Criminology and Forensic Science
Undergraduate (Bachelor)
Criminology and Forensic Science
Why choose this field of study?
Do you find crime internally objectionable and want to do your part in detecting and preventing it? Are you passionate about forensic science? Do you associate your future with a career in this field? Studying Criminology and Forensic Science at the VIZJA University, you will acquire interdisciplinary knowledge that will allow you to handle forensic investigations, criminal profiling, or examination of criminal evidence. You will become familiar with the latest methods of securing a crime scene and effective tools for combating economic or business-related crime. You will also develop an understanding of strategies to address broader social security issues.
During your undergraduate studies in Criminology at VIZJA University, you will explore the fundamentals of criminal and family law, forensic medicine, crime prognosis, modern investigative methods, and offender psychopathology. You will become acquainted with the procedures for investigating crime, but also with the basics of computer forensics – you will discover, among other things, what open-source intelligence techniques are and how tracing digital footprints helps in detecting cyber crimes, including those related to corruption. Through practice-oriented activities, you will experience for yourself the work of a criminologist and a forensic technician, in addition to learning about specific career prospects for specialists in both of these closely related fields. Graduate studies are also available within the field of study – see: Criminology and Forensic Science (graduate studies).
Criminology and Forensic Science (undergraduate studies) – what sets us apart:
- You will become acquainted with theoretical and practical knowledge of state-of-the-art crime prevention and detection methods.
- As part of your diploma dissertation, you will carry out your own social project on a topic that particularly fascinates you in the field of criminology and forensic science.
- Through labs, workshops, and internships, you will explore the inner workings of the profession in practice.
- You will also learn the project method and develop deductive skills.
- You will draw upon the knowledge of experienced lecturers and long-time practitioners.
- Studying at VIZJA University means engaging in an international environment. (VIZJA University was recognized as the most internationalized university in Poland by the Perspektywy University Ranking)
Cisco Networking Academy – supporting modern education in criminology and forensics
What will you gain from Cisco courses?
- learning about the digital infrastructure behind criminal phenomena
- analysing risks and mechanisms of online activities
- working on practical scenarios that facilitate the connection of theory with real-life cases
- preparation for cooperation with technical teams (common language of concepts)
- strengthening practical digital skills
Criminology and Forensic Science – what can you do after graduation?
The Criminology and Forensic Science degree is the best choice for those who wish to work in:
- uniformed services (Police, Prison Service, Special Forces, Military Police, Internal Security Agency or Central Anticorruption Bureau), but also in the judiciary (e.g., as an expert witness, probation officer, mediator) or detective companies and asset protection agencies;
- forensic laboratories, but also institutions and organizations involved in assisting victims of crime, crime prevention, or homeland security policy;
- investigative journalism.
Did you know that criminology and forensic science were also studied by many popular crime fiction writers? If you are especially curious about this field – join the ranks of our students!
This field of study recommends
This field of study recommends
dr hab. Grzegorz Gołębiowski, prof. VIZJA University - lecturer at the VIZJA University, author of the widely read detective novel "The Debt of Blood" (published by Novae Res).
This program
is for you if:
You are able to piece together facts and are intrigued by the social and psychological background of crime.
You want to contribute to the prevention and detection of crime – as a professional.
You want to have a real impact on increasing social security and developing forensic techniques.
Admission rules and regulations
Note: important information for 2025 candidates
Please read carefully the application procedures in line with the changes introduced by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education in 2025.
Programme and structure of studies
Undergraduate
(bachelor’s degree)
The Criminology and Forensic Science undergraduate program offers interdisciplinary, multi-level knowledge of crime prevention and detection, which is essential for future specialists in this field.
FIRST YEAR OF STUDY
The first year of study includes courses from the fields of law, administration, sociology, psychology, and public safety – areas that provide the foundation to understanding the detailed issues in criminology and forensic science. Students also participate in dedicated courses that are designed to prepare them towards further development of specialized knowledge.
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Health and Safety | 0 | 8/8 |
| Academic Skills | 1 | 15/8 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 5 | 30/24 |
| Introduction to the Study of State and Law | 5 | 30/24 |
| Organisation and Management Theory / Fundamentals of Economics (Elective) | 5 | 30/24 |
| Fundamentals of Social Communication | 4 | 30/16 |
| Anthropology | 5 | 30/16 |
| Introduction to Philosophy | 5 | 35/20 |
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Sports and Recreation | 0 | 30/16 |
| Foreign Language I (Elective) | 2 | 30/16 |
| Introduction to Jurisprudence | 5 | 60/40 |
| Introduction to Criminology and Criminalistics | 5 | 60/32 |
| Fundamentals of Sociology | 3 | 30/16 |
| Etiology of Criminality | 3 | 30/16 |
| Organized Crime | 3 | 30/16 |
| Elements of Forensic Tactics and Techniques | 4 | 30/16 |
| Institutions of Legal Protection | 5 | 30/16 |
SECOND YEAR OF STUDY
In the second year, Criminology and Forensic Science students deepen their specialized knowledge in specialized fields such as: criminal analysis, psychology, and computer forensics. During workshops and laboratory classes, students also learn to apply the acquired knowledge in practice.
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Sports and Recreation | 0 | 30/- |
| Foreign Language II (Elective) | 2 | 30/16 |
| Criminal Law | 6 | 60/32 |
| Information Society / Investigative Journalism and Forensic Fiction (Elective) | 3 | 30/16 |
| Introduction to Cyber Security / Elements of Cryptography (Elective) | 4 | 30/16 |
| Information Security Management | 3 | 24/16 |
| State Security Structures | 3 | 30/16 |
| Basic Sources of Information on Crime | 3 | 30/16 |
| Forensic Medicine | 3 | 30/16 |
| Criminal Analysis | 3 | 30/16 |
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language III (Elective) | 2 | 30/16 |
| National and International Human Rights System | 3 | 30/16 |
| Crime Scene Analysis | 3 | 45/24 |
| Investigative and Forensic Psychology | 3 | 30/16 |
| Toxicology in Forensic Science | 3 | 30/16 |
| Open-source Intelligence Techniques | 3 | 45/24 |
| Digital Traces - Analysis and Preservation | 3 | 30/16 |
| Penitentiary Studies Penitentiary Science | 3 | 30/16 |
| Crime Forecasting | 4 | 60/32 |
| Social Pathologies / White Collar Crime (Elective) | 3 | 30/16 |
THIRD YEAR OF STUDY
In the third year, students solidify their specialized knowledge and take part in internships under the guidance of experts and professionals. This is also the period when students implement their own social project, which in the Criminology and Forensic Science undergraduate course replaces the requirement to write a conventional diploma thesis.
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Language IV (Elective) | 3 | 30/16 |
| Intellectual and Industrial Property Protection Law | 2 | 30/16 |
| Fundamentals of Individual Security / Fundamentals of Security of Economic and Public Entities (Elective) | 3 | 60/32 |
| Internal Security of the European Union / New Forms and Methods of Criminality (Elective) | 3 | 30/16 |
| Computer Forensics | 2 | 30/16 |
| Internship I (Elective) | 14 | 360/360 |
| Project Preparation Methodology | 3 | 30/16 |
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| Negative Social Phenomena as Criminogenic Factors: National and International Approaches to Crime Prevention and Control | 3 | 60/32 |
| Internet Exploration Techniques / Anti-Corruption Prevention (Elective) | 3 | 30/16 |
| Methodology of Probation Officer Work | 3 | 45/24 |
| Methods and Techniques of Persuasion and Propaganda / Designing Security in Educational Institutions (Elective) | 3 | 30/16 |
| Internship II (Elective) | 14 | 360/360 |
| Social Project | 4 | 30/16 |
The content of the study program may change as a result of efforts to improve the quality of education and adapt the teaching offer to the current challenges of the labor market. Each change is approved by the University Senate and introduced with the aim of preparing students for their future careers in the best possible way.
Tuition fees
Fixed tuition - flexible payments
By choosing to study at VIZJA University, you can be sure that the tuition fee will not change throughout the duration of your studies. You can pay the tuition fee once for the entire year of study or spread over a semester payment. This allows you to decide how you want to plan your expenses.
Study in Polish!
Do you want to study at VIZJA University in Polish? It is possible! We have prepared a special program for international students to acquire the skills necessary for active study in Polish and for academic, social and everyday life in Poland.
The Comprehensive Polish Language Program for International Students is:
- part of The VIZJA University Foundation Program, which is a comprehensive preparation for starting regular Bachelor's or Master's studies in Polish at VIZJA University
- a course aimed at two groups of international students: students with knowledge of a Slavic language (Russian, Ukrainian, Czech etc.) and students without prior knowledge of any Slavic language
- a chance for immersion in Polish society and culture, authentic experience of life in Poland and broad career prospects on the Polish labour market
More details coming soon!
Scholarships - easier than you think
While studying at VIZJA University, you can take advantage of a wide range of financial support from the state budget and European funds, as well as benefit from special discounts with VIZJA University discount program
You can submit most scholarship applications quickly and easily through your online account.
In the academic year 2023/2024, VIZJA University awarded 800 Rector’s Scholarships, ranging from PLN 400 /month to PLN 1000 /month, depending on the average or achievements. For outstanding sport, artistic or scientific achievements, the Scholarship Committee awarded scholarships of PLN 600 /month.
Detailed information on the possibility of applying for the Rector’s Scholarship is available in the dean’s system.
A sports scholarship may be awarded to a student who excels in sport achievements at least national level. In addition we also encourage our students to take part in additional support programs- eg. the National Academic Representation.
Young sportsmen can count on financial support in the amount of PLN 600 /month.
Detailed information on the possibility of applying for sports scholarship is available in the dean’s system.
A scholarship for people with disabilities may be awarded to a student who has a disability certificate, a disability degree certificate, a ZUS certifying physician’s certificate, a disability group certificate or a certificate of permanent or long-term incapacity to work on a farm.
In the 2023/2024 academic year, depending on the degree of disability, 350 scholarships for people with disabilities were awarded, ranging from PLN 1700 /month to PLN 1900 /month.
Detailed information on the possibility of applying for a scholarship for people with disabilities is available in the dean’s system.
The allowance is a form of emergency financial assistance. Any student who found himself temporarily in a difficult life situation resulting from random events beyond the student’s control can apply for it.The allowance may be granted twice in one academic year, and the allowance is not granted twice for the same random event.
In 2024, we granted 51 allowances for a total of PLN 255 000. The allowances, depending on the student’s situation, were paid in the amount of PLN 2,000 to PLN 5,000 at a time.
Detailed information on the possibility of applying for the allowance is available in the dean’s system.
2023/2024 academic year
800 Rector’s Scholarships
51 allowances
350 scholarships for people with disabilities
12 500 000 PLN was spent in 2023/2024 on scholarships
PLN 1,890,289.35 was spent in 2019/2020 on scholarships
PLN 2,911,662.50 was spent in 2020/2021 on scholarships
PLN 4,158,177.00 was spent in 2021/2022 on scholarships
PLN 7,829,950.00 was spent in 2022/2023 on scholarships
Rector’s Scholarship – highest average: 5,44
