Criminal Justice/ Criminal Justice (Policing) BA (Hons)

Prepare yourself for a career in the criminal justice system with UWS’s BA Criminal Justice / Criminal Justice (Policing).

This degree – 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.

Course highlights

• Youll be equipped with the skills and knowledge for employment in a variety of roles in the criminal justice system
• You can choose to specialise in policing after completing Year 2 of study
• You can join the student-run Crime and Justice Student Society, which will provide you with advice, support and networking opportunities
• 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.
• This programme has opportunities for international study thanks to links with ERASMUS and partner institutions in the USA
• There is the possibility of travelling on one or more field trips to international locations including the USA and Rwanda

Year 1:  Applicants must have completed the Certificate of General Secondary Education plus a relevant Foundation programme or Diploma Year 2:  Community College Diploma

If you do not fall into any of the categories above you will need to provide proof of your English language ability through the International English Language Test System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Duo Lingo

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.

This programme 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