L.L.M in International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology

Curriculum

International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology is a one-year, full-time programme taught entirely in English. You’ll learn to analyse why people commit crimes in times of conflict (etiology), how to measure and investigate these crimes (prevalence), and what modes of Transitional Justice exist (reaction).In this programme you’ll have active discussions about international criminal law, and you’ll get the chance to apply criminological, sociological and psychological theories and methods to real-world case studies. Those might include the genocide in Rwanda and the civil war in former Yugoslavia; conflict and terrorism in Syria, Libya and Iraq and transitional justice processes in Colombia, South Africa, Angola and Afghanistan.
The ultimate aim of the programme is to understand why and in what contexts criminal acts take place, and what the suitable responses should be. The courses use many different disciplines to approach conflict-related crimes – including insights from criminology, sociology, psychology, international criminal law and political science. But this isn’t just an academic programme – it’s training for your professional career. You’ll have the tools to look at the evidence objectively, get hands-on experience in the field, challenge criminological theories, draft up policies to fight crime, and develop strategies to prevent future crimes. Plus, you’ll get to visit all the important legal institutions in The Hague, while international experts regularly teach guest lectures and provide research seminars.
Teaching staff of the International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology programme conduct research at the Centre for International Criminal Justice (CICJ). As a Master’s student, you will be the first to hear about the outcomes of the research carried out, since the results will be incorporated in your lectures. If your grades are particularly high, you might be invited to take part in the research projects run by CICJ and the selective International Law Clinic course.
Throughout the year, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in guest lectures, excursions, documentary nights and study trips. These activities are organised either by teaching staff or by students who participate in the social committee.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

Summary

The programme consists of three compulsory core courses in the first semester, and a choice of several elective courses in the second semester. You’ll conclude the programme with an interdisciplinary Master’s thesis focused on conflict-related crimes.

Here are just three examples of courses on offer:

Atrocity Actors: Perpetrators, Bystanders and Victims – Who are the people involved in atrocities? Why do perpetrators commit crimes like rape, torture and genocide? Why do so few people actively intervene? What are the consequences for victims?
International Criminal Courts and Tribunals – Learn more about the International Criminal Tribunals for former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Of course, to understand the inner workings of the International Criminal Court, you’ll need to take field trips to The Hague – the legal capital of the world is just a 30-minute train ride away. Guest lectures from criminology experts complete the package.
Corporations, Conflict and Crimes – Understand why businesses are involved in gross human rights violations and international crimes. Use insights, knowledge and theories from history, social psychology, organisational sciences, business ethics and political science to complement your criminological approach.

You’ll also have the opportunity to join the “Transitional justice in reality” field trip to Bosnia. See our Facebook group for details!