Degree in Criminology and Security

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Abat Oliba CEU University

Program Overview

This Degree in Criminology and Security at Abat Oliba CEU University gives you two official degrees in just five years, blending a strong legal foundation with expert training in crime prevention, investigation, and private security—perfect if you're passionate about justice, law enforcement, or protecting society from threats. It's ideal for driven students who want versatile skills to tackle real-world challenges like cybercrime or security management, with built-in accreditations that set you up for roles as a private detective or security director right after graduation.

Curriculum structure
Year 1 lays the groundwork by immersing you in core legal principles and introductory criminology concepts, helping you understand the foundations of criminal behavior and justice systems. You'll dive into subjects like Introduction to Law and Criminology Basics, building a solid base while exploring how laws shape security practices in everyday society.

Year 2 ramps up with deeper legal analysis and security-focused modules, where you'll study real-world applications through case studies and practical simulations. Key courses such as Criminal Law and Private Security Management teach you to analyze offenses and design prevention strategies, giving you hands-on skills early on.

Year 3 shifts toward advanced investigation techniques and specialized law, combining theory with blended learning that fits your schedule. You'll tackle Private Investigation and Penal Procedure, learning to gather evidence, manage security operations, and navigate court systems like a pro.

Year 4 emphasizes integration of law and criminology through complex scenarios, including visits to courts and firms for authentic experience. Courses like Security and Risk Management and Advanced Criminal Policy prepare you to solve high-stakes cases and policy challenges.

Focus areas: Private security management, criminal investigation, risk prevention, bioethics in law, and practical legal skills through court visits and case resolutions—backed by Ministry of the Interior accreditations for private detectives and security directors.

Learning outcomes: Gain dual expertise to prevent crimes, investigate offenses, manage security operations, and practice law effectively; develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and real-world readiness via internships and blended learning.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Includes official advanced qualifications in Private Security Management and Private Investigation, both accredited by Spain's Ministry of the Interior for direct professional authorization—no extra exams needed.

Reputation (employability rankings): As Catalonia's most experienced private university in law, we boast top employability—86.7% of similar graduates employed post-study (above Catalan average)—plus strong satisfaction rates via AQU surveys; our "Design YOUR Future" program accelerates job placement.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this programme, you won’t just study crime and security in theory — you’ll explore how it all works in real professional settings. The course blends strong academic foundations with practical experience, helping you grow not only as a student of criminology but also as a future professional in investigation and security management. With personalised guidance, engaging case studies, and opportunities to work alongside real organisations, your learning feels relevant, active, and career-focused from day one. Supported by modern facilities and experienced mentors, you’ll build the confidence and skills employers look for long before you graduate.

Here’s what your hands-on learning journey looks like:

Final-year internship — You’ll step into real workplaces such as companies, public institutions, law enforcement bodies, or security organisations, applying your knowledge in real situations and gaining valuable professional experience.
Dedicated academic tutor — Throughout your internship, a faculty mentor supports you closely, helping you reflect on your experience and make the most of every learning opportunity.
CEU ePlus Skills & Careers programme — A career-focused training model that brings learning to life through practical workshops, real-world simulations, company visits, and activities designed to strengthen your employability.
Industry visits and partner engagement — You’ll connect with national and international organisations, giving you first-hand exposure to professional environments and expanding your career perspective.
Specialised library and study support — Access rich collections and research tools in law and criminology, along with academic support that helps you succeed in projects and independent study.
International mobility options — Study abroad opportunities and exchange programmes let you experience different legal and security systems while building a strong global outlook.

All these experiences are built into your degree so that when you graduate, you’re not just qualified — you’re confident, capable, and ready to move straight into professional roles in investigation, security, and public service.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a Degree in Criminology and Security from Abat Oliba CEU University sets you up for a career that’s both meaningful and in demand. You’ll develop strong investigative, analytical, and security management skills that open doors across public services, private organisations, and specialised security fields. Many graduates go on to work as Criminologists, Security Professionals in public or private forces, Private Investigators, Security Managers, or Legal and Safety Consultants — giving you flexible career paths with real impact:

Here’s how the university helps you turn your degree into real career opportunities:

Dedicated career support — You’ll get practical guidance with career planning, CV building, interview preparation, and workshops that help you step confidently into the job market.
Strong internship network — The university works with thousands of partner organisations, giving you access to valuable placements that build experience and professional connections.
Built-in professional accreditation — The programme includes recognised qualifications in Private Security Management and Private Investigation, officially authorised by Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, adding strong value to your profile.
Recognised degree value — As an official degree in the field of Legal and Political Sciences, it carries solid academic credibility and professional recognition.
Career-ready graduation profile — By combining classroom learning with hands-on experience, you graduate prepared to move smoothly into professional roles across security, investigation, and public sector services.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’d like to specialise further, you can continue with postgraduate studies such as a Master’s in Criminology, Security Management, Forensic Psychology, or Legal Studies. These pathways help you deepen your expertise and move toward senior roles in research, policy-making, law enforcement, and security leadership.