Master of Law (MLaw) in Criminology and Security

The Master of Law in Criminology and Security focuses on the study of anti-social behaviour and the social reaction to such behaviour.

It is interested in delinquents and their victims, offences and punishments and penal measures. The scientific survey of deviance allows the development of relevant criminal policies as well as the implementation of programmes for the prevention of delinquency and the care of delinquents.

The Master of Law in Criminology and Security offers a multidisciplinary programme that includes sociology, law, forensic science as well as psychology. The study plan varies according to the type of Bachelor’s degree held by the student.

University studies develop, in addition to specific academic skills, a great many transverse skills such as: communication, critical, analytical and summarising faculties, abilities in research, the learning and transmission of knowledge, independence and the ability to make judgements in the field of specialisation and overlapping areas. This panoply of skills, combined with specialist knowledge acquired in the course of studies, is excellent preparation for a wide range of employment opportunities such as:

• Cantonal public administrations and cantonal and federal institutions (penitentiary and probation services, help centres for victims of crime, etc.)
• Police Services at the federal, cantonal, and municipal levels
• Community institutions
• Private security firms
• Insurance companies
• International governmental and non-governmental organisations
• Research work

Alumni move into a wide variety of roles, for example as a probation officer in Fribourg canton’s probation service, an evaluation officer in Vaud canton’s prison service, or a worker at a victim support centre in Lausanne.

The school has concluded agreements with universities in Belgium (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Université de Liège, Universiteit Gent, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Vrije Universiteit Brussel), in Canada (Université de Montréal), in Spain (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Universidad de València, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya), in the United States (Sam Houston State University), in Italy (Université Catholique du Sacré Cœur de Milan), in Lituania (Vilnius University), in Portugal (Universidade do Porto), and in Slovenia (Université de Maribor). ECTS credits acquired abroad are in principle recognised on the student’s return from the relevant study periods.