Criminology
University of Mainz, Germany
Master of Arts in Criminology (Kriminologie)
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Criminology
Program Overview: Master of Arts in Criminology
The Master of Arts in Criminology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is an interdisciplinary postgraduate program that sits at the intersection of doctrinal legal analysis and empirical research. Offered by the Faculty of Law, Management and Economics, it provides advanced training in criminological theory, criminal law, forensic sciences, and applied research methods over four semesters.
This program is designed for graduates of law, psychology, sociology, and medicine who wish to deepen their understanding of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Students engage with core topics including legal psychology, forensic psychiatry, forensic medicine, and statistics, preparing them for both academic and professional careers in the criminological field.
Taught entirely in German, the program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical projects and direct engagement between science and professional practice. Students benefit from the resources of one of Germany's largest research universities, with over 32,000 students and a strong tradition in the social sciences and law.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary curriculum combining criminal law, legal psychology, forensic psychiatry, and forensic medicine
- Integrated practical projects and a criminological forum connecting academic research with professional practice
- Housed within a major research university ranked among the top 200 worldwide by ARWU
- Strong focus on empirical research methods including criminal risk assessment and applied statistics
Curriculum and Modules
The M.A. in Criminology is structured across four semesters, beginning with foundational topics and progressively advancing to specialized areas and independent research. The curriculum integrates legal doctrine with empirical criminological methods, ensuring graduates are equipped for both research and applied professional roles.
Covers the foundations of the master's program, including criminological aspects of juvenile criminal law and the law of sentencing and preventive measures, alongside an introduction to international criminology.
Provides introductions to legal psychology and forensic psychiatry, examining the psychological and psychiatric dimensions of criminal behavior and their application in legal contexts.
Explores forensic medicine and clinical criminology, covering the medical aspects of crime investigation and the clinical assessment and treatment of offenders.
Examines the criminological aspects of the code of criminal procedure and the law of penal and preventive detention, as well as the legal foundations of expert witness practice and sociology of law.
Focuses on applied seminar work in criminal risk assessment (Kriminalprognostik), advanced statistical methods relevant to criminological research, and the forensic-criminological case seminar.
Elective and Specialization Options
Admission Requirements
The M.A. in Criminology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has a competitive local admission restriction (Numerus Clausus). The program targets graduates from specific academic backgrounds who wish to specialize in criminological research and practice. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeBachelor's degree in Law (with focus on criminal law, criminal justice, or criminology), Psychology, Sociology, or Medicine from a recognized institution, or an equivalent qualification
- Interdisciplinary BackgroundApplicants with a minor in Criminal Justice Administration (Strafrechtspflege) or comparable interdisciplinary training are also eligible
- Minimum Credits (if degree pending)At least 135 credit points completed if the bachelor's degree certificate is not yet available at the time of application
- Admission TypeLocal Numerus Clausus (NC) — competitive selection based on academic performance
- Additional RequirementsTranscript of records with current GPA required if final degree certificate is not yet issued
Language Requirements
- DSHDSH-2 (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) — must be demonstrated by the end of the first semester
- TestDaFTestDaF Level 4 in all four sections (equivalent to DSH-2)
- ExemptionApplicants who obtained their university entrance qualification or a degree at a German-speaking institution are exempt from the language requirement
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
As a public university in Germany, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz offers various funding opportunities for international students. Several national and institutional scholarships are available to support your studies in the Criminology master's program. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on funding options.
DAAD Scholarships for International Students
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers a range of scholarships for international master's students in Germany, covering living expenses and often including health insurance and travel allowances.
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
EUR 300 per monthA merit-based scholarship funded jointly by the German federal government and private sponsors, awarded to high-achieving students regardless of nationality at participating German universities including JGU Mainz.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the M.A. in Criminology from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz are prepared for diverse careers in criminal justice, public policy, forensic consulting, and academic research. The program's interdisciplinary approach — combining law, psychology, forensic science, and statistics — equips you with a unique skill set valued across public and private sectors.
Potential Career Paths
Typical Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz is consistently recognized among the leading research universities in Germany and globally. It features prominently in all major international ranking systems and is particularly noted for its strength in the social sciences, law, and interdisciplinary research.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #281 worldwide, #18 in Germany |
| Law | JGU Faculty Reputation | Contact Uni4Edu for current data |
| Social Sciences | QS World University Rankings | Top 500 |
| European University Ranking | U.S. News | Top 100 in Europe |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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