Criminology & Criminal Justice/Criminology & Criminal Justice (Policing)

University of the West of Scotland

Undergraduate BA (Hons) Full-time 4 Years LawPolicing

Criminology & Criminal Justice/Criminology & Criminal Justice (Policing) BA (Hons) is an undergraduate degree at University of the West of Scotland, based in Paisley, taught full-time over 4 years. 82% of final-year students rated the course positively in the National Student Survey. Typical A-level entry is CCC.

A-Level Entry

CCC

Typical offer · UCAS

UCAS Points

96 points

Typical offer · UCAS

Student Satisfaction

81.88%

NSS · Office for Students

About this course

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.

Entry Requirements

A-Level Grades CCC
UCAS Tariff Points 96 points
Scottish Higher BBCC
Scottish Advanced Higher CCC
BTEC MMM

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations. Click through for salaries, employment rates and other UK degrees that lead there:

Related Courses

Course Details

Qualification
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
2025

2025-entry data — 2026 offers may differ

Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Paisley
Scheme
Undergraduate
Subjects
Law, Policing