BA (Hons) Criminology with Gaelic Studies at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Criminology with Gaelic Studies combines the study of crime and its social, political and historical contexts with the history, development and present state of Gaelic language and culture. Learners of Gaelic are supported from beginner level. The course is studied online with recorded sessions available from anywhere in the world.

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

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are Comparative institutions of justice, Gaelic for learners 1a and 1b, Introduction to criminological theory and Understanding the social world. Year 2 covers Folklore, History of crime and punishment, Introduction to Gaelic poetry, Politics of policing and Qualitative research methods. Year 3 includes Advanced social research and analysis, Language policy and planning and Traditional Gaelic culture. Year 4 includes a Criminology dissertation, Language policy in the workplace and Traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century.

Career pathways

Teaching, social work, community work, social policy and management, policing, prison service, government agencies and local authorities, media and politics, creative arts, marketing and PR, tourism and heritage management, and 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: SWAP Access courses. 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, January

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

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