BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing) (2nd year entry)

The BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing) (2nd year entry) program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) provides students with an accelerated pathway to a degree in criminal justice with a focus on policing. Designed for students who have completed relevant qualifications or have prior experience in related fields, this program allows students to enter directly into the second year of the undergraduate program. It offers a comprehensive exploration of criminal justice principles, policies, and practices, with a particular emphasis on policing strategies and procedures.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing) (2nd year entry) program is carefully structured to build upon students' existing knowledge and skills while providing them with a deeper understanding of criminal justice and policing concepts. Core modules cover topics such as criminal law, criminal investigation, police powers and procedures, community policing, forensic science, and criminal justice ethics. Additionally, students may have the opportunity to choose elective modules or specializations to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.

Research Focus: UWS places a strong emphasis on research within the field of criminal justice and policing, integrating research-focused modules into the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to engage with research projects that explore contemporary issues and challenges in criminal justice, such as crime prevention strategies, policing effectiveness, victimology, and restorative justice. Through research-led teaching, students develop critical thinking skills and gain insights into evidence-based practices in law enforcement.

Industry Engagement: The BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing) (2nd year entry) program fosters strong links with law enforcement agencies, criminal justice organizations, and community partners to ensure that students gain practical experience and industry insights. Students may have the opportunity to participate in field placements, internships, or work-based learning opportunities with police departments, probation services, or legal advocacy organizations, gaining firsthand experience in policing practices and procedures.

Global Perspective: UWS recognizes the global nature of crime and criminal justice issues and incorporates a global perspective into the BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing) (2nd year entry) program. Students explore international crime trends, comparative policing practices, and cross-cultural considerations in law enforcement. Additionally, the university's collaborations with international institutions may offer students opportunities to participate in global research projects, exchange programs, or field placements, broadening their understanding of global criminal justice systems and perspectives.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 78 with at least 17 in Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 64 with no individual score below 59.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships aim to recognize and reward academic excellence, as well as provide financial assistance to students who may need it.  

University of the West of Scotland  Undergraduate Scholarships: University of the West of Scotland offers undergraduate scholarships to both domestic and international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and may cover a portion of tuition fees or provide a stipend towards living expenses. Eligibility criteria, application procedures, and deadlines may vary for each scholarship. 

External Scholarships and Funding:  University of the West of Scotland may provide information and guidance to students regarding external scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are offered by various organizations, foundations, and government bodies, and may be available for different fields of study or specific student demographics.  

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Criminal Justice (Policing) (2nd year entry) program at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) have a multitude of career opportunities in law enforcement, criminal justice, and related fields. With a solid foundation in criminal justice principles and practical experience gained during their studies, graduates are well-prepared for various roles in both the public and private sectors.

Police Officer: Many graduates choose to pursue careers as police officers within law enforcement agencies. Police officers are responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and responding to emergencies. Graduates may work at the local, regional, or national level, specializing in areas such as community policing, traffic enforcement, detective work, or specialized units such as narcotics or cybercrime.

Criminal Investigator: Graduates may opt for careers as criminal investigators, conducting detailed investigations into criminal activities, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and preparing cases for prosecution. Criminal investigators may work for law enforcement agencies, government agencies, or private investigation firms, specializing in areas such as homicide, financial crimes, or organized crime.

Crime Analyst: Crime analysts utilize data analysis techniques to identify crime patterns and trends, assess crime risks, and develop strategies for crime prevention and law enforcement deployment. Graduates may work for law enforcement agencies, government agencies, or consulting firms, providing insights and recommendations to support effective policing strategies and resource allocation.

Victim Advocate: Graduates may work as victim advocates, providing support and assistance to victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process. Victim advocates help victims understand their rights, access support services, navigate the legal system, and cope with the emotional and practical challenges of victimization. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community-based victim support services.

Probation Officer: Probation officers work with individuals who have been convicted of crimes, supervising their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. Graduates may work for probation services, overseeing offenders' compliance with court orders, providing counseling and support services, and helping them access education, employment, and treatment programs to reduce the risk of reoffending.

Policy Advisor: Graduates may pursue careers as policy advisors, contributing to the development and implementation of criminal justice policies and reforms. Policy advisors conduct research, analyze data, and provide recommendations to government agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups on issues such as crime prevention, policing strategies, rehabilitation programs, and justice system reforms.

Security Specialist: Graduates may explore opportunities in private security, working for corporations, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, or entertainment venues to protect people, property, and assets. Security specialists may be responsible for surveillance, access control, emergency response, and risk assessment, ensuring the safety and security of their clients and premises.