International Crimes and Criminology

Everyone has heard of Darfur, Abu Ghraib, Srebrenica and Rwanda. We often know what happened there and even think we know what should be done. But do we understand? Can we explain these manifestations of collective violence? The master's programme International Crimes and Criminology deals with international crimes in a broad framework. The focus is on the role of individuals, groups, states and the international community. You will gain insight into the psychology of perpetrators, get acquainted with criminological theories on organisational processes and discuss political issues in the international arena. Subjects like torture, rape and genocide are discussed during class. This can be emotionally demanding, but the ultimate aim is to take a scientific approach to these topics in order to draft measures which might help prevent these types of crimes in the future. The master's programme International Crimes and Criminology aims to train students both to acquire the necessary intellectual skills to take a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to international crimes and to teach them how to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired in the real world.

Instruction modes

literature study, research, research project, traineeship, research proposal, tutorial, lecture, group assignment, group discussion

Accreditation: NVAO

Erasmus Mundus program: This is an Erasmus Mundus program.

Admission requirements

The main focus of selection will be on GPA or an overall grade average. Students should at least have a B or 7.3 as an overall average or a GPA of at least 3. Other factors which will be taken into account in addition to the GPA: - A student's level of interdisciplinarity - Mark and content of the bachelor or master thesis - Relevant experience (internship and work) - General impression of the candidate such as shown interest in international crimes, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation, proof of academic writing

Other requirements

1. gemiddeld cijfer The main focus of selection will be on GPA or an overall grade average. Students should at least have a B or 7.3 as an overall average or a GPA of at least 3. Other factors which will be taken into account in addition to the GPA: - A student's level of interdisciplinarity - Mark and content of the bachelor or master thesis - Relevant experience (internship and work) - General impression of the candidate such as shown interest in international crimes, letter of motivation, letter of recommendation, proof of academic writing
2. taaltoets cijfer VU University Amsterdam requires all applicants to take an English test and to submit their score as a part of the application. Exceptions are made for students who have completed their education in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia. For Dutch students or students already residing in the Netherlands it's possible to take the institutional TOEFL test that the VU University Amsterdam offers.
3. vooropleiding (ISPAC: vereiste vooropleiding) Applicants must have at least a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, Social Sciences or Political Science. Applicants who do not meet this requirement are also encouraged to apply, provided that they have a sound academic background and a demonstrated interest in and knowledge of international crimes.
4. schriftelijk verzoek The Master's programme International Crimes and Criminology is accessible to both Dutch and international students. It is up to the Admissions Board to decide on the selection of students. Each year the programme is open to a limited number of students only. Applicants must have a Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Criminology, Law, Social Sciences, Political Science or any related subject, and a special interest in political violence, international crimes or other gross human rights violations. Students also need to hand in several additional documents, like a cv and motivation letter. For more information on admission, see www.law.vu.nl/icc