Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology in Madrid.

This course is designed to connect theory with professional application, starting from the fundamentals of constitutional law and the analysis of the legal system to understand the organization of the state and its legitimacy. Based on the sources of law, the Constitution, and treaties, students will develop analytical skills, legal argumentation, and the management of normative and jurisprudential information. The course also covers rights and freedoms, their guarantees and limitations, as well as the functioning of public institutions (Parliament, Government, Judiciary, and Constitutional Court), strengthening critical thinking, precise terminology, and academic communication. In this way, the subject provides professional applicability to criminology in the fields of security, public administration, and regulatory compliance, promoting decision-making with criteria and respect for the legal framework.

Starting from updated conceptual frameworks, this course provides a comprehensive view of the structure, management, and behavior of organizations. Through the study of business functions —production, marketing, finance, and human resources—, students analyze decision-making processes, leadership, communication, and change management. The approach encourages understanding of organizational behavior and the factors that determine institutional effectiveness, linking management knowledge with the interpretation of social or even criminal dynamics in corporate environments. In this way, students develop analytical and planning skills applicable to criminology, team management, and the ethical resolution of conflicts in both public and private contexts.

Starting from a historical and critical perspective, this course examines how crime and public order in Spain have been shaped from Antiquity to the present, focusing on the social, cultural, and legal causes of crime. The analysis of punishment, prosecution, and control methods allows for an understanding of the evolution of the penal system and the institutions responsible for ensuring security. By working with historical sources and normative texts, students strengthen their analytical and interpretive skills, which are essential for relating past processes to the contemporary challenges of criminology. In this way, the subject promotes a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between justice, power, and society.

With an applied and multidisciplinary approach, this course introduces the fundamentals of economics and its relationship with criminology, explaining how incentives and resource allocation influence individual and collective decisions. Through Principles of Economics, students understand the mechanisms of microeconomics —supply, demand, consumer behavior, and market structure— and the equilibria of macroeconomics, such as employment, inflation, and the financial system. The learning combines theoretical models and practical analysis, reinforcing skills in critical reasoning, data interpretation, and the application of economic tools to social, institutional, and public policy contexts related to criminology.

From a critical and integrative perspective, this course provides an overview of the evolution of criminological thought and the approaches that explain the genesis and reproduction of criminal behavior, connecting the analysis of the offender with the study of crime, the victim, and social control. In this sense, it promotes transversal competencies in analysis and synthesis of information, hypothesis formulation, critical reasoning, teamwork, and the use of ICT, alongside specific skills such as mastery of criminological theories, understanding the social context of crime, knowledge of criminal typologies, and the use of legal sources applied to professional practice.

Additionally, it integrates key contents —Classical School, biological theories, ecological theories (Chicago), differential association, anomie, criminal subcultures, control and labeling, as well as Critical Criminology, integrated approaches, and new perspectives— to establish an empirical understanding of the criminal phenomenon and support the design of prevention models and treatment programs, encouraging active student participation in case analysis and the resolution of practical exercises throughout the semester.

With a foundational approach within the Bachelor's Degree (Hons) in Criminology, this course provides the basics to understand social phenomena and criminality in their general context. It allows students to familiarize themselves with the main theoretical currents and sociological research methods, as well as the most relevant scientific debates on social structure, change, and conflict. Throughout the course, students study the foundations of the social —interaction, culture, socialization, and structure—, forms of inequality and stratification —class, ethnicity, gender, and mobility—, as well as the processes of change and globalization that shape contemporary society.

The course fosters the development of competencies such as analytical and synthesis skills, hypothesis formulation, critical reasoning, and collaborative work, which are applicable to professional criminological practice. The methodology combines lectures, tutoring, and individual and group assignments, with continuous assessment based on exams (40%), collective and individual assignments (50%), and complementary activities (10%), ensuring rigorous and autonomous learning.

This course provides a deep understanding of the strategic role that information, knowledge, and intelligence play in the prevention and fight against organized crime. Students learn how to identify, manage, and transform data into useful knowledge for decision-making, exploring the disciplines of knowledge management, intelligence, and foresight as essential tools for both public and private organizations.

The course examines information management systems, organizational innovation and learning processes, as well as foresight analysis techniques aimed at anticipating risks and opportunities. It fosters competencies in data analysis, source management, critical thinking, and collaborative work, all applied to criminological contexts. The methodology combines theoretical classes, debates, and case studies with continuous assessment based on exams (50%) and practical activities and individual or group assignments (50%), promoting autonomous learning and practical professional orientation.

This course delves into the study of legal language and forensic linguistics, equipping students with the skills to understand, analyze, and accurately draft texts specific to the judicial and legal fields. Through a practical approach, the course focuses on the characteristics of forensic language as a specialized language, professional writing structures and techniques, as well as linguistic courtesy and argumentation.

In its second part, the course introduces the fundamentals of forensic linguistics, a discipline that examines the relationship between language and law, addressing the identification of linguistic crimes such as plagiarism or defamation, as well as evidential analysis using techniques like authorship attribution, profiling, and forensic phonetics.

Students will develop competencies in critical analysis, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and the application of linguistic knowledge to legal contexts. The course combines theory and practice with continuous assessment, based on exams (50%), classroom exercises (40%), and complementary activities (10%), fostering rigorous and applied learning.

This course provides an essential introduction to Civil Law and its foundations, equipping students with the necessary legal base to understand the protection of the individual and their rights within the framework of Criminology. It analyzes the sources of law, the application and interpretation of norms, and the legal effects of time, alongside the study of the individual, capacity, nationality, civil status, and personal rights.

The course pays particular attention to rights to honor, privacy, image, and data protection, with a focus on the challenges posed by the digital environment and new technologies. It also addresses issues related to civil liability and family and succession law.

Learning fosters competencies in legal analysis, argumentation, normative interpretation, and critical thinking, which are fundamental for professional practice in Criminology. The assessment combines theory and practice through exams (60%) and applied activities and assignments (40%), ensuring solid and contextually relevant legal training.

Permite comprender el papel de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) en el ámbito jurídico y criminológico, fomentando el uso responsable, seguro y estratégico de la información digital. El alumnado adquiere competencias para buscar, analizar y gestionar información criminológica mediante herramientas informáticas, bases de datos y recursos en línea, así como para emplear aplicaciones ofimáticas y sistemas de administración electrónica. Se abordan temas como Internet en la cuarta revolución industrial, identidad digital, protección de datos, inteligencia artificial, seguridad informática y informática forense, promoviendo un enfoque crítico sobre los retos tecnológicos del Derecho y la Criminología. La materia potencia la alfabetización digital, la gestión del dato y la comunicación en entornos virtuales, preparando al estudiante para entornos multidisciplinares. La evaluación combina examen práctico (40%) y actividades aplicadas, individuales y grupales (60%), incluyendo una exposición oral obligatoria, asegurando un aprendizaje activo, ético y orientado a la práctica profesional.

This course facilitates the understanding and analysis of various criminal phenomena from a legal, social, and criminological perspective, enabling students to identify, classify, and describe the main types of contemporary crime. The subject covers the systematic study of violent, sexual, organized, juvenile, environmental, and cybercrime, as well as specific phenomena such as terrorism, gender-based violence, domestic violence, and hate speech.

Through the use of case studies, debates, and analysis of legislation and jurisprudence, the course promotes a critical and applied view of crime as a complex social fact. Essential competencies such as analytical skills, research, critical reasoning, and criminological data interpretation are reinforced.

The methodology combines theoretical and practical classes with continuous assessment, focusing on the application of theoretical knowledge in professional contexts related to security, prevention, and criminal justice.

This course provides the theoretical and methodological foundations necessary to understand and apply the scientific method in the study of criminal phenomena. It allows students to design, develop, and present criminological research projects, integrating hypothesis formulation, method selection, and the management of information sources and data. Throughout the course, students will analyze the types of scientific knowledge, the empirical nature of Criminology, data collection and analysis techniques, ethics in research, and the professional applications of research in various fields —criminal, forensic, or intelligence—.

The course fosters critical thinking, scientific argumentation, and teamwork, preparing students for both research and academic practice. Continuous assessment includes theoretical exams (50%), assignments and participation (30%), and complementary activities (20%), ensuring applied and rigorous learning focused on scientific excellence.

This course delves into the analysis of social processes that define and regulate deviance, understood as a cultural and normative construct, essential for understanding criminal phenomena. Through a critical and comparative approach, students examine the main sociological theories —from anomie and social control to symbolic interactionism and critical criminology— and their application to the study of deviant behaviors, stigma, and mechanisms of exclusion.

The course also explores the relationship between deviance and inequalities related to class, gender, ethnicity, age, or mental health, as well as new forms of control and resistance in the digital and global age. It fosters the ability to interpret social phenomena from an interdisciplinary perspective and develop analytical thinking oriented toward criminological practice.

Assessment combines individual work (50%), theoretical exams (40%), and practical activities and seminars (10%), promoting critical and participatory learning.

This course provides a comprehensive view of the basic psychological processes that explain human behavior and its relationship to criminological phenomena. Students acquire knowledge of the main psychological paradigms and theories, the interaction between the individual and the environment, and the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that influence behavior. It covers processes such as learning, memory, perception, motivation, emotion, personality, and attitudes, with direct applications to the analysis of crime, violence, and victimization.

The course also addresses topics in social and group psychology, exploring the influence of groups, prejudice, and obedience on criminal behavior. It fosters competencies in observation, critical analysis, teamwork, and communication, which are essential for criminological practice.

Continuous assessment includes exams and reports (60%), practical exercises and assignments (30%), and complementary activities (10%), ensuring applied training that aligns with the professional profile of a criminologist.

This course provides a comprehensive view of security policies, strategies, and structures in both national and international contexts, addressing their theoretical, institutional, and practical foundations from a multidisciplinary perspective. Students analyze the political, social, and technological dimensions of security, along with the main risk management and prevention models applied in globalized societies.

The course covers key topics such as national security, cybersecurity, terrorism, transnational crime, and the protection of critical infrastructure, as well as security and defense culture as the foundation of democratic security.

Students will develop competencies in strategic analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are essential for professional management in criminology and public or private security.

Assessment combines midterm exams (80%) and assignments and case studies (20%), ensuring applied training focused on decision-making.

This course allows students to apply psychological and psychosocial knowledge to the study of criminal behavior, the victim, and the contexts in which crime occurs. Building on the foundations acquired in "Introduction to Psychology," students analyze the individual and situational determinants of crime, the processes of learning violence, and the risk and protective factors involved.

Key areas such as forensic psychology, testimony psychology, criminal victimization, prison and police psychology, as well as crime prevention strategies at various levels, are addressed.

The course fosters competencies in applied psychological analysis, expert evaluation, psychosocial intervention, and teamwork, integrating theory and practice within criminological contexts.

Continuous assessment includes exams or dossiers (60%), practical exercises and assignments (30%), and complementary activities (10%), ensuring rigorous, applied, and prevention-oriented training.

This course analyzes the legal framework that regulates security as an essential public service and its interaction with private initiative, offering a comprehensive view of the security system in Spain. Students study the constitutional principles, the organization of the security forces and bodies, the legal limits of their actions, and the relationship between security, liberty, and fundamental rights.

The course also covers the liability of the public administration and the legal regime of private security, with a special focus on the regulations, competencies, and functions of the various actors involved.

It promotes the development of analytical, interpretive, and critical competencies applied to the management and regulation of public and private security.

Continuous assessment combines practical assignments and complementary activities (40%) with a final theoretical exam (60%), ensuring solid and up-to-date training within the legal framework of Criminology and security.

This course integrates the study of the political, social, and legal guidelines that define crime and the response of the penal system, along with the analysis of the victim and victimization processes.

In the first part, it covers criminal policy models, the role of criminal law as social control, and current trends in legislative and security matters, promoting a critical understanding of the state's punitive power.

In the second part, the course delves into victimology as an applied discipline, examining forms of victimization, victims' rights, mechanisms of assistance and reparation, and new forms of restorative justice and criminal mediation.

The course develops competencies in legal-criminological analysis, applied research, communication, and critical thinking, which are essential for professional practice.

Continuous assessment includes exams (50%), assignments (30%), and active participation (10%), ensuring reflective learning committed to the values of justice and equity.

This course introduces the theoretical and methodological foundations of criminal law as an essential tool for protecting legal assets and guaranteeing fundamental rights. Students study the goals and limits of the state's punitive power, the principles of legality, culpability, and proportionality, and the structural elements of the legal theory of crime: action, typicality, unlawfulness, culpability, the criminal process, authorship, and participation.

The course also examines justification defenses, modifying circumstances, concurrence of crimes, and the determination of punishment, providing a solid foundation for later subjects such as Special Criminal Law.

The course enhances competencies in legal analysis, argumentation, critical reasoning, and the practical application of law.

Continuous assessment includes a final exam (60%), practical cases and questionnaires (30%), and complementary activities (10%), promoting rigorous learning oriented toward professional practice in the legal and criminological fields.

This course focuses on learning English applied to Criminology and Law, developing the linguistic competencies necessary to navigate international academic and professional contexts. Through a communicative approach, the course reinforces skills in listening and speaking, as well as reading and writing, along with mastery of grammar and specialized vocabulary in areas such as crime, violence, cybercrime, and criminal and civil law.

The goal is to achieve a B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference, ensuring effective and precise communication in legal and criminological environments. The course also promotes autonomy in learning, intercultural competence, and the ability to work in multilingual settings.

Continuous assessment includes written and oral tests (40%), assignments and practical activities (40%), and participation in complementary activities (20%), ensuring balanced progress in all linguistic skills.

With a practical and scientific approach, the Criminalistics programme offers comprehensive training in the main techniques for investigation, discovery, and forensic verification of criminal acts. Students learn how to conduct the crime scene inspection, collection, and preservation of samples, as well as preparing and defending the crime scene report before the judicial authority.

The curriculum is structured into four blocks — Criminalistics, Forensic Sciences, Forensic Technologies, and Introduction to the area — with activities such as laboratory practices in simulated crime scenes. The course develops competencies in observation, analysis, and the application of scientific methods.

The methodology combines theoretical classes, practical sessions, and personalized tutoring, with a total workload of 180 hours (6 ECTS) and a continuous assessment system that equally weighs multiple-choice exams and applied assignments. This comprehensive approach promotes technical rigor, professional ethics, and the ability to intervene effectively in real forensic investigation contexts.

With an interdisciplinary approach between Medicine and Law, Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences delves into the medico-legal and expert procedures that support the scientific investigation of facts with legal relevance. The programme covers everything from thanatology and forensic pathology to forensic psychiatry, toxicology, pediatrics, and sexology, also incorporating biological and genetic identification as a key analytical tool.

Through theoretical classes and practical seminars focused on real cases, students acquire competencies in medico-legal diagnosis, damage assessment, and the preparation of expert reports, integrating the ethical and deontological principles of the judicial field. With a workload of 6 ECTS (180 hours) and continuous assessment balancing theory and practice, the course promotes critical thinking, scientific precision, and professional responsibility in forensic expertise.

From an analytical and applied perspective, Evaluation of Programs and Public Policies trains students in the use of applied social research tools to assess the effectiveness, impact, and coherence of state actions in areas such as security, justice, or social reintegration. The course covers the phases, methods, and evaluation modalities —from planning and monitoring to meta-evaluation and impact analysis—, integrating current regulatory frameworks such as the Law 27/2022 on the institutionalization of public policy evaluation.

Through theoretical classes, practical exercises, and a group project to evaluate a real program, students develop competencies in critical analysis, tool design, and communication of results. With a total dedication of 6 ECTS (180 hours) and continuous assessment balanced between theoretical tests and practical work, this course promotes a strategic and responsible view of public action within the criminological field.

With a strong practical orientation, Criminal Procedural Law delves into the norms, principles, and phases of the criminal process that ensure the legitimate exercise of the state's ius puniendi and the effective protection of fundamental rights. The programme covers the study of the jurisdiction and competence of the courts, the procedural parties, investigation acts, the oral trial, and the execution of sentences, including special procedures and evidence evaluation.

Through theoretical-practical classes, analysis of rulings, and resolution of real cases, students develop competencies in legal interpretation, argumentation, and procedural application. With a total dedication of 6 ECTS (180 hours) and continuous assessment based on 60% exams and 40% practical activities, the course promotes a comprehensive understanding of the criminal process as an essential pillar of justice and legal security.

With a practical and humanistic orientation, Prison Law delves into the legal framework that regulates the execution of sentences and security measures, guaranteeing the fundamental rights of individuals deprived of their liberty and their social reintegration. The programme covers the functioning of the Spanish penitentiary system, classification regimes and levels, security measures, life within the prison, the victim's involvement, and judicial control of penitentiary activities.

Through theoretical classes, case analysis, and innovative methodologies —such as gamification and cooperative learning—, students develop competencies to design treatment and reintegration strategies tailored to different contexts. With a total workload of 6 ECTS (180 hours) and continuous assessment based on theoretical-practical tests and active participation, this course fosters ethical commitment, social sensitivity, and a critical understanding of the penal system and its resocializing function.

With a practical and restorative perspective, this subject prepares students to apply alternative conflict resolution methods (ACRM) —such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration— in both judicial and extrajudicial contexts. It promotes a humanistic view of justice based on communication, empathy, and reparation, guiding future criminologists toward restorative justice models and crime prevention.

Through workshops, role-playing, and case analysis, students develop skills in emotional management, collaborative leadership, and criminal or penitentiary mediation. With a workload of 6 ECTS and a continuous assessment system that combines theory, practice, and active participation, this course promotes comprehensive training in the peaceful management of conflicts and in the creation of effective and ethically responsible agreements.

With an analytical and committed approach, this subject delves into the foundations of the Welfare State and its relationship with social rights, poverty, and exclusion, addressing its impact on crime and social cohesion. The programme develops the ability to identify factors of vulnerability, inequality, and victimization, as well as to design inclusion and reintegration strategies from a criminological perspective.

Through the study of public policies, data analysis, and practical cases, students acquire competencies to assess social measures and understand the criminologist's role in the management of inclusion and prevention programs. With a workload of 6 ECTS and continuous assessment based on theoretical tests, applied work, and active participation, this course fosters an ethical, critical, and welfare-oriented vision focused on collective well-being.

With an applied approach focused on research, this subject develops the competencies necessary for the statistical treatment and quantitative analysis of information in criminological and social contexts. Through the study of principles of descriptive statistics, probability, and inference, students learn to collect, organize, and interpret data with scientific precision.

Tools such as regression, correlation, and variable distribution are applied to detect patterns and make evidence-based decisions. Through theoretical-practical classes, exercises, and the use of digital resources, the course fosters analytical thinking, methodological rigor, and information management skills, which are fundamental for professional practice in Criminology.

With a comprehensive view of the political-administrative system, this subject offers an in-depth understanding of the Spanish and European public institutional framework and its role in managing security, crime, and victim support. Students learn to identify and analyze the functioning of public administration, intergovernmental relations, and the interaction between different levels of government —national, regional, local, and European—.

Through case studies, debates, and normative analysis, the course fosters critical thinking regarding the decisions made by public and private agents, as well as an ethical and collaborative view of public service. With a workload of 6 ECTS and continuous assessment based on theoretical tests, practical exercises, and active participation, it promotes the development of strategic competencies for understanding and improving public policies.

With a technical and applied approach, this subject delves into the study of crimes defined in the Special Part of the Criminal Code, integrating the knowledge acquired in the General Part for its practical application in specific cases. Through the systematic analysis of crimes against life, liberty, physical integrity, property, or public administration, students learn to identify the elements of the criminal offense, interpret the law, and determine the corresponding criminal liability.

The methodology combines theoretical classes, resolution of practical cases, case law analysis, and legal debates, fostering argumentation and critical reasoning. With a total workload of 6 ECTS and continuous assessment based on exams, practical exercises, and active participation, the course promotes legal rigor, analytical capacity, and the professional competence necessary for the interpretation and application of criminal law in criminological contexts.

Focused on professional integration, external internships allow students to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired to real work contexts in criminological, legal, or social fields. Their goal is to consolidate comprehensive training and professional competencies through active participation in institutions, public organizations, or private entities related to security, justice, and prevention.

During the internship period, students develop skills in analysis, decision-making, teamwork, and professional ethics, preparing intermediate reports and a final report supervised by academic and professional mentors. With a workload of 24 ECTS (520 hours) distributed throughout the course, this experience fosters autonomy, responsibility, and preparation for a qualified entry into the labor market.

The culminating stage of the academic path, the Bachelor's Thesis represents the synthesis of the knowledge, competencies, and skills acquired throughout the Criminology programme. Under the supervision of a tutor, the student develops an original project, report, or study that applies research methods, critical analysis, and academic argumentation to a topic of social, legal, or scientific relevance.

The development of the thesis promotes autonomy, reflective thinking, and academic communication skills, both written and oral, through the drafting and public defense of the project. With a workload of 6 ECTS (180 hours) and personalized guidance, this course fosters the student's research maturity and professional outlook for the future criminologist.

This module promotes comprehensive university education by recognizing the active participation of students in cultural, sports, solidarity, and cooperation activities, complementing their academic development. It allows students to earn up to 6 ECTS credits through involvement in experiences that reinforce values such as social responsibility, cooperation, leadership, and employability. Recognized activities include attending conferences and congresses, student representation, volunteering, language learning, and participation in institutional projects.

With a transversal nature, this course fosters the civic engagement and ethical commitment of the student, consolidating their personal and professional development beyond the classroom.

With a global and analytical perspective, this subject addresses the principles, sources, and mechanisms of international criminal law, focused on the prosecution and punishment of the most serious crimes affecting the international community. The programme examines crimes of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression, as well as the role of international courts and judicial cooperation between states.

Through the study of real cases, debates, and case law analysis, students develop competencies in legal reasoning, normative interpretation, and critical argumentation. With a workload of 6 ECTS and continuous assessment based on assignments, exams, and active participation, it fosters a deep understanding of international criminal justice and its role in protecting human rights and global order.

From a legal and practical perspective, this subject equips students to understand the occupational risk prevention system and its integration into the business organization. It analyzes the rights and obligations of employers and employees in terms of health and safety, covering administrative, criminal, civil, and social security areas.

The programme includes the study of the national and international regulatory framework, preventive management in companies, liability for non-compliance, and worker participation in prevention.

Through lectures, case resolution, and applied practices, the course fosters the development of competencies in legal analysis, social responsibility, and a preventive culture, which are essential for professional practice in safe and ethical work environments.

From an interdisciplinary and criminological perspective, this subject offers an in-depth analysis of the phenomena of terrorism and organized crime, as well as their interconnections at the national and international levels. It examines the processes of violent radicalization, individual motivations, and deradicalization mechanisms, along with the study of the main models of counterterrorism policies and strategies.

The course also addresses the structure, evolution, and networks of organized crime, with particular focus on its transnational dimension and its impact on European and Spanish security.

Through critical readings, case analysis, seminars, and debates, students develop competencies in social interpretation, critical thinking, and the design of preventive strategies, integrating theoretical knowledge with the practical application typical of contemporary criminology.

With a critical and multidisciplinary perspective, this subject delves into the origin, causes, and manifestations of violence against women, addressing both its historical and social dimension as well as its legal and criminological treatment. It analyzes the mechanisms of legitimization and delegitimization of violence over time, the discourses that sustain it, and the role of feminism in its eradication.

The programme includes the study of criminal legislation, public policies, and prevention and intervention strategies, with special focus on the Comprehensive Law against Gender-based Violence and the protection of victims and minors.

Through debates, case analysis, and applied practices, students develop competencies in critical analysis, social awareness, and the design of preventive measures, which are essential for understanding and transforming gender-based violence dynamics in contemporary society.

With a psychological and criminological approach, this subject analyzes the personal, social, and emotional factors that cause aggression and antisocial behavior during childhood and adolescence. Through the study of developmental psychology, risk and protective variables, and group and family dynamics, students learn to interpret the processes that lead to juvenile violence and design prevention and psychosocial intervention strategies.

The programme combines theoretical analysis with practical application in cases of school bullying, filiocentric violence, criminal behavior, and problematic use of technology. Through participatory classes, fieldwork, and case studies, the course fosters critical reflection and the development of competencies for early detection and educational and social intervention in response to antisocial behavior.