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Course description

**OVERVIEW** BA Criminal Justice / Criminal Justice (Policing) – the only one of its kind in Scotland – will help you develop expertise in criminology and criminal justice, social science, research methods, law and policy so that you’re ready to work in related areas in policing, prisons and the third sector.

After Year 2, you’ll have the option to continue to study criminal justice or to specialise in policing through our policing specialism options.

We work closely with experts and practitioners in criminal justice to provide a firm understanding of criminology and criminal justice in Scotland, the UK, Europe and internationally. Our exciting degree includes topics such as: prisons and policing, forensics, terrorism, youth justice, victimology and exploring the journeys of those who come into contact with the justice system.

**PRACTICAL FOCUS** Guest speakers form part of this degree to further deepen your understanding of the subject. We run an annual Criminal Justice Employment Information Day which has in the past been attended by the Scottish Prison Service, Police Scotland, SACRO, Victim Support and Turning Point Scotland amongst other relevant organisations and institutions.

**CAREER PROSPECTS** **Jobs** The BA Criminal Justice will prepare you for employment in the police and prison services, criminal courts and third sector criminal justice services in roles such as general administration and management.

Graduates will also find opportunities in restorative justice and mediation, community safety, and working with offenders, victims and witnesses. 

As well as other major organisations linked with criminal justice in Scotland and the UK, Criminal Justice graduates have gone on to work for:

// Police Scotland // The Scottish Prison Service // The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner // Sacro // Turning Point Scotland // The National Crime Agency // The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

**Further Study** Graduates from this courses may be able to undertake further study at master's and research level in areas relating to criminology.

Subjects

Criminology, Legal sociology

Entry requirements

Scottish Higher, standard entry requirements: B,B,C,C

Scottish Advanced Higher, standard entry requirements: C,C,C

Scottish HNC, standard entry requirements: Pass

  • Entry to Year 1 with a HNC in either Social Sciences or Legal Services.
  • Entry to Year 2 with a HNC in one of the following (subject to sufficient criminology/sociology content): Police Studies; Policing; Social Sciences (that includes market research and with criminal justice or criminology modules); Legal Services with Criminology & Police Studies.

Scottish HND, standard entry requirements: Pass

  • Entry to Year 2 with HND Social Sciences or Legal Services (without sufficient criminology/sociology content)
  • Entry to Year 3 with HND Social Sciences (with sufficient criminology/sociology content) with B in the Graded Unit

Don't quite have the grades?

Some courses offer minimum entry requirements, asking for fewer qualifications or lower grades for entry. Universities look at other information, such as your personal experiences and challenges.

Check the course on the university website or contact their student support services.

UCAS Code: M211

Course options

Course Type: Full-time
Details
Date: 08/09/2025 Cost: Get in touch with the course provider or visit their website for more information
Venue details

Paisley Campus

High Street

Paisley

Course provider

University of the West of Scotland

Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley

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Course data is provided by UCAS (see their terms of use) and is offered "as is." SDS disclaims all warranties and liabilities related to the data's accuracy to the fullest extent permitted by law."