Your input will help us improve your experience.You can close this popup to continue using the website or choose an option below to register in or login.
The Master of Criminology is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of crime, public response to crime and, specifically, criminal justice in Europe and beyond. The programme focuses recent developments in criminological theory and their implications for national and international policy-making.
General subjects include criminological theories and models of law enforcement, psychology, law and criminal justice, youth criminology and juvenile justice, and research methods. The programme also offers cutting-edge courses on international police and judicial cooperation, political crimes and transitional justice, restorative justice, terrorism, and organised and corporate crime – research fields in which our Leuven Institute of Criminology professors are internationally renowned experts.
Our programme is characterised by a strong link between education and research, an explicitly international orientation, and a comparative approach. You will write a master's thesis in the research area of your choice. Furthermore, the programme will improve your critical reflective methodological skills and attitude to enable autonomous, constructive, and high-quality research and contributions to the field.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Criminology
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Master of Criminology is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of crime, public response to crime and, specifically, criminal justice in Europe and beyond. The programme focuses recent developments in criminological theory and their implications for national and international policy-making.
General subjects include criminological theories and models of law enforcement, psychology, law and criminal justice, youth criminology and juvenile justice, and research methods. The programme also offers cutting-edge courses on international police and judicial cooperation, political crimes and transitional justice, restorative justice, terrorism, and organised and corporate crime – research fields in which our Leuven Institute of Criminology professors are internationally renowned experts.
Our programme is characterised by a strong link between education and research, an explicitly international orientation, and a comparative approach. You will write a master's thesis in the research area of your choice. Furthermore, the programme will improve your critical reflective methodological skills and attitude to enable autonomous, constructive, and high-quality research and contributions to the field.
Language requirements: Applicants who have obtained a previous diploma (secondary or higher education) taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are deemed to have fulfilled the language requirements.
Additional information
After having graduated in the preparatory programme (24 credits)
The applicant for the preparatory programme must hold a Belgian academic bachelor or master degree in Humanities, or hold a foreign bachelor or master degree equivalent to a degree in Political and Social sciences, Communication Sciences, Law, Psychology and Educational Sciences. Holders of other academic bachelor and master degrees could exceptionally be admitted.
The applicant must prove:
having had a basic training in criminal law and criminal procedure (either regional, European or international). Applicants who didn’t already obtain a basic training in criminal law and criminal procedure, can take either the course C06B8A ‘European Criminal Law, including Discussion Sessions’ (first term) or (preferably) C09B9B ‘International Criminal Law’ (second term). Students who are interested in one of these courses should contact the faculty via [email protected] after admission.
having had sufficient methodology training (for at least 22 ECTS) in the field of setting up a scientific research, especially concerning research design, data collection, data analysis, reporting research and statistics.
After having graduated in the "voorbereidingsprogramma" (fully taught in Dutch) (40 credits)
Holders of:
Academic bachelor degree in Psychology
Academic bachelor degree in Educational (Pedagogy) Sciences
Academic bachelor degree in Political Sciences
Academic bachelor degree in Social Sciences
Academic bachelor degree in Communication
Master degree in Psychology
Master degree in Educational (Pedagogy) Sciences
Master degree in Political Sciences
Master degree in Social Sciences
Master degree in Communication
After having graduated in the "voorbereidingsprogramma" (fully taught in Dutch) (47 credits)
Holders of:
Academic bachelor degree in Law
Master degree in Law
After having graduated in the "voorbereidingsprogramma" (fully taught in Dutch) (63 credits)
Holders of an academic bachelor or master
After having graduated in the 'verkorte bachelor in de criminologische wetenschappen' (language of instruction: Dutch) (130 credits)
Holders of:
Academic bachelor degree in Communication
Academic bachelor degree in Educational (Pedagogy) Sciences
Academic bachelor degree in Political Sciences
Academic bachelor degree in Social Sciences
Academic bachelor degree in Law
All academic and professional bachelor degrees
Students who have obtained their bachelor's degree at the Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles with the specialisation "Majeure bilingue français-néerlandais" or "Majeure bilingue français-néerlandais, 3e langue: anglais" are deemed to have fulfilled the language requirements for starting the programme.
01 Jun 2026
1 Year
Sep
International
5,613 EUR
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Master of Criminology
KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
12 monthsProgramme duration
5,613 EURTuition Fee/year
01 Jun, 2026Application Deadline
CriminologyMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Criminology
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Master of Criminology is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of crime, public response to crime and, specifically, criminal justice in Europe and beyond. The programme focuses recent developments in criminological theory and their implications for national and international policy-making.
General subjects include criminological theories and models of law enforcement, psychology, law and criminal justice, youth criminology and juvenile justice, and research methods. The programme also offers cutting-edge courses on international police and judicial cooperation, political crimes and transitional justice, restorative justice, terrorism, and organised and corporate crime – research fields in which our Leuven Institute of Criminology professors are internationally renowned experts.
Our programme is characterised by a strong link between education and research, an explicitly international orientation, and a comparative approach. You will write a master's thesis in the research area of your choice. Furthermore, the programme will improve your critical reflective methodological skills and attitude to enable autonomous, constructive, and high-quality research and contributions to the field.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Criminology
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Masters
Study Mode
On Campus
The Master of Criminology is designed to provide students with an advanced understanding of crime, public response to crime and, specifically, criminal justice in Europe and beyond. The programme focuses recent developments in criminological theory and their implications for national and international policy-making.
General subjects include criminological theories and models of law enforcement, psychology, law and criminal justice, youth criminology and juvenile justice, and research methods. The programme also offers cutting-edge courses on international police and judicial cooperation, political crimes and transitional justice, restorative justice, terrorism, and organised and corporate crime – research fields in which our Leuven Institute of Criminology professors are internationally renowned experts.
Our programme is characterised by a strong link between education and research, an explicitly international orientation, and a comparative approach. You will write a master's thesis in the research area of your choice. Furthermore, the programme will improve your critical reflective methodological skills and attitude to enable autonomous, constructive, and high-quality research and contributions to the field.
Brochures
Admission Requirements
Diploma requirements:Bachelor of Criminology
Language requirements: Applicants who have obtained a previous diploma (secondary or higher education) taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are deemed to have fulfilled the language requirements.
Additional information
After having graduated in the preparatory programme (24 credits)
The applicant for the preparatory programme must hold a Belgian academic bachelor or master degree in Humanities, or hold a foreign bachelor or master degree equivalent to a degree in Political and Social sciences, Communication Sciences, Law, Psychology and Educational Sciences. Holders of other academic bachelor and master degrees could exceptionally be admitted.
The applicant must prove:
After having graduated in the "voorbereidingsprogramma" (fully taught in Dutch) (40 credits)
Holders of:
After having graduated in the "voorbereidingsprogramma" (fully taught in Dutch) (47 credits)
Holders of:
After having graduated in the "voorbereidingsprogramma" (fully taught in Dutch) (63 credits)
Holders of an academic bachelor or master
After having graduated in the 'verkorte bachelor in de criminologische wetenschappen' (language of instruction: Dutch) (130 credits)
Holders of:
Students who have obtained their bachelor's degree at the Université Saint-Louis Bruxelles with the specialisation "Majeure bilingue français-néerlandais" or "Majeure bilingue français-néerlandais, 3e langue: anglais" are deemed to have fulfilled the language requirements for starting the programme.
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
More programmes from the university
Master of Deglutology
Master of Deglutology
Master of Educational Studies
Master of Educational Studies
Master of Engineering: Energy
Master of Engineering: Energy
Master of European Social Security
Master of European Social Security
Master of Psychology: Theory and Research
Master of Psychology: Theory and Research
Arts and Humanities (4)
Bachelor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Philosophy
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies
Bachelor of Theology and Religious Studies
Business and Management (4)
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Engineering
Bachelor of Business Engineering
Engineering and Technology (4)
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Engineering Technology
Social Sciences and Management (4)
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Laws
Arts and Humanities (7)
Master of Architecture
Master of Architecture
Master of Canon Law
Master of Canon Law
Master of Cultural Studies
Master of Cultural Studies
Master of English Linguistics and Literature
Master of English Linguistics and Literature
Master of History
Master of History
Master of Multilingual Communication: Cross-Cultural Communication Management
Master of Multilingual Communication: Cross-Cultural Communication Management
Master of Philosophy
Master of Philosophy
Master of Society, Law and Religion
Master of Society, Law and Religion
Master of Theology and Religious Studies
Master of Theology and Religious Studies
Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning
Master of Urbanism, Landscape and Planning
Master of Western Literature
Master of Western Literature
Research Master of Philosophy
Research Master of Philosophy
Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion
Research Master: Master of Advanced Studies in Theology and Religion
Business and Management (7)
Master of Actuarial and Financial Engineering
Master of Actuarial and Financial Engineering
Master of Advanced Studies in Economics
Master of Advanced Studies in Economics
Master of Business Economics
Master of Business Economics
Master of Business Engineering (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Business Engineering (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Business and Information Systems Engineering (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Business and Information Systems Engineering (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Economics
Master of Economics
Master of Information Management
Master of Information Management
Master of International Business (incl. double degree variants)
Master of International Business (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Management Engineering
Master of Management Engineering
Engineering and Technology (7)
EIT-KIC Master in Energy
EIT-KIC Master in Energy
Erasmus Mundus Japan - Master of Science in Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (IMLEX)
Erasmus Mundus Japan - Master of Science in Imaging and Light in Extended Reality (IMLEX)
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
European Master of Science in Radiation and its Effects on Microelectronics and Photonics Technologies (RADMEP)
European Master of Science in Radiation and its Effects on Microelectronics and Photonics Technologies (RADMEP)
European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (FOOD4S)
European Master of Sustainable Food Systems Engineering, Technology and Business (FOOD4S)
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business and Industry
Master of Artificial Intelligence in Business and Industry
Master of Biochemical Engineering Technology
Master of Biochemical Engineering Technology
Master of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Biomedical Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Agro- and Ecosystems Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Cellular and Genetic Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Human Health Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Human Health Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Sustainable Urban Bioscience-Engineering
Master of Bioscience Engineering: Sustainable Urban Bioscience-Engineering
Master of Chemical Engineering
Master of Chemical Engineering
Master of Chemical Engineering Technology
Master of Chemical Engineering Technology
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering
Master of Civil Engineering Technology
Master of Civil Engineering Technology
Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites
Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites
Master of Cybersecurity
Master of Cybersecurity
Master of Electrical Engineering
Master of Electrical Engineering
Master of Electromechanical Engineering Technology
Master of Electromechanical Engineering Technology
Master of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology
Master of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology
Master of Engineering: Computer Science
Master of Engineering: Computer Science
Master of Engineering: Energy
Master of Engineering: Energy
Master of Engineering: Mobility and Supply Chain Engineering
Master of Engineering: Mobility and Supply Chain Engineering
Master of Human Settlements
Master of Human Settlements
Master of Materials Engineering
Master of Materials Engineering
Master of Mathematical Engineering
Master of Mathematical Engineering
Master of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Mechanical Engineering
Master of Molecular Biology
Master of Molecular Biology
Master of Nuclear Engineering
Master of Nuclear Engineering
Master of Safety Engineering
Master of Safety Engineering
Master of Science in Innovative Health Technology
Master of Science in Innovative Health Technology
Master of Space Studies
Master of Space Studies
Master of Statistics and Data Science
Master of Statistics and Data Science
Master of Water Resources Engineering
Master of Water Resources Engineering
Master of Welding Engineering
Master of Welding Engineering
Life Sciences and Medicine (7)
Master of Bioethics
Master of Bioethics
Master of Bioinformatics
Master of Bioinformatics
Master of Biology
Master of Biology
Master of Biomedical Sciences
Master of Biomedical Sciences
Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Master of Biophysics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Master of Deglutology
Master of Deglutology
Master of Food Technology
Master of Food Technology
Master of Global Health
Master of Global Health
Master of Psychology: Theory and Research
Master of Psychology: Theory and Research
Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Master of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Natural Sciences (7)
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling
Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Master of Chemistry
Master of Chemistry
Master of Geography
Master of Geography
Master of Geology
Master of Geology
Master of Mathematics
Master of Mathematics
Master of Medical Physics
Master of Medical Physics
Master of Physics
Master of Physics
Master of Sustainable Development
Master of Sustainable Development
Others (7)
MSc in Statistics
MSc in Statistics
Social Sciences and Management (7)
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master of Arts in Sports Ethics and Integrity
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance
Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance
Master in Primary Education
Master in Primary Education
Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration
Master of Advanced Studies in European Policies and Public Administration
Master of Communication Sciences: Digital Media and Society
Master of Communication Sciences: Digital Media and Society
Master of Criminology
Master of Criminology
Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies
Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies
Master of Digital Humanities
Master of Digital Humanities
Master of Educational Studies
Master of Educational Studies
Master of European Social Security
Master of European Social Security
Master of Intellectual Property and ICT Law
Master of Intellectual Property and ICT Law
Master of International Politics
Master of International Politics
Master of Law
Master of Law
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Laws (LLM)
Master of Social and Cultural Anthropology
Master of Social and Cultural Anthropology
Master of Sociology
Master of Sociology
Full-Time MBA (1)
Master of Business Administration (incl. double degree variants)
Master of Business Administration (incl. double degree variants)