Course summary
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.
Modules
You will study the concepts, theories, structures, organisations, processes and practices involved with the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime, the workings of the criminal law and criminal court system and the treatment of offenders. In Year 1 you will be introduced to the historical, legal and philosophical context of criminal justice. You will also begin to develop an understanding of the criminal justice and wider social science approaches to research and inquiry that underpin good quality research linked with the discipline. In Year 2 you will deepen your understanding of the theoretical debates within criminal justice through in-depth analysis of criminology, and begin to learn about criminal investigation through an introduction to policing. You will learn in more detail about the research process and begin thinking about how research should be conducted in an ethical and valid way. In Year 3 you will develop an applied and critical approach to criminal justice issues through modules that examine prisons, youth justice, and the ability for students to choose topics from a range of contemporary issues to focus on. You have the opportunity to apply to focus your studies in the area of Policing through the policing specialism. Note that this is a competitive stream and places are restricted. If you apply and are successful though, this will result in you studying BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing). In Year 4 (Honours) you will carry out a research dissertation on a criminal justice topic (or policing topic for students on the bracketed award), as well as deepening your knowledge of contemporary issues and debates through specialist optional modules including Victimology, Security in a Global Age and Crime as Social Harm. You also have the choice to learn more about justice processes around the world through comparative justice, or to gain credit for voluntary work or paid employment they are engaged in through the Working in Criminal Justice module.
Assessment method
You are taught and assessed through a wide and varied selection of approaches. In addition to standard essays and reports in assessment there are a number of experiential learning and assessment activities implemented throughout the programme including mock children’s hearings and criminal trials. There are opportunities to showcase student work through organised poster presentation exhibitions, and further engagement with criminal justice professionals from organisations including Police Scotland, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, Victim Support Scotland and many more through guest lectures and workshops.
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
25Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- M211
- 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
- Year 4
International applicants
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. These are shown below.
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 114 points
A level - BBC
Scottish Higher - ABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - BCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 27 points
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H1, H2, H2
Scottish HNC - Pass
Scottish HND - Pass
T Level - M
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - 108 points
A level - BCC
Scottish Higher - BBBB
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | 176 overall with no sub-test less than 169 | |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | ISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests |
| PTE Academic | 54 | An overall score of 54 with no element below 51 |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17 |
DUO LINGO In addition ot the above English Language tests, for 2022-23 entry, the University has approved the use of the online Duolingo English test as evidence of English language ability. UWS will accept an overall score between 90-115 with no component score below 90. 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
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Scotland | £1820* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250* | Year 1 |
| EU | £14500* | Year 1 |
| International | £14500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Additional fee information
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - SCOTTISH STUDENTS:
Eligible Scottish domiciled students can usually apply to have their tuition fees paid for them each year of their studies by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). If you're not sure about your eligibility, you should contact SAAS. You need to apply to SAAS each year of study to have your tuition fees paid directly to UWS.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - UK, IRISH & GIBRALTARIAN STUDENTS:
Eligible students who are domiciled in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland as well as from the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar or the Republic of Ireland will qualify for tuition fees of £9,250 per academic session of study to a maximum of three years if you are studying on a four year bachelor degree course (eg. BAcc (Hons) / BA (Hons) / BEng (Hons) / BSc (Hons)). So, if your degree is four years' duration, you will only be charged tuition fees for three years. Similarly, if you are studying a five year integrated master's degree course (eg. MEng (Hons)) the you will only be charged tuition fees for four years.
TUITION FEE INFORMATION - INTERNATIONAL (NON-EU) & EU STUDENTS:
These tuition fees apply to all non-EU, EEA, and all other EU students (excluding those from Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar, whose fee level is as per UK (non-Scottish) students - see section above for more details).
ADDITIONAL COSTS:
The cost of attending university is an investment in your future career.
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, some courses involve extra costs such as consumable study materials, field trips, equipment and uniforms. You may also want to purchase some core texts and technology such as a new laptop etc. Some of these additional costs are optional, some, such as uniforms or safety equipment may be mandatory.
Check the course entry on our website for more more information.
Sponsorship information
Visit www.uws.ac.uk/scholarships
Provider information
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley Campus
High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BE