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 offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining sociology, law, forensic science, and psychology to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills.

Objectives

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

• Provide students with a deep understanding of the causes and consequences of crime
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement effective crime policies
• Foster critical thinking and analytical skills in the field of criminology
• Prepare students for careers in criminology, law enforcement, and related fields

Program Structure

The program is divided into five modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of criminology:

Module 1: Preparatory Course

• Introduction to criminology
• Other elective courses to complement the student's prior curriculum

Module 2: Methods and Analytical Tools

• 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

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

Module 4: Security, Justice, and Prison

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

Module 5: Master's Thesis

• Thesis seminar
• Master's thesis

Admission Criteria

To be eligible for the Master's program in Criminology and Security, applicants must:

• Hold a Bachelor's degree from a Swiss university in a relevant field (such as forensic science, economics, politics, sociology, psychology, or law)
• Meet the language requirements (French: C1 level, with a passive knowledge of English)

Credits and Duration

The program is worth 120 ECTS credits and typically takes four semesters to complete.

Language of Instruction

The language of instruction is French, with some courses taught in English.

Mobility

The School of Criminal Justice has exchange agreements with universities in Canada, the United States, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Portugal, allowing students to spend a semester or year abroad and earn recognized credits.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master's program in Criminology and Security can pursue careers in:

• Public administration (federal, cantonal, or municipal level)
• Law enforcement
• Community organizations
• Private security companies
• Insurance
• International organizations (governmental or non-governmental)
• Research institutions

Alumni Testimonials

Alumni of the program have gone on to work in various roles, such as probation officers, evaluators in penitentiary services, or interveners in victim support centers.