Programme:

Criminal Law (2026/2027)

Study Cycle:	Third Cycle (Doctoral)
Faculty:	Law

Programme Code:	N-PhDLAWCR180C
Academic year:	2023 / 2024
Title:	Doctor of Legal Sciences - Module: Criminal Law
ECTS:	180 (3 years)
Decision:

The aim of the study program is to offer advanced and specialized modules that will provide in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of criminal law, with the purpose of preparing students for highly professional and academic work in legal professions related to this field. The program seeks to develop highly qualified professionals who will possess solid, critical, and systematized knowledge of the institutions, theory, and foundations of criminal law in the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as comparative insights from legal systems in the region and the European Union.

As a doctoral program, it is intended for candidates who already have a solid background in the field of law and are prepared to develop advanced research and analytical skills. Through an interdisciplinary approach and the application of contemporary scientific research methodologies, the program supports students in building their own academic perspectives, critically re-examining existing legal theories and practices, and producing original scientific contributions in the field of criminal law.

Additionally, the program aims to address current societal challenges, including the phenomena of organized and transnational crime, issues related to the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and the protection of human rights in criminal proceedings. In this way, the doctoral program will not only strengthen the research capacity of the academic community but also contribute to the creation of a critical mass of experts capable of scientific, institutional, and societal engagement toward the advancement of the legal system in the country and beyond.

The diploma of the study program will enable doctoral students to qualify for scientific research work in the field of criminal law sciences, as well as for teaching at universities in the country and abroad. Through this, they will also be actively involved in the process of strengthening the institutional capacities of state authorities, in support of advancing the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration process.

Knowledge and understanding

Has advanced theoretical, empiric and comparative knowledge on criminal law sciences as well as advanced knowledge on the legislation and jurisdiction in the area of the prevention of crime.

Has in-depth understanding of problems related to crime and penal sanctions especially in the fields of comparative criminal law and procedure, theoretical and applicable criminology and penology, organized crime and forensic sciences (medicine, psychiatry, psychology).

Has specific knowledge of advanced research techniques and methods in the area of criminal law and procedure.

Applying knowledge and understanding

Identifies and analyzes more complex problems in the area of criminal law and procedure, thus can take active part in all the stages of a criminal procedure as well as can interpret advanced issues of the criminal legislation (including working as a judge, prosecutor or attorney, once they have the needed qualifications according to the legislation of RNM).

Utilizes the knowledge gained through research in the problem-solving process through comparing practices and solutions in the area of prevention of crime.

Making judgement

Performs more critical thinking through methods of analyzing and comparing.

Develops skills of solving problems through case-law practices of more complex national and international cases.

Communication skills

Utilizes proper terminology for complex and specific issues in the area of criminal law sciences.

Is able to reach decisions and work more directly and effectively in all the police and court stages of a criminal procedure.

Is involved in research based legal argumentation and debate.

Utilizes the official languages of the University as well as more advanced computer skills in the research work.

Learning skills

Develops a regulation of research to be used in their profession.

Creates a practice of lifelong learning and service through being involved in training persons that work in the state institutions of crime prevention.

Semester 1

[DLAW0101] [10 ECTS] Research Methodology
The course aims to enable students to: • Gain in-depth understanding of the nature and role of scientific research in the field of criminal law; • Develop the ability to formulate and structure a scientific research project in line with academic and methodological standards; • Analyze, compare, and critically assess primary and secondary legal sources; • Apply advanced techniques for the collection, processing, and citation of legal and scientific data; • Demonstrate academic integrity and awareness of ethical standards in scientific research.
[DCR0102] [10 ECTS] Criminal Law - Applied program
Course Objectives 1. To deepen students’ understanding of key legal concepts and doctrines in both the general and special parts of criminal law through the critical study of landmark judicial rulings. 2. To develop advanced analytical skills enabling students to accurately classify and apply criminal law norms to complex factual scenarios. 3. To cultivate practical competencies in criminal case analysis and problem-solving using a clinical method that bridges theory and real-world application. 4. To enhance students’ abilities in legal reasoning, argumentation, and advocacy by engaging with authentic case materials and simulated judicial processes. 5. To provide experiential learning opportunities through supervised legal aid clinics, reinforcing ethical responsibilities and professional skills in criminal justice practice.
[10 ECTS] Elective course
- [E3093] Criminology
  Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Deepen their understanding of criminology as an autonomous and interdisciplinary science; • Analyse and critique classical and contemporary theories of crime; • Assess the influence of social, economic, political, and cultural factors on criminal behaviour; • Apply theoretical and methodological approaches in designing advanced scientific research in the field of criminology; • Link criminological analysis with penal policy and practical application of knowledge in various contexts.
- [EDCR0102] Victimology
  Course objectives: 1. Acquisition of knowledge about the concept, origin, and development of victimology as a distinct criminal-legal science; understanding the position of the victim of a criminal offense as a separate subject, their needs and the methods of compensation, as well as their inclusion in the criminal procedure. 2. Identification and analysis of the main victimological issues faced by this contemporary science. 3. Critical analysis of victimological concepts and terms, as well as the application of acquired knowledge to solve hypothetical cases related to the victim of a criminal offense. 4. Successful use of the studied terminology from the field of victimology in various debates and arguments in this field. 5. Development of a learning system through the identification and use of the main sources of the science of victimology.
- [EDCR0103] Criminalistics
  The aim of the "Criminalistics" course is to equip PhD students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge for the scientific analysis of investigative methods, the preservation and evaluation of physical evidence, and the application of forensic technologies within the criminal justice system. The course focuses on developing competencies for independent research, the critical assessment of investigative practices, and the construction of interdisciplinary models for detecting, documenting, and interpreting criminal cases.
- [EDCR0104] Juvenile Delinquency
  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Develop advanced theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency in criminological, legal, and penological context; 2. Interpret and compare penal and social policies, analysing repressive, preventive, and restorative approaches within juvenile justice systems; 3. Critically evaluate criminal procedures and sanctions applied to children, with emphasis on their rehabilitative purpose; 4. Utilize international instruments and standards for the analysis of juvenile justice at both national and international levels; 5. Design and conduct independent scientific research in the field of juvenile delinquency, applying modern and policy-oriented methodological approaches.
- [EDCR0105] International Criminal Law
  This advanced doctoral module provides a comprehensive and critical exploration of the evolving landscape of international criminal law (ICL). It aims to systematically examine the foundational principles, substantive norms, and procedural mechanisms that govern the prosecution and adjudication of core international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation and application of legal norms through international jurisprudence, particularly from institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ad hoc tribunals (ICTY, ICTR), and hybrid courts. The course will also interrogate the interplay between international criminal law and other domains, such as human rights law, international humanitarian law, and transitional justice.
- [E2986] Comparative Criminal Law
  The aim of this course is for students to become familiar with the characteristics, similarities, and differences in the regulation of criminal law in different countries. Within this course, fundamental issues of criminal law will be examined, such as the institutes, principles, subjects involved in procedural actions, evidence and means of proof, measures for securing persons and objects, the stages through which the procedure passes – its initiation, progress, and conclusion – as well as the regulation of the system of legal remedies. After completing this course, students will gain knowledge of the legal systems of various countries.

Semester 2

[C2879] [10 ECTS] Criminal Procedural Law - Applied program
Criminal Procedure Law is a scientific discipline that studies the legal norms regulating the position and competencies of the parties and other subjects involved in the criminal process, as well as the type, form, and conditions for undertaking procedural actions. The subject of study includes the system of legal remedies - both regular and extraordinary - as well as special procedures. Students will be able to gain a deep understanding of the principles of criminal procedure, to distinguish the advantages of criminal procedural legal solutions, to solve numerous examples, assignments, and exercises, and to prepare concrete legal acts, simulated cases, etc.
[C2609] [10 ECTS] Penology
Course Aims: The course “Penology” at the doctoral level aims to provide students with an advanced theoretical and methodological framework for scholarly analysis of penal sanctions, institutions of punishment enforcement, and the societal effects of penal policy. It focuses on developing competencies for independent and critical research in the field of punishment, penal reform, prisoners’ rights, and the role of the penal system in a democratic rule-of-law state.
[10 ECTS] Elective course
- [E3093] Criminology
  Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Deepen their understanding of criminology as an autonomous and interdisciplinary science; • Analyse and critique classical and contemporary theories of crime; • Assess the influence of social, economic, political, and cultural factors on criminal behaviour; • Apply theoretical and methodological approaches in designing advanced scientific research in the field of criminology; • Link criminological analysis with penal policy and practical application of knowledge in various contexts.
- [EDCR0102] Victimology
  Course objectives: 1. Acquisition of knowledge about the concept, origin, and development of victimology as a distinct criminal-legal science; understanding the position of the victim of a criminal offense as a separate subject, their needs and the methods of compensation, as well as their inclusion in the criminal procedure. 2. Identification and analysis of the main victimological issues faced by this contemporary science. 3. Critical analysis of victimological concepts and terms, as well as the application of acquired knowledge to solve hypothetical cases related to the victim of a criminal offense. 4. Successful use of the studied terminology from the field of victimology in various debates and arguments in this field. 5. Development of a learning system through the identification and use of the main sources of the science of victimology.
- [EDCR0103] Criminalistics
  The aim of the "Criminalistics" course is to equip PhD students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge for the scientific analysis of investigative methods, the preservation and evaluation of physical evidence, and the application of forensic technologies within the criminal justice system. The course focuses on developing competencies for independent research, the critical assessment of investigative practices, and the construction of interdisciplinary models for detecting, documenting, and interpreting criminal cases.
- [EDCR0104] Juvenile Delinquency
  Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Develop advanced theoretical analysis of the phenomenon of juvenile delinquency in criminological, legal, and penological context; 2. Interpret and compare penal and social policies, analysing repressive, preventive, and restorative approaches within juvenile justice systems; 3. Critically evaluate criminal procedures and sanctions applied to children, with emphasis on their rehabilitative purpose; 4. Utilize international instruments and standards for the analysis of juvenile justice at both national and international levels; 5. Design and conduct independent scientific research in the field of juvenile delinquency, applying modern and policy-oriented methodological approaches.
- [EDCR0105] International Criminal Law
  This advanced doctoral module provides a comprehensive and critical exploration of the evolving landscape of international criminal law (ICL). It aims to systematically examine the foundational principles, substantive norms, and procedural mechanisms that govern the prosecution and adjudication of core international crimes, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation and application of legal norms through international jurisprudence, particularly from institutions such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), the ad hoc tribunals (ICTY, ICTR), and hybrid courts. The course will also interrogate the interplay between international criminal law and other domains, such as human rights law, international humanitarian law, and transitional justice.
- [E2986] Comparative Criminal Law
  The aim of this course is for students to become familiar with the characteristics, similarities, and differences in the regulation of criminal law in different countries. Within this course, fundamental issues of criminal law will be examined, such as the institutes, principles, subjects involved in procedural actions, evidence and means of proof, measures for securing persons and objects, the stages through which the procedure passes – its initiation, progress, and conclusion – as well as the regulation of the system of legal remedies. After completing this course, students will gain knowledge of the legal systems of various countries.

Semester 3

[C2610] [10 ECTS] Doctoral Project Proposal
This activity involves the preparation of an independent research project under supervision, which forms the basis of the doctoral dissertation. The student begins the process of developing the dissertation research plan by systematically elaborating its key components. The activities include identifying and reviewing relevant literature, defining the theoretical framework and research hypotheses, selecting and specifying the research methodology, and developing an individual research plan. The process is completed with a first public presentation of the research project.
[C2611] [20 ECTS] Scientific Research Work
In the second year the candidate continues with research activity by approved individual plan. The mentor provides assessment on these activities in the form of a report to the Scientific-Teaching Council of the Faculty.

Semester 4

[C2612] [25 ECTS] Publications I
Publication of research activities under the table relevant to the media for publication. Publication activities and successes of the candidate checked before scientific audience by area and relevance of the research.
[C2020] [5 ECTS] Student Mobility
During the fourth semester the student is obliged to visit and contribute to a relevant institution abroad for a period of at least one week. The aim of PhD students’ mobility is to request candidates to present, exchange and discuss their research work with their colleagues from other countries for improving the quality of their dissertation. For the realization of mobility, the student brings evidence to the mentor.

Semester 5

[C2613] [10 ECTS] Presentation of Research Results
At the end of the 5th semester, after the research activities under the individual plan, overall results of this phase of the paper and the research will publicly be presented by the candidate.
[C2614] [20 ECTS] Publications II
Publication of research activities under the table relevant to the media for publication. Publication activities and successes of the candidate checked before scientific audience by area and relevance of the research.

Semester 6

[CR-PhD-THESIS ] [30 ECTS] Doctoral Dissertation
The Doctoral Dissertation is an academic endeavor that involves conducting original scientific research in a specific field of study. This process includes identifying a significant research problem, developing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting results in a systematic and scientific manner. The aim is for students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and generate new knowledge or innovative approaches within their field. The activity is designed to develop skills in critical and synthetic analysis, the use of advanced research methodologies, the scientific presentation of results, and adherence to the principles of academic integrity. Furthermore, the dissertation prepares students for professional and academic contributions, as well as active participation in the international scientific community. Upon completion, the doctoral dissertation is prepared under mentorship and submitted to the Teaching-Scientific Council of the relevant faculty. Once reviewed and approved by the Council, it is delivered to the members of the examining committee, marking the beginning of the procedure for the public defense.