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

Programme overview

A joint honours degree combining thematic and period history with in-depth study of the changing nature of crime and the social, political, historical and individual forces behind it. Analytical and research skills are built each year through skills modules in both subjects.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years; Part time modular: 12-14 weeks | 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 and What is history?; year 2 includes Historians and history, History of crime and punishment and Politics of policing; year 3 adds Advanced social research methods or Public history; year 4 is a dissertation in criminology or history with options such as Cultural criminology and The darker side of the internet.

Career pathways

Teaching and education, media and journalism, local and national government, museums and heritage, libraries and archives, community development work, police, prison and security services, court services, charities working with young offenders or victims of crime, postgraduate research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above, or 2 A levels at grades BC or above, with at least two from the list of relevant academic subjects. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year two: 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 three: 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 two. SWAP Access courses and other relevant humanities access courses are considered. Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups, and an alternative pathway exists to achieve the qualification. International applicants (online from overseas or on campus): IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5, or an approved equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status); full-time online, 120 credits per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online per year (120 credits) for students studying online from their home country; not eligible for Student Route Visa sponsorship Source

Intake: January; September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years; Part time modular: 12-14 weeks

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities