Criminal Justice Work

Crime exists all over the world and knows no borders. From organised crime to terrorism to illegally downloaded content, crime is omnipresent and international. And to keep up, law enforcement and crime prevention agencies need to look across national borders.

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Students sitting on the grass at HU Campus

This means that professionals working in law enforcement and crime prevention (such as police and social workers) need an international perspective. Especially because each country has a different law enforcement culture. In this programme, amongst others, you learn about the criminal justice system of crime as a social problem and the reactions of society to it.

Useful to know

Start February
Number of ECTS 30 Dutch Education System
Programme level Minor
Programme code AIV-MCJW-16
Language of instruction English
Year of study Year 3 or 4
Practical Matters Housing and Immigration
Location Utrecht Science Park

Course content

What do you need to enter this programme? And what can you expect when you apply? In this section you'll find all you need to know!

Each country has a different law enforcement culture. However, globalisation requires a globally minded view of all professionals working in the field of criminal justice. It’s important to understand the perspective and context of the professionals in the field of criminal justice abroad, in order to achieve a good, mutual cooperation.

National values and norms are part of the respective definition of and dealings with crime. Typical Dutch, German, Australian, British, Romanian or other ways of crime fighting, forces professionals to adjust their interventions once they are confronted with transnational crime. You have to understand and respect the perspective of your colleagues in the field of criminal justice abroad.

The general aim of the programme is to contribute to the fulfilment of the European (Dublin) descriptors for a bachelor’s degree: knowledge and understanding, applying knowledge, and understanding, making judgements, communication and learning skills.

Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the programme coordinator, Heidi van Houten.

This programme offers you a virtual journey through culturally diverse legal, governmental and social views on crime control and prevention. The programme consists of six courses, three per period.

Period Course code

Course unit title

ECTS

C AIV-MCJWCLEC-21

Criminal Law in European Context

5

C AIV-MCJW-TIC-23

Trends in Criminology

5

C AIV-MCJW-PMS-23

Public Management of Security

5

D AIV-MCJWSSC-21

Strengthening Social Capital and Network

5

D AIV-MCJWEPEC-21

Effective Probation in European Context

5

D AIV-MCJW-WA-23

Working Alliance

5

Please note that the programme reflects a (logical) bundle of courses/subjects and should normally be followed as such. By choosing this package you will have to participate in ALL the courses included. It is not possible to combine (two or more) programmes in one single period.

In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. Download it here for your convenience.

There are no additional entry requirements.

English CEFR level B2.

Please note: If your English language ability proves to be insufficient to participate actively in (parts of) the courses you have chosen, we cannot be bound to the Learning Agreement, neither can we guarantee to offer you the required amount of study load (EC’s). Teachers might request you to take a diagnostic test at the start of the course to check if your English language ability is sufficient to successfully participate in that specific course. In all cases it is up to the programme manager to decide if your English language ability is sufficient to be eligible for the programme/course.

Practical information

When you move to a different country to study, there are lots of things to arrange. For instance, where will you live, how much are the costs? Visit our practical information page to help you prepare your stay. It is also important to start arranging a living space as soon as possible. Our housing pages will help you on your way. A student living in the Netherlands needs about € 800 - 1000 a month to cover living expenses, such as housing, food and transportation. This includes insurances – health insurance is mandatory.

Find out how to apply

Ready for an international adventure?

Why choose HU?

  • Fighting globalised crime together

    Globalisation requires criminal justice professionals to change their mindset. This programme, with its international participants and lecturers, aims to do just that. It focuses on current developments, and assignments and lectures have a practical approach and are developed with practitioners in the field.

  • Inspiring international setting

    HU supports your ambitions. During your time in Utrecht, you will meet students from all over the world and make connections to last a lifetime.

  • Benefits of the Utrecht Science Park Campus

    On Utrecht Science Park (USP) you'll find the universities' buildings, student housing, cafés, a sports centre, and much more. With excellent transport links to Utrecht city centre and beyond.

  • Vibrant university city Utrecht

    Beautiful Utrecht has lots of young people and excellent facilities for student life. It has a mediaeval city centre which is small enough to explore by foot or bicycle.

Three students walking away from a court building, gerechtsgebouw in Dutch

Interested in our Criminal Justice Work programme?

Want to know more?