Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Program in Criminology and Security

The Master's program in Criminology and Security is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of criminology, including the study of antisocial behavior, social reactions to such behavior, and the development of crime policies. The program is interdisciplinary, drawing on sociology, law, forensic science, and psychology to provide a broad-based education.

Objectives

The objectives of the Master's program in Criminology and Security are:

• To study antisocial behavior and social reactions to such behavior
• To develop an understanding of crime policies and their implementation
• To provide students with a comprehensive education in criminology, drawing on multiple disciplines

Presentation of the Program

The program is presented by the School of Criminal Sciences, Faculty of Law, Criminal Sciences, and Public Administration. The degree awarded is a Master of Law (MLaw) in Criminology and Security.

Admission Criteria

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university in a relevant field (such as forensic science, economics, finance, business management, computer science, political science, social and cultural anthropology/ethnology, sociology, psychology, law, or medicine)
• Meet the language requirements (French C1, with a passive knowledge of English)

Program Structure

The program is structured into several modules:

Module 1: Preparatory (15 ECTS)

• Introduction to criminology
• Other elective courses to complement previous studies

Module 2: Methods and Analytical Tools (30 ECTS)

• Research methods
• Statistical analysis methods
• Introduction to qualitative methods
• Analysis of economic and organized crime
• Analysis of security and intelligence data

Module 3: Crime, Offenders, and Victims (27 ECTS)

• Crime prevention
• Juvenile delinquency
• Victimology and victim support
• Neurocriminology
• History of criminological thought
• Internet crime
• Elective courses

Module 4: Security, Justice, and Prison (30 ECTS)

• Criminologists and intervention environments
• Crime policy
• Penology
• Criminal law II
• Terrorism
• Policing
• Psychopathology of deviance
• Elective courses

Module 5: Thesis (18 ECTS)

• Thesis seminar
• Thesis

Mobility

The School of Criminal Sciences has exchange agreements with universities in Canada, the United States, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Portugal. Credits earned abroad are recognized upon return.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in:

• Public administration (federal, cantonal, and municipal levels)
• Police services
• Community environments
• Private security companies
• Insurance
• International organizations (governmental and non-governmental)
• Research

Contact and Additional Information

For more information about the program, please refer to the official documentation and resources provided by the university.