Overview

Why choose this Master’s programme?

Students choose the Crime and Criminal Justice MSc programme at Leiden University because they have an affinity with human behaviour and crime and want to learn more to be able to make a contribution in preventing and fighting crime. Criminologists (lawyers and non-lawyers) are employed by organisations such as the police, the Public Prosecution Service, the prison system, the probation service, victim support, consultancy and research agencies, security companies and in the business sector.

Why choose the master’s programme Crime and Criminal Justice at Leiden University?

During the programme a lot of attention is also given to career prospects; for example, there are guest lectures, field trips, and students are encouraged to maintain a portfolio of reflections in regard to their academic advancement throughout the programme. Students carry out an independent and original piece of research, which showcases the skills and knowledge acquired during the Master’s programme. During this process, they benefit from the guidance of staff with expertise in the area of Criminal Justice. Completing an internship is an optional component of the programme.

This master has two specializations:

1. Comparative Criminal Justice (MSc)

This master's programme distinguishes itself by its international comparative perspective, analysing criminal justice systems, legislation and policy. The programme is unique both in its comparative and multidisciplinary focus. Students from all over the world with different backgrounds, such as Criminology, Social Sciences, Law, Political Science and Philosophy, follow this master's programme.

2. Criminology and Security Policy (MSc)

This master's thesis focuses on security problems in society and the development of effective and legitimate policies to address these problems.

In order to be able to answer security questions, the master's programme focuses on criminology, psychology, public administration and law.

Career prospects

Our graduates end up in law(-related) professions, (international) criminal justice organisations, research, teaching, and roles related to policy-making and policy-advice.

Examples of graduate destinations include: the Law Reform Commission of Ireland, the Koninklijke Marechaussee, Eurojust, the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security, and EY.

Programme Structure

The first semester sketches the political, legal and methodological context for the comparative study of Criminal Justice. You will gain an overview of important questions and contemporary issues, as well as how these can be studied from different perspectives.

In the second semester you will gain a deeper understanding of specific criminal justice actors and processes in a comparative perspective. You will get an insight into the complexities of decision-making at various stages of the criminal justice process, including the implications in terms of legitimacy, accountability and effectiveness.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2025-05-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
Starting 2026-02-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2025-11-15 00:00:00 , EEA/EU

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

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Credits

60 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Criminal Law Criminal Justice View 3 other Masters in Criminal Justice in Netherlands

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

90

Schedule TOEFL®

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Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Leiden University and/or in Netherlands, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Other requirements

General requirements

In order to be considered, you should possess (before the start of the programme) a Bachelor's degree in Criminology (BSc) or a bachelor’s degree in law (LL.B) or another discipline related to criminology and criminal justice from a recognised research university. Generally, social science degrees (e.g., international relations, sociology) are considered relevant, if the applicant can demonstrate an interest in criminal justice.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

20900 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 20900 EUR per year during 12 months.
EU/EEA

2530 EUR/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 2530 EUR per year during 12 months.

Living costs for Leiden

850 - 1250 EUR /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Crime and Criminal Justice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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