The Bachelor’s degree in Criminology operates in close collaboration with the Laboratory of Forensic Sciences and Criminology (LCFC), which enables, in particular, the further development of practical and applied skills relevant to various course modules, particularly in the areas of forensic science, criminal investigation and forensic science (e.g., the Forensic Sciences module; Course Unit Introduction to Forensic Science and Technical Criminal Investigation), complementing students’ training by exposing them to empirical methodologies and laboratory techniques.
This commitment to a complementary educational approach is also realised through the regular organisation of seminars, open lectures, workshops and study visits (e.g., to prisons; courts; various criminal police bodies (OPC); child and youth protection committees; the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences), enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in practice and contributing to the development of applied skills, as well as providing exposure to real-world professional contexts.
The Bachelor’s degree in Criminology also benefits from close links with the CIEG-UMAIA Centre, UMAIA’s Master’s in Criminology (MCrim) and UMAIA’s Criminology Students’ Association (NEC), which fosters greater collaborative research, increased academic output, interdisciplinary projects and community outreach initiatives. It also benefits from the range of services available at UMAIA, particularly those supporting teaching, employability, the inclusion and well-being of the academic community, and research.
In terms of the student body, the heterogeneity that has existed over the years is noteworthy, with a diversity of students’ backgrounds, the presence of international students, and incoming and outgoing mobility, which promotes the internationalisation of the programme.
The course’s teaching staff are part of Research Units classified by the FCT as ‘Excellent’ – the Centre for Research in Justice and Governance at the University of Minho (JusGov.UMinho) and “Very Good” – the Interdisciplinary Centre for Gender Studies at the University of Lisbon (CIEG.ULisboa) and the CIEG–UMAIA Centre, and the Centre for Psychology at the University of Porto (CPUP).
It is also worth noting the ease of access to the university campus (e.g., metro), which encourages participation in face-to-face activities and integration into the academic community, as well as the increased availability of student accommodation in Maia, including a new university hall of residence.