Criminology and Forensic Science
Graduate (Master)
Criminology and Forensic Science
Why choose this field of study?
Graduate studies in Criminology and Forensic Science at the VIZJA University are designed for individuals with an undergraduate degree in Criminology and Forensic Science and related fields (e.g., law, administration, psychology, sociology, political science, homeland security, natural sciences) who want to gain or expand the competencies necessary for work related to fighting crime. Do you want to pursue a career in uniformed services, crime investigation, or judiciary? Perhaps you are already working in the industry and want to improve your skills or get a promotion? Completion of this degree will equip you with specialized knowledge and practical competence, confirmed by a master’s degree in Criminology and Forensic Science.
The graduate program in Criminology and Forensic Science at VIZJA University focuses on conveying an in-depth, interdisciplinary knowledge of the areas on which the work of a criminologist is based, such as psychology (forensic, penitentiary, suicidology), law (criminal, civil, police, fiscal, international) or homeland security. You will get acquainted with detailed issues of the methodology of crime measurement or tactics and procedures of investigation. Through elective courses, you will focus on subjects that particularly interest you. You will also take part in engaging internships, and also in first aid courses, to fully prepare you for professional development in the field of prevention and combating crime.
Criminology and Forensic Science – what sets us apart:
- You will explore detailed issues in criminology and forensic science, while simultaneously acquiring extensive knowledge in related disciplines.
- You will be taught fascinating techniques for conducting interrogations, examining trace evidence, and criminal profiling.
- You will have the opportunity to complete your internship at a top anti-crime institution.
- You will derive knowledge and passion from lecturers and practitioners who have been involved in criminology for years.
- You will learn about specific career prospects for criminology graduates.
- At our university you will study in an open, 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?
Graduate studies in Criminology and Forensic Science at VIZJA University will prepare you to join and progress within uniformed services: police, border guard, customs, military police, or special forces, but also in the prison system. Graduates will also find employment in the broader justice system, e.g., as expert witnesses, probation officers, mediators, and as specialists in forensic laboratories. Also, work in public institutions and non-governmental organizations that deal with crime prevention or counter-pathology is another path of development. Having studied Criminology and Forensic Science, you will also have the competencies to provide detective services, protect people and property, and even work in investigative journalism.
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 seek to work at or want to advance your position in crime-fighting organizations and structures.
You have a passion for solving complex cases and criminal puzzles and feel that you want to develop further develop your talents.
You want to contribute to the growth of social security and the development of modern investigative 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
Graduate
(master’s degree)
The curriculum of the graduate program in Criminology and Forensic Science includes specialized topics in the major subjects and related fields, such as in-depth psychology, law, public security, and international relations. Graduates – having submitted a dissertation and passed a diploma examination – receive a master’s degree in Criminology and Forensic Science, along with competencies for further professional development in this area.
FIRST YEAR OF STUDY
In the first year of study, students delve into specialized courses to gain theoretical and practical knowledge and learn the latest forensic methods and techniques relating to crimes of various types. They also participate in a master’s seminar in preparation for completing their thesis the next year.
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| OHS | 0 | 8/8 |
| INTERNATIONAL PENAL LAW | 3 | 30/16 |
| PENAL-FISCAL LAW | 3 | 45/24 |
| ELEMENTS OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | 3 | 45/24 |
| FORENSIC SEXOLOGY | 2 | 30/16 |
| INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN MATTERS OF INTERNAL SECURITY | 3 | 30/16 |
| EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN FORENSICS | 3 | 30/16 |
| FORENSIC AND PENITENTIARY PSYCHOLOGY | 3 | 30/16 |
| Culture and ethics | 5 | 30/16 |
| MIGRATION MANAGEMENT / CRISIS MANAGEMENT | 5 | 60/32 |
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| FOREIGN LANGUAGE | 2 | 30/16 |
| POLICE LAW | 3 | 45/24 |
| CRIME MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGY | 3 | 30/16 |
| PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF VIOLENCE / PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTION | 3 | 30/16 |
| INTERROGATION TACTICS AND TECHNIQUES | 3 | 30/16 |
| JUVENILE CRIME PREVENTION | 3 | 30/16 |
| VICTIMOLOGY | 3 | 30/16 |
| PRISON SUBCULTURES | 3 | 30/16 |
| ECONOMIC CRIME PREVENTION | 3 | 30/16 |
| FIRST AID | 1 | 8/8 |
| MASTER’S DEGREE SEMINAR | 3 | 30/16 |
SECOND YEAR OF STUDY
In the second year, students expand their specialized knowledge through dedicated courses and learn to apply it through workshops, laboratories, and internships. The master’s seminar consists of preparing a master’s thesis on a selected topic in the field of Criminology and Forensic Science.
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| FOREIGN LANGUAGE | 2 | 30/16 |
| CYBER SECURITY GEOPOLITICS / SECURITY INSTITUTIONS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 3 | 30/16 |
| INVESTIGATION AND INQUIRY TACTICS | 3 | 30/16 |
| MODERN TOOLS OF CRIMINAL ANALYSIS | 3 | 30/16 |
| CIVIL LAW IN EXPERT WITNESS WORK | 3 | 45/24 |
| METHODOLOGY OF WORK OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS' PARTICIPANTS | 3 | 45/24 |
| MISDEMEANOR LAW | 3 | 30/16 |
| MASTER’S DEGREE SEMINAR | 3 | 30/16 |
| INTERNSHIP I | 7 | 180/180 |
| Subject name | Cummulative amount of ECTS points | Cummulative amount of hours (FT/PT) |
|---|---|---|
| PERSONALITY ANALYSIS OF PERPETRATORS AND VICTIMS OF SEX CRIMES | 3 | 30/16 |
| SUICIDOLOGY | 3 | 30/16 |
| THREATS TO STATE SECURITY | 3 | 30/16 |
| HATE SPEECH AND HATE CRIME | 2 | 30/16 |
| COMBATING DRUG CRIME / COMBATING SEX CRIME | 3 | 45/24 |
| CRIME IN POLAND / FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGY | 4 | 60/24 |
| MASTER’S DEGREE SEMINAR AND PREPARATION FOR THE DIPLOMA EXAM | 5 | 30/16 |
| INTERNSHIP II | 7 | 180/180 |
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
