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

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Politics and Criminology combines the study of political structures and ideologies with the changing nature of crime and the social, political, historical and individual forces behind it. It is a four-year joint honours degree.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time | Intake: January and 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, Ideas and ideologies in politics and Introduction to criminological theory. Year 2 core modules are History of crime and punishment and Politics of policing, with politics options such as Comparative politics. Year 3 includes Advanced social research methods and politics and criminology options.

Career pathways

Teaching, research, media and politics, social work, community work, social policy and management, and policing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Three Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or two A levels at grade BC or above, with at least two in the list of relevant academic subjects; applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2 with an HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional credits at level 7, at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 credits at SCQF level 7); advanced entry to year 3 with an HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits, minimum AB in the level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND at SCQF level 8 achieved with Distinction, considered case by case. SWAP access courses are an accepted route.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online study from the home country, or UK-resident students assessed as international for fee status Source

Intake: January and September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

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