BA (Hons) Criminology and Theology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Criminology and Theology combines the study of crime, including the social, political, historical and individual forces behind its changes, with the main disciplines of Christian theology. The first two years are broad, and years 3 and 4 allow in-depth study of specific topics reflecting staff research. The course is studied online.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time; part-time modular study of individual modules also available | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are Comparative institutions of justice and Introduction to criminological theory, with theology options such as Introduction to systematic theology, Jesus and the gospels, Protestant Reformation and The Pentateuch. Year 2 includes Qualitative research methods with criminology and theology options. Year 3 includes Advanced social research methods or a theology project, Victimology, Hebrews or Scottish church history, and Wisdom literature or Doctrine of God. Year 4 is a dissertation in criminology or theology plus option modules from both subjects.

Career pathways

Teaching, social work, community work, social policy and management, policing, prison service, churches, missionary societies and agencies, and educational institutions and charities that work with young offenders or victims of crime; postgraduate study or research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: 3 Scottish Highers at BBC or above, or 2 A levels at BC or above, with at least two from the relevant academic subjects (English, History, Geography, Modern Studies, Politics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Philosophy, Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies, Religious Education, Media Studies, language subjects, Maths, Classical Studies, sciences). Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 7, Achieved). Advanced entry to year 3: HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits) with at least grades AB in the level 8 graded units, or NextGen HND Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 8, Achieved with Distinction), considered case by case; if not appropriate, entry is offered at year 2. Access route: any recognised Access to HE course. English language (international applicants studying online from overseas): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5, or an alternative qualification at CEFR B2 in listening, reading, speaking and writing, or another approved test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students, full-time per year (120 credits) Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). International students studying online from their home country, full-time online per year (120 credits) Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time; part-time modular study of individual modules also available

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