Forensic Master’s Programmes at Maastricht University

Looking for a forensic master’s programme? Maastricht University offers three exciting programmes:

Master in Forensics, Criminology and Law (English) / Master Forensica, Criminologie en Rechtspleging (Dutch)
Master in Psychology with a specialisation in Psychology and Law (English)
Master in Forensic Psychology (English)

To help make your decision easier, a short description of each programme and their specific components has been included below.

Master in Forensics, Criminology and Law

This master’s programme focuses on the relationship between criminal justice and the various forensic sciences, including forensic psychology, forensic accountancy, forensic DNA research and forensic pathology. It also examines the role that criminal justice plays in societal developments. This is an interdisciplinary master’s programme aimed at students seeking broader insights into criminal justice and criminology.

Graduates find employment in the legal and judicial professions, forensic services, psychiatric services and institutions and in the scientific and management sectors.

The programme is designed for students with a higher vocational education (HBO) or university (WO) degree. This one-year programme (60 ECTS) is taught in both Dutch and English. Graduates will obtain the title of Master of Laws (LLM).

Master in Psychology, specialisation Psychology and Law

This programme focuses on experimental psychology from a forensic perspective. Students seeking future employment in this field learn the value of witness statements, how to draft reports, and how psychological disorders can impact the behaviour of suspects and offenders.

Graduates find employment in the forensic services sector, the scientific sector, juvenile and other detention centres, and youth care centres.

The programme is designed for students with a university bachelor’s degree in psychology, but those with other university degrees may also apply if they can demonstrate sufficient psychological knowledge. This is one-year programme (60 ECTS) is taught exclusively in English. Graduates will obtain the title of Master of Science (MSc).

Master in Forensic Psychology

This master’s programme focuses on clinical psychology from a forensic perspective. Students seeking future employment in this field will learn how to deal with criminal offenders and forensic-psychiatric patients with severe, and often multiple, psychiatric disorders. Forensic psychological assessment, risk assessment and treatment are key themes. Students will also learn about criminal justice and professional ethics. The programme includes a research and a clinical internship in the second year. Graduates meet the entrance requirements for the GZ graduate programme.

Graduates find work in juvenile and other detention centres; the forensic service sector; forensic psychiatric facilities (inpatient and outpatient); probation services; youth care services; child protective services; and the science and management sector.

The programme is designed for students with a university bachelor’s degree in psychology and mental healthcare, or a similar degree from an institution abroad. This is a two-year master’s programme (120 ECTS) taught exclusively in English. Graduates will obtain the title of Master of Science (MSc).

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