BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Criminology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Criminology is a joint honours degree combining the cultural identity of the Highlands and Islands, in the context of Scotland, the British Isles and internationally, with the study of the changing nature of crime and the forces behind it. Students usually concentrate on both subjects equally.

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 and Introduction to criminological theory, with culture and heritage options such as Scotland: the brand. Year 2 includes Qualitative research methods with options such as History of crime and punishment and Politics of policing. Year 3 combines criminology options such as Victimology and Psychology of criminal justice with culture and heritage options, plus Advanced social research methods or an Interdisciplinary project. Year 4 is a dissertation in either subject plus options such as Restorative justice, The darker side of the internet and Vikings and Valkyries.

Career pathways

Primary and secondary teaching in English, history and modern studies, journalism and the media, tourism, museums and archives, 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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