Interdisciplinary, Research-Oriented Master's Program in Criminology
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Understanding Crime – Analyzing Society – Shaping Research
The Master’s program in Criminology at the University of Siegen offers an interdisciplinary and research-oriented exploration of crime, deviance, and social control. The program focuses on the social construction of notions of crime and security, as well as institutional approaches to deviance. The program combines criminological theories with qualitative and quantitative methods of empirical social research. Students learn to scientifically examine social issues, critically reflect on them, and apply research findings to various practical and academic contexts.
Your future begins in Siegen
The M.A. in Criminology combines research, interdisciplinarity, and social practice. Students engage with current issues in criminology while also having the opportunity to develop their own areas of specialization.
The interdisciplinary focus opens up perspectives from various academic fields and links criminological questions in particular with approaches from the social sciences, education, and cultural studies. Research-oriented courses, engagement with empirical studies, and attendance at academic conferences enable students to become familiar with current research, reflect on it critically, and develop their own research questions.
Everything at a Glance
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Start of Studies
Winter Semester -
Standard duration of study
4 semesters (full-time)
8 semesters (part-time) -
Application
Required -
Language of instruction
German and English
Career Prospects
The master’s program equips students with specialized, research, methodological, and critical thinking skills that qualify them for both an academic career and demanding positions outside of academia.
Possible career fields include, for example:
- Academia and Research
- Government agencies and public administration
- Justice and offender rehabilitation
- Crime prevention
- Police and security research
- Policy Advisory Services and Evaluation
- Youth Services and Social Services
- Foundations, Associations, and Non-Governmental Organizations
- Social and Evaluation Research
- Science Communication
- Project Management and Concept Development
Successful completion of the master’s program generally also opens the door to further academic study (doctoral degree).
Admission to the master’s program requires a relevant first university degree. This includes, in particular, bachelor’s degrees in:
- Criminology
- Sociology with a focus on the sociology of deviance and law
- Psychology with a focus on forensic, clinical, or legal psychology
- Political Science with a focus on International Relations
- Social Work/Social Pedagogy/Educational Science with a focus on Deviant Behavior/Crime/Criminal Law
- Ethnology with a focus on legal anthropology
- or a comparable degree.
Candidates who have passed the first state examination in law with a specialization in criminology/criminal law are also eligible for admission.
For a related bachelor’s degree program without a corresponding specialization—such as sociology, educational science, social sciences, Social Work/Social Pedagogy, Political Science, or Psychology—you must additionally demonstrate at least 12 credit points in coursework covering criminological research, criminological theories, or practical criminological experience.
Alternatively, this requirement may be met by completing a relevant internship of at least six months or relevant work experience of at least three months, for example in the correctional system, in court or probation services, with the police, or in youth welfare services.
In addition, proficiency in English at the B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) must be demonstrated.
The current examination regulations always apply.
Good Reasons to Study Criminology at the University of Siegen
- Interdisciplinary Thinking: Crime, Deviance, and Social Control are examined from various academic perspectives
- Research-oriented study: Qualitative and quantitative methods, critical analysis of empirical studies, and independent research activities are central components of the program
- Examining current social issues: The program addresses contemporary debates on crime, security, social control, surveillance, exclusion, and processes of social problematization
- Setting Your Own Priorities: Elective-required modules allow you to develop an individual academic profile and delve deeper into your own specialized interests
- Experience academia firsthand: Attending conferences provides insights into current research debates and fosters exchange with the academic community
- Combining theory and practice: Criminological knowledge is linked to social and institutional contexts
- Develop diverse career prospects: The program prepares students for careers in academia and research as well as for various non-academic fields of work, while also laying the groundwork for subsequent doctoral studies
