Program Overview

Introduction to Criminology

The Criminology program at VU Amsterdam is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field, including its sociological, psychological, and legal aspects. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and address various forms of crime and criminal behavior.

Program Structure

The program is divided into three years, each with its own unique focus and set of courses.

First Year

In the first year, students are introduced to the three main components of criminology: sociology, psychology, and law. The curriculum includes courses such as:

• Leerlijn Professionele en Persoonlijke Identiteit
• Inleiding criminologie
• Inleiding in de rechtswetenschap
• Project criminologie (academische kern)
• Beginselen strafrecht
• Statistiek I
• Actoren in de rechtshandhaving
• Inleiding psychologie
• Statistiek II
• Inleiding publiekrecht
• Inleiding sociologie

Students also participate in practicum sessions where they learn to analyze the behavior of suspects and apply criminological theories to real-life cases.

Second Year

In the second year, students delve deeper into the field, exploring topics such as:

• Leerlijn Professionele en Persoonlijke Identiteit BC2
• Aard, omvang en schade van criminaliteit
• Materieel strafrecht
• Historische criminologie (academische kern)
• Theoretische criminologie
• Kwantitatieve methoden en technieken van criminologisch onderzoek
• Encyclopedie Criminologie (academische kern)
• Kwalitatieve methoden en technieken van criminologisch onderzoek
• Ontwikkelings- en levensloopcriminologie
• Preventie en bestraffing van criminaliteit
• Multivariate analyse

Students also develop their research skills through courses on methods and techniques in criminological research.

Third Year

In the third year, students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest. The first semester is dedicated to a minor of the student's choice, which can be taken at VU Amsterdam or another university. The second semester is focused on a research project, where students work in teams to investigate a specific crime problem and write an individual thesis.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Criminology program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:

• Rechercheur
• Misdaadanalist
• Compliance officer

They can work in various settings, such as government agencies, law enforcement, or private companies.

Research Areas

The program is closely tied to the Nederlands Studiecentrum Criminaliteit en Rechtshandhaving (NSCR), a national criminological institute. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and collaborate with experts in the field.

Unique Features

The Criminology program at VU Amsterdam is the oldest in the Netherlands, with a strong reputation for academic excellence. The program is characterized by its:

• Interdisciplinary approach, combining sociology, psychology, and law
• Strong focus on research and practical application
• Collaboration with the NSCR and other external partners
• Active student association and supportive faculty

Overall, the Criminology program at VU Amsterdam provides students with a comprehensive education in the field, preparing them for a variety of careers and further academic pursuits.