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

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Geography and Criminology is a four-year online joint degree that combines the study of people, place and environment with criminology and its theoretical and empirical research methods. It is delivered by blended online learning and can be studied from anywhere in the world, full or part time, with an optional field trip to Iceland.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years; part time modular: 12-14 weeks per module | Intake: January; 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, introduction to criminological theory, introduction to human geography and understanding sustainable development. Year 2 covers atmosphere, weather and climate, introduction to GIS and qualitative research methods plus a criminology option (history of crime and punishment or politics of policing). Year 3 includes environmental impacts of development, climate change, gender, crime and justice, psychology of criminal justice or victimology. Year 4 is a dissertation in geography or criminology with options such as cultural criminology, globalisation of crime and the darker side of the internet.

Career pathways

Government and development agencies, local authority planning, renewable energy and waste management, natural and rural heritage organisations, tourism, agriculture, community enterprises and land initiatives, voluntary sector and international NGOs, detective, police, prison and probation work, social and youth work, court and security services, postgraduate study and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or 2 A levels at grade BC or above, with at least two from the published list of relevant academic subjects. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 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). 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 (achieved with Distinction), considered case by case. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (or an approved equivalent); applicants from majority English-speaking countries or with a recent UK degree or GCSE/A-level English may not need a test. Open to international applicants studying online from overseas.

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

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online, 120 credits per year; fully online study from outside the UK, not eligible for a Student Route Visa Source

Intake: January; September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years; part time modular: 12-14 weeks per module

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