Skip to Content
Menu

Criminology and Law

Award
Personal Development Award (PDA)
Campus
Langside Campus
Local Authority
Glasgow, East Renfrewshire

The award aims to provide you with an understanding of the accused’s journey through the Scottish Criminal Justice System.


You will be given the opportunity to compare the Scottish legal system with that of other countries and through this, discuss the efficacy of the Criminal Justice System, reoffending rates and noncustodial sentences. In addition, you will cover sociological theories of crime and deviance with the topic of the mass media and its influence on public perception being analysed. The Forensic Psychology unit provides and introduction to the work of forensic psychologists as well as different psychological theories of criminal behaviour and their application in explaining crime and deviance.

Qualification Breakdown

PDA in Criminology and Law SCQF level 7

  • Criminology: The Accused’s Journey
  • Applying Sociological Theories to Sociological Topics
  • Psychology: Forensic Psychology

This course is demanding in terms of written work, study at home and group work.

Entry requirements

You must have:

  • Higher English at A or B level

Attendance Pattern

Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 13:30 to 16:00

Progression Pathways

Students who successfully complete the Personal Development Award (PDA) in Criminology will be offered an unconditional place on Higher National Diploma (HND) in Social Science at Glasgow Clyde College.


You might also go on to do:

  • Full-time higher education course in social science at college or university, degree courses in law, social sciences, criminology, or business studies.

The level you might enter would depend on the level and relevance of your other qualifications.

For those interested in studying Law at university this provides an excellent introduction to the institutions, individuals and procedures involved in the Scottish Legal System.

Employment Routes / Job Areas

Career opportunities exist in the Law and Legal Services and also in the Police.

How to Apply

When you click on the Apply button you will be redirected to create an application account for your chosen Senior Phase course. 

  • Use a personal email address and ensure your password is something that you will remember. 
  • You will receive an email asking you to confirm your account. This will take you to the application form.   
  • you will receive a link to the application portal within each email you receive - please use this link to track your application 
Applications are Closed for this Course