Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
BSc in Criminology
Milan, Italy
BSc
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 8,800 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non EU residents | EUR 6580 for EU residents per year
Key Summary
About: The BSc in Criminology at Università Cattolica examines crime, criminal behavior, and social impact through an interdisciplinary curriculum in sociology, psychology, law, and political science. Taught in English, it’s the only BSc in Criminology in English in continental Europe. The programme partners with Transcrime research centre and sits within a large international private university with more than 126 nationalities.
Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue roles in law enforcement, investigation, analysis, policy, compliance, and security. Typical positions: Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigation, Crime Analyst, Crime and Security Policy Officer, Compliance Officer, Crime Prevention and Security Manager, and roles in research and consultancy.
Are you interested in understanding the intricacies of crime and its impact on society? This degree explores how criminal justice systems function across different countries and delves into the methods used to prevent crime and enhance security. Why do crime rates vary, and how effective are different rehabilitation programs?
The undergraduate degree in Criminology is designed to address these compelling questions. By integrating disciplines such as Sociology, Psychology, Law and Political Science, this degree offers a cohesive interdisciplinary curriculum that helps students comprehend the complexities of crime and criminal behaviour. Students will gain a thorough grounding in the theoretical and practical aspects of Criminology, including the functioning of criminal justice systems, crime prevention strategies, and the use of technology in crime analysis. Additionally, this degree places a strong emphasis on methodologies and data analysis, equipping students with the skills needed to conduct rigorous research and interpret complex data related to criminal activity and prevention.
As the only BSc degree in Criminology offered in English in continental Europe, this unique curriculum provides an unparalleled educational experience. Supported by Transcrime, a leading centre for criminological research, the program ensures students benefit from cutting-edge research and practical insights. This collaboration enhances students' understanding and prepares them for diverse career paths in public administration, international organizations, and the private sector.
This comprehensive curriculum is designed for those aspiring to work in fields addressing issues of crime prevention, rehabilitation, and security management.
UCSC International Scholarship available to non-EU residents. If they get the scholarship, the yearly tuition fee is € 5,900.
Total ECTS: 180
First Year
- Contemporary history (9 ECTS)
- Introduction to research and academic skills in the social sciences + LAB (9 ECTS)
- Political science (9 ECTS)
- Principles of Economics (12 ECTS)
- Public law and governance (9 ECTS)
- Quantitative methods for social sciences (9 ECTS)
- Sociology (9 ECTS)
- Seminar on theological issues
Second Year
- Comparative & European criminal law and procedure (9 ECTS)
- Criminology (9 ECTS)
- Organisations & cultures (12 ECTS)
- English/Italian (6 ECTS)
- History of crime and crime control (9 ECTS)
- Research methods for crime and criminal justice (12 ECTS)
- Social psychology (6 ECTS)
- Seminar on theological issues
Third Year
- Comparative criminal justice (6 ECTS)
- Quantitative methods for the social sciences II + LAB on Programming (9 ECTS)
- One elective course among: (6 ECTS)
- Organised crime
- Terrorism
- Cybercrime and cybersecurity
- One elective course among: (6 ECTS)
- Crime & place
- Investigations & forensics
- Cultural practices outside boundaries
- One elective course among: (6 ECTS)
- Behavioural economics & nudging policies
- Economic and financial crime
- Elective courses (12 ECTS)
- Final dissertation (6 ECTS)
- Seminar on theological issues
Degree awarded: Laurea Triennale in Sociologia
- Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigation, and Crime Analyst: Graduates can work in various capacities within police forces, including roles as detectives, crime prevention specialists, or crime analysts. They can also work in correctional facilities, focusing on investigative aspects and security management, ensuring effective oversight and risk assessment of inmates.
- Crime and Security Policy Officer and Analyst: Working within public administrations and international organizations to support and implement policies related to crime, crime prevention, and security. This role involves advising on crime prevention strategies, criminal justice reform, and rehabilitation programs, as well as collaborating with international bodies like the United Nations or Interpol to analyze crime trends and develop global crime prevention initiatives.
- Compliance Officer: Working on anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, and antifraud measures, ensuring that companies comply with legal standards and regulations.
- Crime Prevention and Security Manager: Working in industries such as retail and logistics to develop and implement strategies for crime prevention and security. This role involves ensuring the safety of assets, employees, and customers, conducting risk assessments, managing security protocols, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to mitigate potential threats and respond effectively to incidents.