New Master Victimology and Criminal Justice first in Europe

In August, Tilburg University introduces a new master program Victimology and Criminal Justice.

What makes one a more vulnerable victim than the other? The victimology study attempts to solve psychosocial, economic, political and legal problems faced by victims of crime, accidents or natural disasters. This master is the first in Europe and, according to the study director prof. Letschert, would also be seen as the first worldwide. “In Japan they also have a victimology master but it focuses only on the system in Japan.” Master program at TiU aims at a more international perspective on victimology.

The English master can be followed by students with a bachelor’s degree in criminology, law, sociology, anthropology or Liberal Arts. For admission to this master students must follow a 2-week transition program during the summer. During these two weeks, social psychology students are offered an insight into the legal system and students with a bachelor degree in law or criminology will acquire research skills needed for the social sciences.

Although this master will be a part of the school of law, it is an interdisciplinary study. “The faculty of the master was chosen merely for administrative reasons. The master is designed in a way that it is interesting for students with both legal and socio-psychological backgrounds,” said Letschert.

The master is a result of the students’ demand. The Facebook campaign showed that 470 students have already shown interest in the master. The maximum number of students who are able to enroll is only 50. “If eventually around 25 to 35 students enroll, we will be satisfied,” says Letschert.

There is also a strong demand for victimology experts among employers.  It is increasingly important for lawyers in the International Criminal Court to focus more on the human side and understand a victim better.