscapes. It explores the relationships between people, place and the environment and how these vary across and between places. You will look at issues such as land use, planning and development, globalisation, climate change, energy, and tourism, in order to examine human relationships with the environment. Geography graduates are among the most employable, with skills developed in presenting ideas in reports and oral presentations, through data collection and analysis, and in the use of specialist mapping and statistical software.

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 are the development of clear and confident research methods and analysis skills. You will also develop a critical understanding of the local, national and international contexts of crime, offenders, victimisation and responses to crime (including cybercrime).

Delivered online by blended learning and available to study from home, you will benefit from collaborative discussions and activities with colleagues from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences, facilitated by tutors with many years of experience in delivering online education.

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

Special features

• The opportunity to combine the study of the social world, environment and economics, with the study of crime and its control
• This degree is delivered by tutors with years of experience of teaching at a distance, and can be studied from home, full or part-time to suit your circumstances.
• Geography graduates are among the least likely to be unemployed, with more than 90 per cent in work or further study within six months of graduating (Times Higher Education 2017).

Accommodation

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

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above or
• 2 A levels at grades BC or above
• At least 2 should be from the list of required subjects
• Additional qualifications and experiences will be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry

• HNC Social Science (12 SCQF credits) with 3 additional SCQF credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following modules:

• Introduction to human geography (S2)
• Overview of energy use (S1)
• Understanding the social world (S1)
• Introduction to criminological theory (S2)

You will also choose two further option modules from other humanities subjects.

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following modules:

• Atmosphere, weather and climate (S2)
• Introduction to geographical information systems (S1)
• History of crime and punishment (S2)
• Practical research and analysis skills (S2)

You will also choose two further option modules from other humanities subjects. 

Year 3 - BA

You will usually study the following modules:

• Assessment of the environmental impacts of development (S2)
• Climate change (S1)

You will also choose three of the following modules:

• Sustainable tourism and the environment (S2) OR Advanced social research methods (S1)
• Psychology of criminal justice (S1) OR Victimology (S1)
• Gender, crime and justice (S2) OR Understanding violence and crime in sport (S2) OR Strange cases: crime literature and the construction of crime (S2)

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will complete a dissertation in either Geography or Criminology. 

You will also study one option module from your chosen dissertation subject plus three option modules from the other subject.

Geography modules may include:

• Geo-political development issues (S1)
• Sustainable energy and waste minimisation (S1)
• Sustainable agriculture systems (S2)

Criminology modules may include:

• Cultural criminology (S1)
• Globalisation of crime (S1)
• Restorative justice (S2)
• The darker side of the internet (S2)

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.

Additional costs

If you wish to attend an optional residential weekend, or to join other field trips, contributions will be required towards the overall costs incurred. The cost will vary depending on the event, your location and the amount of other funding available towards the event (for example, HISA contributions to the Student Society Residential weekend may reduce costs for individual students). Attendance at these face to face events is optional and not essential for completion of the course.