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BA (Hons) Criminology & Psychology at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS

Course summary

OVERVIEW Are you fascinated by the workings of the human mind and the complexities of criminal behaviour in society? Are you curious about understanding what ‘makes a murderer’ and do you wish to develop the analytical expertise to go beyond the depictions of crime that are shown on contemporary streaming services? Our exciting degree includes topics such as: Fundamentals of applied psychology Offender Profiling Crime Analysis Victimology Criminal Behaviour Criminological Theory Policing Prisons Youth and Gang Violence Criminal Careers COURSE HIGHLIGHTS Taught by research active experts and academics with backgrounds in professional practice you’ll be equipped with the work-ready knowledge and authentic skills for employment in a variety of roles in the criminal justice system and beyond. Guest lectures from industry professionals and field trips to organisations including Police Scotland, the Scottish Prison Service, Victim Support Scotland and more are offered throughout the degree. COURSE DETAILS The BA (Hons) Criminology and Psychology is a full-time programme. You will study the fundamentals and deeper insights of both disciplines – encompassing theory, concepts, applied to case studies, as well as organisations, policies and practices – involved in understanding and responding to offending behaviours and in supporting victims. Year 1 In Year 1 you will be introduced to the foundational theories of criminology and the institutions and processes of criminal justice. You will also begin to develop an appreciation of psychological theory, as well as how to use evidence and apply analytical techniques to data in areas such as offender profiling and crime analysis. Year 2 In Year 2 you will deepen your understanding of the evolution of psychology as a discipline, looking at psychology past and present and the approaches of developmental psychology. You will also learn in more detail about the currents and complexities of contemporary criminology and its complexities, as well as issues around policing and popular culture. Year 3 In Year 3 you will broaden your knowledge and understanding to incorporate specialist topics, including social psychology, cognitive psychology, and an understanding of key issues in criminology, such as the philosophical and practical development of the contemporary British prison systems. Students will also develop their research skills as they begin their journey towards selecting a specialist dissertation topic and designing an approach to investigate this topic in detail in their fourth (Honours) year. Year 4 In Year 4 (Honours) you will carry out a research dissertation on a specialist topic related to criminology and psychology, as well as deepening your knowledge of contemporary issues and debates through specialist optional modules including Forensic Psychology and Victimology. CAREER PROSPECTS Jobs This programme will prepare you for employment across a range of agencies and organisations, including the police and prison services, security and intelligence agencies, criminal courts and third sector criminal justice services. Criminology and Psychology graduates may 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, Criminology and Psychology graduates may gone on to work for: Police Scotland The Scottish Prison Service The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner The Scottish Police Authority Sacro Turning Point Scotland The National Crime Agency The Security Service The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Course does not award QTS

How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
M212
Institution code:
U40
Campus name:
Paisley Campus
Campus code:
P

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Year 2 Entry SQA Advanced Highers: BCC A Levels: BBB SQA HNC/BTEC Level 4 HNC: Social Sciences; Legal Services with B in Graded Unit Year 3 Entry SQA HND/BTEC Level 5 HND: Social Sciences

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP): Access to Law & Criminal Justice; Access to Humanities; Access to Social Sciences; Access to Life Science; Access to Medicine; Access to Primary Education; Access to Education; Access to Medical Studies; Access to Chemical & Biological Sciences; Access to Humanities, Business & Law with Grades BBB

Minimum Qualification Requirements


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component.
Cambridge English Advanced176 overall with no sub-test less than 169
Cambridge English Proficiency176 overall with no sub-test less than 169
Trinity ISEPassISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests
PTE Academic54An overall score of 54 with no element below 51
TOEFL (iBT)78no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.

UWS's English language requirements

https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
BA (Hons) Criminology & Psychology at University of the West of Scotland - UCAS