Why this programme?

Forensics, Criminology and Law

Forensic research is becoming increasingly important in criminal investigations and the collection of evidence. Lawyers, public prosecutors and judges experience that in their everyday work. The master’s programme in Forensics, Criminology and Law gives you insights into the different disciplines involved in the field of forensic research. You will also take a look at the part the criminal justice system plays within society. You'll take a number of compulsory courses, and you can choose from a wide range of elective courses and internship opportunities.

The big picture of criminal justice

In this multidisciplinary programme, you’ll explore the big picture of the criminal justice system. You will study subjects of different forensic disciplines, namely psychology, psychopathology, accounting and medicine, covering topics such as:

causes and explanations of criminal behaviour
methods of evidence collection
human behaviours during criminal proceedings
psychological aspects of the search for the truth in criminal law
reliability of witness statements
responsibility
combating fraud and confiscating illegally obtained assets
DNA search in criminal investigations and evidence collection

Collaboration

These topics often overlap with those of other programmes taught at Maastricht University, which is why you will be working closely with students and professors from other faculties. This allows you to profit the most from our existing knowledge base and to use it in your own programme.

You will learn through lectures and tutorial groups. The lectures will provide you with insights into the content of the programme, insights gained through scholarship as well as professional practise. The tutorial groups allow you to dig deeper into the matter at hand, using Problem-Based Learning (PBL). In small tutorial groups of 10 to 12 students, you'll seek solutions to ‘problems’ taken from real-world situations or real legal cases. Instructors act as facilitators, giving help as it’s needed. This allows you to build independence and develop problem-solving skills that you’ll need in the field.

Problem-Based Learning

In our education Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is central. It offers a practical, case-based learning approach that will make your learning more relevant and easier to apply in real situations. It requires you to be proactive in setting learning goals, fosters independent research and critical thinking, and encourages you to work with your fellow students on legal issues. In this way, you build up the social and legal skills you need for future legal practice. What do our students think about Problem-Based Learning? They explain it in the video below!

With our Problem-Based Learning method you...

learn to think and work in a solution-focused way to solve practical problems.
learn to conduct independent research and develop a critical mindset.
learn to collaborate with others in a dynamic and international environment.
get actively involved in small tutorial groups of maximum 19 students.
acquire the knowledge and skills that will boost your future career.

Forensics with a legal focus

Forensics, Criminology and Law focuses on the legal aspects of forensics and criminology. If you'd like to focus more on the psychological aspects of forensics, check out two of our other programmes:

Master Forensics, Criminology and Law

Connections with research & professional practice

You'll be taught by highly specialised and experienced academic staff from across Europe. All staff members are engaged in highly qualified scientific research programmes and incorporate the findings of their research activities in the different courses. Due to the fact that a number of staff members also render services to the Maastricht Forensic Institute (tMFI), there is a direct link between the activities of tMFI and the content of the courses. In addition to tMFI, staff members have worked at research institutes, think-tanks and NGOs all over Europe and bring this experience with them into the classroom. The connection with real-life cases is further enhanced through apprenticeships and guest lectures.

More on the Maastricht Forensic Institute (in Dutch)

Honours programmes

Premium
Want to gain that extra edge by getting real-world experience during your studies? The PREMIUM honours programme will help you gain the experience and develop the skills employers are looking for. As part of a team of students and under the guidance of our academic staff, you’ll spend about three months working on a real-world assignment for a company, NGO or educational institution. It will take about 250 hours, but it will give you a lifetime of benefits.
More about PREMIUM

Master Honours Research Track
Are you thinking about going into research after you graduate? Then you should consider applying for our Master Honours Research Track. In addition to your regular studies, you’ll spend a year writing an extended master’s thesis in the fields of European comparative law and human rights law. You’ll be familiarised with the main methodologies used in academic research in this field and you'll improve your practical research skills. The track will give you the experience you need to be a successful PhD candidate.
More about the Master Honours Reseach Track

Dutch or English?

You can choose to follow the master’s in Dutch or in English. In principle, both programmes cover the same topics of study. The literature in certain courses often overlaps. When it comes to interpreting important developments in forensic psychology, criminology, forensic science, etc., the literature is usually in English. One important difference is that the Dutch programme connects the knowledge and theories in the programme with developments in Dutch criminal law. The English track is focused more on comparative law, and European law is central to the programme.