Criminology - BA (Hons)

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)

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.

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

What can I do on completion of my course?

On successful completion of this degree, you will have a wide range of employment opportunities in the commercial, statutory, and voluntary sectors, including:

• Community development worker
• Detective
• Police officer
• Prison officer
• Probation officer
• Social worker
• Youth worker
• Education (teaching)
• Researcher
• Central and local government
• Police and prison services
• Court services
• Security services
• Non-profit-making organisations, including the NHS
• Educational institutions and charities that work with young offenders or victims of crime