The information on this course page is for the 2025/26 academic year, starting in September 2025. January 2025 starts are only available if 'I want to start in JAN 2025' appears in the Apply section below.

Archaeology and Criminology BA (Hons)

Course code V40C

What is special about this course?

Most of our humanities subjects can be studied as joint honours as well as single honours. Joint honours programmes give you the opportunity to combine two subjects, which complement your interests or career goals. You will usually concentrate on both subjects equally. It can be possible to transfer between single and joint honours options, usually during your first or second year, and advice will be available from your personal academic tutor.

This joint degree covers:

  • Archaeology: exploration of a range of archaeological skills such as fieldwork, surveying and post-excavation, mapped to the current occupational standards for archaeology
  • Criminology: the changing nature of crime and the social, political, historical and individual forces behind these changes

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

Special features

  • Opportunity to gain ‘on-the-job’ skills such as surveying, fieldwork and post-excavation
  • Our studies are linked to the distinctive cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands region within a global context
  • You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
  • You can study individual modules for personal or professional development

Entry requirements

Entry to year one:

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above OR
  • 2 A levels at grade BC or above
  • At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
  • Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Advanced entry to year two:

  • HNC Social  Science (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit will be considered for direct entry to year two

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

Apply for Archaeology and Criminology BA (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.