Master of Criminology

Master of Criminology

The Master of Criminology is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of crime, public response to crime and, specifically, criminal justice in Europe and beyond. The programme focuses recent developments in criminological theory and their implications for national and international policy-making.

About the programme

General subjects include criminological theories and models of law enforcement, psychology, law and criminal justice, youth criminology and juvenile justice, and research methods. The programme also offers cutting-edge courses on international police and judicial cooperation, political crimes and transitional justice, restorative justice, terrorism, and organised and corporate crime – research fields in which our Leuven Institute of Criminology professors are internationally renowned experts.

Our programme is characterised by a strong link between education and research, an explicitly international orientation, and a comparative approach. You will write a master's thesis in the research area of your choice. Furthermore, the programme will improve your critical reflective methodological skills and attitude to enable autonomous, constructive, and high-quality research and contributions to the field.

Career perspectives

Our graduates stand out as professionals or academics with excellent methodological and critical thinking skills. You will find them working in police departments and in justice, youth care, private companies focusing on security and safety, civil services, and the non-profit sector.

The programme also prepares you for a career in research, national and international policy, or criminal justice and victim assistance. You will be supported by our criminology experts with expertise in the field, in both its theoretical and applied aspects.