Standard Period of Study
4 semesters / 120 ECTS
Program format
Full-time and on-campus degree program
Start of the degree program
winter semester
Admission
Eligibility Test
Structure and course content
Criminology and violence studies are not confined to a single subject, but are found in all areas of life and thus in almost all subjects. For this reason, seven faculties are involved in the degree program.
The core modules provide fundamental knowledge of criminology and research into violence and aggression within the relevant disciplines. Core modules are compulsory.
The specialisation modules offer the opportunity for an in-depth examination of issues relevant to the programme. Students must choose two of the seven specialisation modules on offer.
An important component of the degree program is the research module, in which students, in preparation for their Master’s thesis, address a specific research question from the perspective of, and using the specific methodology of, at least two disciplines involved in the degree program.
Finally , the Master’s module comprises the completion of the Master’s thesis.
Career prospects
The future career path is often determined by a Master’s degree in criminology combined with the preceded Bachelor's degree. The Master’s program in ‘Criminology and Violence Studies’ is therefore aimed primarily at graduates who not only wish to gain further qualifications in their original field of study, but also want to make deliberate use of the broad spectrum of disciplines available at a university.
Career opportunities arise wherever work involves issues related to violence, aggression and crime. Potential roles may arise in educational and care institutions, in the medical sector, within law enforcement agencies, in the penal system, in the context of violence prevention, or in other institutions, subject to the relevant training programs and recruitment requirements. Furthermore, thanks to its methodological diversity, the degree program also offers opportunities to prepare for a career in specialist or scientific journalism.
Graduates in criminology often work, for example, in academia and research or in the social and preventive sectors.
Please note – common misconceptions!
A degree in criminology does not qualify you police work; to do this, you must undergo police training.
Anyone wishing to work as a (forensic/criminal) psychologist must follow the psychology degree pathway (B.Sc. and M.Sc.). A B.Sc. in Psychology and an M.A. in criminology and violence studies are not sufficient for this.
Interested?
Further information
Your degree from A to Z (for students already enrolled)