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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Global Criminal Law
Header image Global Criminal Law
Master - full-time

Global Criminal Law

Are you interested in how criminal law operates across borders and in a rapidly globalizing world? Do you want to understand how legal systems respond to complex forms of crime such as cybercrime, organized crime and international offences? Then the Global Criminal Law master's programme is the right choice for you.

How is criminal law applied in international and transnational contexts? How do different legal systems cooperate in the fight against global crime? What legal tools exist to address financial crime, terrorism and cybercrime? During this programme, you will explore how criminal law functions beyond national borders and how states cooperate to address global criminal challenges.


✓ Develop in-depth knowledge of substantive and procedural criminal law from a comparative and international perspective
✓ Analyse complex forms of transnational and international crime
✓ Specialize in areas such as organized crime, financial crime, cybercrime and international crimes

This programme combines academic depth with a strong focus on global legal practice. You will examine how criminal law is shaped by international cooperation, evolving security challenges and globalisation.

More than a traditional criminal law degree, this LLM prepares you for a meaningful international career in law, policy and enforcement.

Please visit Faculty of Law webpages for full information on the programme here.

This is a selective LLM. Please see Faculty of Law webpages for admission and selection requirements and application instructions.



Facts & Figures
Degree
LLM in Global Criminal Law
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 EC)
Croho code
60669
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Law
Apply now

Why study this programme in Groningen?

✓ Global perspective on criminal law: explore criminal law beyond national borders and understand how legal systems interact in addressing global crime.

✓ Focus on transnational crime: gain specialized knowledge of organized crime, financial crime, cybercrime and international criminal justice.

✓ Strong academic foundation: benefit from teaching by leading scholars in criminal law and international legal studies.

✓ Skills for international practice: develop advanced research, analytical and presentation skills that are essential for careers in law, policy and enforcement.

✓ Career-oriented programme: prepare for roles in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs and legal practice.

Please visit the webpages of our LLM programmes for full information on the programme .

Programme

Our LLM in Global Criminal Law offers you not only substantive and procedural criminal law, but also international criminal law and criminal behaviour.

You can find the entire schedule of courses and the build-up of the programme on this page , including the description of all courses taught in the LLM Global Criminal Law.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Comparative Criminal Law (6 EC)
Criminal Procedure and Human Rights (6 EC)
Seminar Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters (6 EC)
Cyber crime and Cybersecurity (6 EC)
International Crimes and Gross Human Rights Violations (6 EC)
Organised and Financial Crime (6 EC)
Law in Practice (6 EC)
Master's thesis (12 EC)
International Criminal Tribunals and Courts (6 EC)

Study load

40 hours of class and self-study per week on average

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional

All master students can go for a semester abroad, albeit extracurricularly.

You can extend your programme by one semester and join one of our partners abroad . For more information, please check this page .

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/

knowledge minimum

Basic knowledge of European law and elementary knowledge of public international law
language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/admission-requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Lawall

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

If you have completed a Law degree at a University of Applied Science, this LLM is available to you after having completed a pre-LLM. You can find more information on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Rechtsgeleerdheidall

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

You will have to go through the admission and selection procedure and meet the requirements. You can find more information on these criteria and how to apply on this page: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Liberal Arts and SciencesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

Additional requirements:
  • additional subject
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:

You might be allowed direct admission into this LLM if you have taken a special track within the UCG. For more information, please check https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants

International Relations and International OrganizationUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master

Additional requirements:
  • grade average
  • (motivation-) letter
More information:
International and European LawUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

Make sure to apply in Studielink in time and then contact LLM rug.nl to confirm your application. You can find more information on https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/dutch-qualification-applicants.

Registration procedure

In addition to meeting the admission and selection requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents to complete their application.


Selection procedure

This is a selective LLM. Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Please check the admission and selection requirements for this LLM before applying. This will allow you to have all necessary documentation available when applying and uploading your documents.


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

You can find the previous education requirements here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/

knowledge minimum

Basic knowledge of European law and elementary knowledge of public international law
language test

You can find the English language proficiency requirements, and situations where exemption may be considered, here: https://www.rug.nl/rechten/education/international-programmes/llm/application/admission-requirements

Registration procedure

In addition to meeting the admission and selection requirements , students need to upload the necessary documents to complete their application.


Selection procedure

This is a selective LLM. Please make sure to have uploaded all your documents before 1 May.

Please check the admission and selection requirements for this LLM before applying. This will allow you to have all necessary documentation available when applying and uploading your documents.


Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202701 September 2027
EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202701 September 2027

Tuition fees

NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2026-2027€ 2694full-time
non-EU/EEA2026-2027€ 22200full-time

Practical information for:

Dutch studentsInternational students

After your studies

Job prospects

The Faculty conducts an alumni survey regularly in which we check where the alumni of our programmes are currently working. If you are interested in the results, please check this page . It also gives you some information about the general job prospects of this LLM programme.

Research

Research

The Faculty of Law conducts research in very many fields of law.

Almost all teaching staff have an appointment to both teach and do research. The Faculty's research is organised into several research programmes. In addition to this, the Faculty houses several Centres of Expertise.

All Faculty researchers are linked to or more of these programmes and/or centres and as a result, students will always hear the latest information with regard to academic research done in the area of their LLM.


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Testimonial of Taulant Sejdiu
I embarked on an extensive search for the ideal university to further my passion for international criminal law. My quest led me to the Faculty of Law at the University of Groningen, renowned for its exceptional LLM Global Criminal Law.
– Taulant Sejdiu

This programme perfectly aligned with my aspirations, offering an in-depth exploration of both substantive and procedural criminal law within the realm of global criminality. It encompasses a broad spectrum of specialised topics, including organised and financial crime, cybercrimes, and egregious violations of international human rights. The Faculty's commitment to these critical areas of study made it the unequivocal choice for advancing my knowledge and expertise in this field.


Studying at the Faculty of Law in Groningen has been an incredibly enriching experience. The professors are not only highly knowledgeable but also passionate about their fields, making every lecture engaging and insightful. The courses offered are both diverse and fascinating, covering a wide range of topics that keep me intellectually stimulated. Additionally, the facilities are top-notch, providing a conducive environment for learning and research. The Universiteitsbibliotheek, in particular, stands out with its extensive collection of literature, offering a wealth of resources that support my academic endeavors, which was grace saving while writing my thesis on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers.

Living in the city of Groningen is an absolute delight. The city is vibrant and full of youthful energy, creating an inspiring and dynamic atmosphere. One of the aspects I love most is the flexibility and convenience of biking around town. Groningen's well-designed infrastructure makes it incredibly easy and enjoyable to navigate the city by bike. Additionally, the rich cultural scene, with its numerous cafes, museums, and events, ensures there's always something exciting to do. The blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes Groningen a truly unique and wonderful place to live. The numerous squares and parks add to its charm, and if you live in the city centre, everything, including the university, is just 5 to 10 minutes away. I have made lots of friends from all around the world. Groningen is such an international city, I often forget that I'm living in a Dutch-speaking city.

My experience at the University of Groningen has been instrumental in preparing me for my future, particularly for my upcoming role at the Ministry of Justice in Kosovo. The comprehensive and rigorous Global Criminal Law programme has equipped me with the critical knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of international criminal law. The opportunity to engage with leading experts, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and access extensive resources has greatly enhanced my academic and professional development. This extensive work has given me a solid foundation in understanding complex legal frameworks, such as extraditions and transboundary crimes, which will be directly relevant to my work at the Ministry of Justice. I can apply my expertise to help shape and implement effective legal frameworks and policies. This experience has not only broadened my understanding of global criminal law but also instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to justice and public service.

Interested in reading more testimonials? Please check this page .

Study associations

Nexus

Nexus Student Association Groningen is the student association (studievereniging) for the LLB programme in International and European Law and related master programmes.
These programmes mainly consist of international students and, therefore, Nexus is very internationally orientated. Besides organizing activities to integrate internationals into Dutch culture, such as a political debate with local parties in English, Nexus also aims to provide members with the chance to obtain a social network, participate in the organization of guest lectures or informal activities, attend debating trainings, trips and workshops, all in a multicultural environment.
https://www.nexusstudentassociation.com/

European Law Student's Association Groningen

ELSA Groningen is a Netherlands-based local group of the world's largest law student association. Serving more than 300 Dutch and international members, we help law students better integrate into our faculty and professionally develop into future lawyers or integrate into different legal pathways.
https://www.elsagroningen.org

DSLA

Decentralized Student Association (DSLA) is an association focused on curating and fostering the education and futures of students interested in Technology Law.
DSLA aims to connect law, computing science, and artificial intelligence students, therefore giving DSLA a cross-faculty element. DSLA is an internationally friendly association, and has a number of exciting tech-based events all year round including day excursions around the Netherlands, international trips, moot courts, pub quizzes, debates, monthly socials for our members, and more.
https://www.dslagroningen.org/
Student profile

We are looking for students with a law background, who are motivated to engage critically with criminal law at different levels. Our students are typically:

  • open-minded and curious
  • willing to compare different legal systems and to think outside the scope of their own legal background
  • well-prepared when entering a class-room
  • students who have tolerance and respect towards others and their studies
  • interculturally aware
  • independent, but also able to work in a team
  • willing to engage in active learning
  • students who take initiative
  • have academic integrity
​
Study support

To support you while studying, the Faculty ensures that the schedule is feasible, that mentors, lecturers, and the study advisers provide active study supervision, that exams are marked quickly and that lecturers and the study advisers are readily contactable.

The Faculty will offer a (compulsory) introduction session with all new students of the Faculty's English-taught programmes and induction sessions for you and your programme members. These are led by the study advisers.

The study advisers are available for all matters that might occur and will hinder your studying. These can be personal issues, unexpected circumstances, but also when you need some help in planning or time management. The study advisers will contact you every once in a while, but you are also more than welcome to join them during their office hours or to ask your question through email. If it looks like you will incur study delay, please contact the study adviser yourself. The study adviser can help you with your planning, and also advise you confidentially about study problems and/or personal problems.

If you are interested in making your social network at the start of your programme a bit bigger, the Faculty has a programme set up for this as well: the Buddy Network Law .

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