The aim of the second-cycle study program in Criminalistics and Security is to prepare students for successful careers in the police, judicial institutions, state administration bodies, as well as for academic and research work in the fields of criminalistics and security sciences.
Through carefully designed courses, students will acquire advanced theoretical knowledge and professional skills for addressing complex security challenges. They will develop a thorough understanding of the functioning of the judicial system and law enforcement agencies, as well as expertise in the field of forensic science.
A particularly important component of the program is the practical training conducted in the modernly equipped Forensic Laboratory at the Faculty of Law of the South East European University. There, students actively participate in practical activities such as examination of biological traces, rapid drug testing, simulation of crime scene investigation, dactyloscopy, and the application of various forensic techniques.
These activities enable students to develop advanced skills in forensic analysis and investigative processes, preparing them for their future professional role in combating crime and enhancing security and justice in society.
The Law Faculty diploma is recognized by the Chamber of Lawyers and Notaries in RNM. Exercise of legal professions requires formal registration in these rooms. Graduate of the Faculty of Law enables students to approach the relevant state bodies, especially in judicial branch as courts and public prosecutors. The Law Faculty has signed cooperation agreements with the Academy for training of judges and public prosecutors in the RNM. Students who will have the ambition to deal with scientific research work, the Law Faculty of SEEU, enables the continuation of the studies-PhD studies. Students in this program, are also professionally trained for all occupations in the field of national and international security, with particular emphasis on the practice of professions within the organs of security system in the country.
Knowledge and understanding
- Has advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of national security system and reproduces knowledge about goals and safety standards;
- Has knowledge and insights on specific measures and preventive and repressive actions of the security in the context of crisis management situations and the priorities in the field of security;
- Possesses a detailed knowledge of understanding and acceptance of basic principles of professional ethics in the field of security;
- Has a specific understanding on the technologies and methodologies of research in the field of security;
Applying knowledge and understanding
- Identifies and implements policies, procedures and safety rules in the field;
- Identifies and analyses the most complex issues in the field of security, taking part actively in all phases of the implementation of policies, procedures and decisions in the field of security and the establishment of safety standards in organizations and institutions in the field security;
- Interprets and discusses contemporary issues related to complex risks, challenges and threats to security;
- Formulates plans, reports and strategic documents in the field of crisis management situations and to use techniques and control mechanisms of safety standards;
- Applies knowledge gained through the research process of solving complex and practical issues of security;
Making judgement
- Makes decisions for solving the most complex cases through research to create practical policies, procedures and decisions in the security field;
- Evaluates and differentiates safety standards organizations and institutions in the security field;
- Has advanced critical thinking by applying the method of analysis and comparison;
Communication skills
- Utilizes proper terminology for complex and specific issues in the area of security system.
- 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
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[MCSS1011]
[6 ECTS]
Criminalistics
The course aims to enable students to:
• Acquire advanced knowledge of the concepts, methods, and techniques used in criminalistics within criminal investigations.
• Develop practical and analytical skills in collecting, preserving, analyzing, and interpreting physical evidence.
• Apply scientific methods in documenting and reconstructing crime scenes.
• Adopt professional ethics and legal norms in forensic and criminalistic work.
• Be prepared for independent and team-based work, using critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches in solving forensic cases.
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[MCSS2030]
[6 ECTS]
Police Law
The objectives of the course are to prepare and train students, as future police officers, to have basic knowledge about issues related to the Police in general and in particular, about the authorizations and limitations they have while exercising their competencies in their specific field of work. Special attention will be given to this because experience has shown that, quite often, due to a lack of proper knowledge in this area, police officers have been prejudged and judged, sometimes facing disciplinary or criminal consequences.
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[CM157]
[6 ECTS]
Applied Criminal Law
Criminal law, as positive law, is a system of norms through which certain human behaviors are defined as criminal offenses, for which punishments and other coercive sanctions are prescribed by the state, along with the conditions and methods for their application.
The aim of this course is for students to become familiar with the institutes and norms of criminal law, as well as with the principles upon which criminal law is built.
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[MCCR3020]
[6 ECTS]
Organized Crime
The aim of the "Organized Crime" course is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and analytical skills necessary to professionally understand and address the phenomenon of organized crime at both national and international levels. The course develops competencies for the structural analysis of criminal groups, the identification of their operational domains, and the evaluation of institutional and legal mechanisms for prevention and suppression.
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[6 ECTS]
Elective Course
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[CM159] Juvenile Delinquency
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the historical development and fundamental principles of juvenile justice, by analyzing relevant national and international legislation;
2. Identify and categorize children in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Justice for Children of the Republic of North Macedonia;
3. Analyze the phenomenology and etiology of juvenile delinquency, by connecting individual, social, and cultural factors;
4. Apply knowledge of criminal sanctions and educational measures for children, in line with the applicable legal framework;
5. Evaluate preventive measures and criminal procedure involving children, in order to protect their best interest;
6. Explain the principles of restorative justice and its application within the juvenile justice system;
7. Interpret international instruments on juvenile justice, with particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant documents.
-
[MCCR3050] Forensic Medicine
The aim of this course is to inform the student about the role of forensic medicine in clarifying and proving different criminal situations mentioned above, as well as the connection of this subject with criminalistics and the role of the forensic doctor during the inspection of the crime scene, autopsy, etc.
-
[EMSS3030] Computer Crime
The course aims to equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge for identifying, analyzing, and preventing crimes committed through information technology. It focuses on understanding cybercrime, applying investigative tools, enforcing relevant legislation, and promoting institutional cooperation for protection against digital threats.
-
[EMCL1011] Domestic Violence
The course “Domestic Violence” aims to provide students with advanced and interdisciplinary knowledge for understanding, analyzing, and addressing the phenomenon of domestic violence from legal, criminological, victimological, and institutional perspectives. It focuses on developing students’ analytical and practical skills to identify the forms, causes, and consequences of domestic violence and to assess the effectiveness of legal and protective measures for victims.
-
[EM515] Environmental Crime
The objectives of the course is to equip students with advanced knowledge about the forms and consequences of criminal acts that harm the environment; to develop the ability to identify, analyze, and assess criminal risks to the environment; to understand the national and international legal framework for environmental protection; as well as to encourage a critical and practical approach to investigating, prosecuting, and preventing environmental crime.
-
[EM156] Traffic Criminalistics
The course aims to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the investigation of criminal offenses in road traffic, enabling students to analyze crime scenes, use technical and tactical criminalistics methods, assess criminal and administrative liabilities, and promote professional ethics and critical thinking in investigative procedures.
-
[MCCR3040] 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 institutions, principles, subjects involved in procedural actions, evidence and means of proof, measures for securing persons and objects, the stages through which the procedure passes – initiation, progress, and conclusion – as well as the regulation of the system of legal remedies.
Upon completion of this course, students will gain knowledge of the legal systems of various countries.
-
[MCCR2030] International Criminal Law
Course Objectives:
● To provide students with a solid understanding of the origins, development, and foundational principles of international criminal law within the context of public international law.
● To build students’ capacity to analyze and evaluate key legal texts, judgments, and the reasoning of international criminal courts and tribunals.
● To strengthen students’ skills in legal research, writing, and analysis related to international criminal proceedings.
● To develop students’ ability to construct and present well-reasoned legal arguments in both written and oral forms.
● To encourage students to adopt an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective when addressing contemporary challenges in international criminal justice.
-
[MCSS3040] Ethics in Criminalistics
The aim of the course Ethics in Criminalistics is to enable students to:
• Understand and critically analyze fundamental concepts of professional ethics within the field of criminalistics;
• Develop skills to assess investigative situations from an ethical perspective and identify moral dilemmas in practice;
• Demonstrate respect for integrity, fairness, objectivity, and human rights in investigative actions;
• Recognize the role of ethics in strengthening public trust in justice and law enforcement institutions;
• Show independent ethical reasoning in complex professional scenarios.
-
[MCCR2010] Penology
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of the system of execution of criminal sanctions and contemporary approaches to the treatment and resocialization of convicted persons.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Analyze the goals and functions of punishment in modern criminal justice systems;
Understand the functioning of institutions for the execution of sanctions (prisons, correctional facilities for juveniles, probation services, etc.);
Evaluate different models of treatment of convicted persons and their effectiveness in the resocialization process;
Apply international standards and principles for the protection of the human rights of persons deprived of liberty;
Analyze the risks of recidivism and the role of penological measures in its reduction;
Develop a critical approach to penal policy and reforms in the system of execution of sanctions;
Connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations through case analysis and institutional practices.
Semester 2
-
[CM158]
[6 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 ordinary and extraordinary—as well as special procedures.
Students will be able to acquire a deep understanding of the principles of criminal procedure, solve numerous examples, assignments, and exercises, and prepare concrete legal acts, simulated cases, and more.
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[MCSS2031]
[6 ECTS]
Criminalistic Techniques and Tactics
The course aims to enable students to:
• Understand and critically analyze criminalistic techniques and tactics applicable in criminal investigations;
• Acquire skills for evidence collection, preservation, and documentation in a structured and standardized manner;
• Apply operational measures and tactical actions to detect and solve criminal offenses;
• Demonstrate professional conduct and ethical standards in interaction with parties involved in investigations;
• Work independently and collaboratively in real or simulated investigative settings.
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[CM298]
[6 ECTS]
Criminalistics Methodology
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the criminalistic actions undertaken for the detection, clarification, and proof of criminal offenses of various types. Each criminal offense is characterized by specific features; therefore, criminalistic methodology offers specialized approaches that enable their efficient and differentiated handling.
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[EM511]
[6 ECTS]
Criminal Policy
The general aim of the course “Criminal Policy” is to equip students with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of the concepts, strategies, and mechanisms of criminal policy in a democratic society. The course aims to develop competencies in the critical analysis of penal measures, alternatives to punishment, the effectiveness of sanctions, and preventive strategies. Students will be able to assess legislative and institutional approaches to crime in a socio-legal context.
-
[6 ECTS]
Elective Course
-
[CM159] Juvenile Delinquency
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the historical development and fundamental principles of juvenile justice, by analyzing relevant national and international legislation;
2. Identify and categorize children in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Justice for Children of the Republic of North Macedonia;
3. Analyze the phenomenology and etiology of juvenile delinquency, by connecting individual, social, and cultural factors;
4. Apply knowledge of criminal sanctions and educational measures for children, in line with the applicable legal framework;
5. Evaluate preventive measures and criminal procedure involving children, in order to protect their best interest;
6. Explain the principles of restorative justice and its application within the juvenile justice system;
7. Interpret international instruments on juvenile justice, with particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant documents.
-
[MCCR3050] Forensic Medicine
The aim of this course is to inform the student about the role of forensic medicine in clarifying and proving different criminal situations mentioned above, as well as the connection of this subject with criminalistics and the role of the forensic doctor during the inspection of the crime scene, autopsy, etc.
-
[EMSS3030] Computer Crime
The course aims to equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge for identifying, analyzing, and preventing crimes committed through information technology. It focuses on understanding cybercrime, applying investigative tools, enforcing relevant legislation, and promoting institutional cooperation for protection against digital threats.
-
[EMCL1011] Domestic Violence
The course “Domestic Violence” aims to provide students with advanced and interdisciplinary knowledge for understanding, analyzing, and addressing the phenomenon of domestic violence from legal, criminological, victimological, and institutional perspectives. It focuses on developing students’ analytical and practical skills to identify the forms, causes, and consequences of domestic violence and to assess the effectiveness of legal and protective measures for victims.
-
[EM515] Environmental Crime
The objectives of the course is to equip students with advanced knowledge about the forms and consequences of criminal acts that harm the environment; to develop the ability to identify, analyze, and assess criminal risks to the environment; to understand the national and international legal framework for environmental protection; as well as to encourage a critical and practical approach to investigating, prosecuting, and preventing environmental crime.
-
[EM156] Traffic Criminalistics
The course aims to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the investigation of criminal offenses in road traffic, enabling students to analyze crime scenes, use technical and tactical criminalistics methods, assess criminal and administrative liabilities, and promote professional ethics and critical thinking in investigative procedures.
-
[MCCR3040] 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 institutions, principles, subjects involved in procedural actions, evidence and means of proof, measures for securing persons and objects, the stages through which the procedure passes – initiation, progress, and conclusion – as well as the regulation of the system of legal remedies.
Upon completion of this course, students will gain knowledge of the legal systems of various countries.
-
[MCCR2030] International Criminal Law
Course Objectives:
● To provide students with a solid understanding of the origins, development, and foundational principles of international criminal law within the context of public international law.
● To build students’ capacity to analyze and evaluate key legal texts, judgments, and the reasoning of international criminal courts and tribunals.
● To strengthen students’ skills in legal research, writing, and analysis related to international criminal proceedings.
● To develop students’ ability to construct and present well-reasoned legal arguments in both written and oral forms.
● To encourage students to adopt an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective when addressing contemporary challenges in international criminal justice.
-
[MCSS3040] Ethics in Criminalistics
The aim of the course Ethics in Criminalistics is to enable students to:
• Understand and critically analyze fundamental concepts of professional ethics within the field of criminalistics;
• Develop skills to assess investigative situations from an ethical perspective and identify moral dilemmas in practice;
• Demonstrate respect for integrity, fairness, objectivity, and human rights in investigative actions;
• Recognize the role of ethics in strengthening public trust in justice and law enforcement institutions;
• Show independent ethical reasoning in complex professional scenarios.
-
[MCCR2010] Penology
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of the system of execution of criminal sanctions and contemporary approaches to the treatment and resocialization of convicted persons.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Analyze the goals and functions of punishment in modern criminal justice systems;
Understand the functioning of institutions for the execution of sanctions (prisons, correctional facilities for juveniles, probation services, etc.);
Evaluate different models of treatment of convicted persons and their effectiveness in the resocialization process;
Apply international standards and principles for the protection of the human rights of persons deprived of liberty;
Analyze the risks of recidivism and the role of penological measures in its reduction;
Develop a critical approach to penal policy and reforms in the system of execution of sanctions;
Connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations through case analysis and institutional practices.
Semester 3
-
[EM513]
[6 ECTS]
Economic Crime
The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the phenomenon of economic crime from a criminological and criminalistic perspective. Such knowledge will serve students to have a solid overview of this type of crime, its impact on economic-political stability, societal well-being, factors influencing this type of crime, manifestations, methods of execution, characteristics of perpetrators, methodologies for prevention and combating of this type of crime, etc.
-
[MCCR3010]
[6 ECTS]
Victimology
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the historical development, foundational concepts, and disciplinary scope of victimology as a distinct field within criminal legal sciences.
2. Analyze the legal and social position of crime victims, including their needs, rights, and access to compensation, as well as their evolving role in criminal proceedings.
Critically engage with contemporary victimological issues and debates, identifying the main challenges facing victims in modern justice systems.
3. Apply victimological theories and concepts to the analysis and resolution of hypothetical and real-world cases involving victims of crime.
4. Effectively use specialized victimological terminology in academic discussions, written analyses, and professional dialogue.
5. Develop advanced research skills through the identification, evaluation, and application of primary sources and scholarly literature in the field of victimology.
-
[MCCR1040]
[6 ECTS]
Criminology
The course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge on the nature, causes, and forms of criminality through theoretical, empirical, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students will develop the ability to analyze socio-psychological and structural factors influencing criminal behavior and critically evaluate penal policies and the role of the justice system.
-
[MCCR1120]
[6 ECTS]
Research Methodology
Students will be able:
To apply the main legal and other research methods.
Critically and creatively gather research material that is relevant and cited by authors selectively in their responses.
To understand the scope of the research process and the approach of different methods of scientific research and to be able to criticize them.
To study through an advanced approach the relationship between legal theory and research practice.
To apply the skills and knowledge they have acquired through their theses.
How to avoid plagiarism
To have advanced knowledge of research methods in legal sciences as well as citation standards.
-
[6 ECTS]
Elective Course
-
[CM159] Juvenile Delinquency
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the historical development and fundamental principles of juvenile justice, by analyzing relevant national and international legislation;
2. Identify and categorize children in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Justice for Children of the Republic of North Macedonia;
3. Analyze the phenomenology and etiology of juvenile delinquency, by connecting individual, social, and cultural factors;
4. Apply knowledge of criminal sanctions and educational measures for children, in line with the applicable legal framework;
5. Evaluate preventive measures and criminal procedure involving children, in order to protect their best interest;
6. Explain the principles of restorative justice and its application within the juvenile justice system;
7. Interpret international instruments on juvenile justice, with particular focus on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and other relevant documents.
-
[MCCR3050] Forensic Medicine
The aim of this course is to inform the student about the role of forensic medicine in clarifying and proving different criminal situations mentioned above, as well as the connection of this subject with criminalistics and the role of the forensic doctor during the inspection of the crime scene, autopsy, etc.
-
[EMSS3030] Computer Crime
The course aims to equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge for identifying, analyzing, and preventing crimes committed through information technology. It focuses on understanding cybercrime, applying investigative tools, enforcing relevant legislation, and promoting institutional cooperation for protection against digital threats.
-
[EMCL1011] Domestic Violence
The course “Domestic Violence” aims to provide students with advanced and interdisciplinary knowledge for understanding, analyzing, and addressing the phenomenon of domestic violence from legal, criminological, victimological, and institutional perspectives. It focuses on developing students’ analytical and practical skills to identify the forms, causes, and consequences of domestic violence and to assess the effectiveness of legal and protective measures for victims.
-
[EM515] Environmental Crime
The objectives of the course is to equip students with advanced knowledge about the forms and consequences of criminal acts that harm the environment; to develop the ability to identify, analyze, and assess criminal risks to the environment; to understand the national and international legal framework for environmental protection; as well as to encourage a critical and practical approach to investigating, prosecuting, and preventing environmental crime.
-
[EM156] Traffic Criminalistics
The course aims to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the investigation of criminal offenses in road traffic, enabling students to analyze crime scenes, use technical and tactical criminalistics methods, assess criminal and administrative liabilities, and promote professional ethics and critical thinking in investigative procedures.
-
[MCCR3040] 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 institutions, principles, subjects involved in procedural actions, evidence and means of proof, measures for securing persons and objects, the stages through which the procedure passes – initiation, progress, and conclusion – as well as the regulation of the system of legal remedies.
Upon completion of this course, students will gain knowledge of the legal systems of various countries.
-
[MCCR2030] International Criminal Law
Course Objectives:
● To provide students with a solid understanding of the origins, development, and foundational principles of international criminal law within the context of public international law.
● To build students’ capacity to analyze and evaluate key legal texts, judgments, and the reasoning of international criminal courts and tribunals.
● To strengthen students’ skills in legal research, writing, and analysis related to international criminal proceedings.
● To develop students’ ability to construct and present well-reasoned legal arguments in both written and oral forms.
● To encourage students to adopt an interdisciplinary and comparative perspective when addressing contemporary challenges in international criminal justice.
-
[MCSS3040] Ethics in Criminalistics
The aim of the course Ethics in Criminalistics is to enable students to:
• Understand and critically analyze fundamental concepts of professional ethics within the field of criminalistics;
• Develop skills to assess investigative situations from an ethical perspective and identify moral dilemmas in practice;
• Demonstrate respect for integrity, fairness, objectivity, and human rights in investigative actions;
• Recognize the role of ethics in strengthening public trust in justice and law enforcement institutions;
• Show independent ethical reasoning in complex professional scenarios.
-
[MCCR2010] Penology
The course aims to provide students with an in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of the system of execution of criminal sanctions and contemporary approaches to the treatment and resocialization of convicted persons.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Analyze the goals and functions of punishment in modern criminal justice systems;
Understand the functioning of institutions for the execution of sanctions (prisons, correctional facilities for juveniles, probation services, etc.);
Evaluate different models of treatment of convicted persons and their effectiveness in the resocialization process;
Apply international standards and principles for the protection of the human rights of persons deprived of liberty;
Analyze the risks of recidivism and the role of penological measures in its reduction;
Develop a critical approach to penal policy and reforms in the system of execution of sanctions;
Connect theoretical knowledge with practical situations through case analysis and institutional practices.
Semester 4
-
[MCCR4010]
[30 ECTS]
Master Thesis
Master’s thesis aims to:
• Develop research skills: It shows that the student can formulate a research problem, design a methodology, collect and analyze data, and interpret results.
• Contribute to knowledge: It should provide new insights, findings, or a deeper understanding of a topic within the chosen field.
• Apply theoretical knowledge: It connects academic theories and concepts learned during the study program with real or theoretical research problems.
• Demonstrate critical thinking: The student must critically evaluate literature, methods, and findings rather than only describing them.
• Prepare for professional or academic careers: It builds competencies useful for further research (PhD studies) or advanced professional practice.
In short, a master’s thesis is both a learning process and a scientific output that proves the student’s readiness to work independently at an advanced academic level.
Furthermore, the activity seeks to improve research techniques and the writing style of the master’s thesis, while strictly respecting the principles of academic integrity and avoiding the use of unauthorized means, such as plagiarism and copyright infringement, which are prohibited by the SEEU Statute.
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