Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) offers a Bachelor of Criminology program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the justice system. This program equips students with analytical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to critically examine societal issues related to crime and its prevention. The curriculum focuses on interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing from sociology, psychology, law, and other relevant fields. Students will learn about the causes of crime, the functioning of police, courts, and correctional institutions, as well as contemporary challenges in criminology and criminal justice. The program aims to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, preparing graduates for diverse roles within the field.
The Bachelor of Criminology program typically spans three academic years. Specific module details are often available in detailed programme guides.
Graduates from the Bachelor of Criminology program are prepared for a variety of roles in fields related to justice, security, and social welfare. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips them with versatile skills applicable to diverse career paths.
The university provides detailed enrolment requirements for each program, often available in Dutch. International students are advised to check specific admission criteria for their country of origin. The university utilizes an online tool for composing individual study paths.
Tuition fees are calculated based on a fixed and variable amount per credit, influenced by nationality, number of credits registered, and eligibility for scholarships. Students receive an invoice via their VUB email account.
For non-EEA students enrolling in the 2025-2026 academic year, the tuition fee is a fixed amount of €1900 plus €51 per credit. For a full-time program of 60 credits, the total annual tuition fee would be approximately €4960, though specific rates for Criminology may vary slightly.
Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year open on 15 November 2025. The deadline for submitting your online application with a Belgian diploma is 23 September 2026, and your study contract must be signed by 8 October 2026.
You need to have successfully completed secondary education to be considered for the Bachelor of Criminology program. Specific requirements can vary based on your previous qualifications and nationality, and are often detailed in Dutch programme-specific documents.
Graduates are prepared for roles in law enforcement, social work, probation services, victim support, security management, and policy analysis, among other fields related to justice, security, and social welfare.
The Master Mind Scholarship is mentioned as a possibility, which can potentially reduce tuition fees for eligible students.