Undergraduate Programmes
The Criminology curriculum at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan is a distinctive pathway within the Undergraduate Degree Programme in Sociologia and is unique in both Italy and continental Europe.
The programme has a strong international orientation, with all courses taught in English and a globally diverse student cohort. This international environment fosters dialogue between different approaches to the study of criminology and the development of security policies.
Criminology is approached as a social science discipline, through a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates sociology, psychology, law, and political science, alongside research methods and the quantitative analysis of crime and criminal phenomena.
Particular emphasis is placed on the critical interpretation of data and on understanding the social, institutional, and cultural contexts in which crime occurs.
The curriculum is also closely connected to the University's research activities and to the Crime & Security area, further strengthening its applied dimension.
The programme is supported by Transcrime, a joint university research centre focused on crime and innovation and one of Europe’s leading observatories on criminal phenomena.
This connection enables students to engage with contemporary issues relating to security, crime prevention, and criminal policy, while developing skills that are readily applicable in professional and institutional settings.
It also provides a pathway to further study through the Graduate Degree Programme in CrimeSec and the International PhD in Criminology, both supported by Transcrime.
The Criminology programme is particularly suitable for students seeking specialised education with an international focus in the areas of security and social analysis.
International curriculum taught in English
A curriculum taught entirely in English, enabling students to develop subject-specific and language skills in a multicultural environment.
A distinctive curriculum in the European context
A distinctive curriculum focused on criminology as a social science, with a strong international outlook.
Interdisciplinary approach to crime and security
An integrated approach drawing on sociology, psychology, law and political science to understand crime-related phenomena from different perspectives.
Advanced research and data analysis skills
A strong focus on quantitative methods and data analysis, developing skills increasingly in demand in research, security and public policy.
Close links with criminological research
The curriculum is supported by Transcrime, one of Europe’s leading research centres on crime, security and innovation.
Preparation for careers in security and social analysis
The curriculum provides students with skills relevant to crime analysis, risk management, security policy and applied research.
The programme equips students with the ability to interpret criminal phenomena through scientific methods and a structured international perspective.
Graduates are prepared for roles in companies and consulting firms, research organisations, public institutions, law enforcement agencies, and international organisations, including positions such as crime analyst, compliance and anti-money laundering officer, security manager, and crime and security policy officer.
Overall satisfaction with the degree programme
Positive evaluation of the internship experience
The programme offers a distinctive approach within the Italian academic landscape, characterised by a multidisciplinary and innovative approach to the study of crime and social behaviour.
In the first year, students acquire a solid foundation in the social sciences and develop the methodological and analytical skills needed to understand key contemporary issues in criminology.
The second year builds on this foundation through courses in social psychology, sociology of organisations and sociology of culture, while introducing key criminological theories and research methods for empirical analysis.
In the third year, the programme develops advanced methodological skills and introduces programming in R and Python, providing quantitative and analytical tools that are increasingly central to contemporary criminological research.
The curriculum is designed to progressively develop a strong set of skills, combining critical analysis of social phenomena with advanced analytical skills.
The Criminology programme combines traditional teaching with learning opportunities that connect students with professional, institutional and international settings.
Students can undertake internships and placements in Italy and abroad with organisations and institutions working in the fields of security, justice and social analysis.
The programme also encourages participation in international mobility programmes, such as Erasmus, in keeping with its international outlook, and offers opportunities to engage with international organisations and specialised research centres.
Students also benefit from involvement in academic and professional networks in the field of criminology, providing opportunities to connect with experts and organisations working in the sector.
The teaching approach is therefore designed to combine theoretical learning, international experience and the practical application of the skills developed.
Here you can find admission information based on whether you hold an Italian or international qualification*
Places on the Criminology programme are allocated through merit-based admission rankings drawn up over several admission rounds, following successful completion of an admission test. Each round has its own registration period and deadline for reserving a place.
Places on the programme are allocated through two admission routes.
Here are the main steps to follow:
Check admission dates and procedures
The admission procedures for 2027/28 are now available, including information on how and when to apply.
The first admission test is scheduled for 2 March 2027.
Registration for the admission test will be open from 3.00 pm on 2 November 2026 until 11.59 pm on 18 February 2027.
Prepare the required documents
Make sure you have all the documents you need to submit your application.
Passport-style photograph – Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Identity document – Identity card, passport or driving licence. Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Fiscal Code – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
Residency Permit (if required) – Accepted formats: PNG, JPG, JPEG, TIFF, PDF. Maximum file size: 10 MB.
High school transcript for the second-to-last year.
English language certificate – B2 level or above.
For the final enrolment stage* – Certificate of baptism or, if you do not have one, alternative documentation. Further information on the alternative documentation will be provided later. See: Complete enrolment.
Register on the Enrolment Portal and sign up for the admission test
If you don't already have an account, register on the Enrolment Portal.
Once you have logged in, select your test date, upload the required documents and pay the €60 test registration fee.
A few days before the test, you will receive an email with instructions and login details for the test platform.
Take the admission test
The test is held online in English. It lasts 40 minutes and consists of 30 questions covering reading comprehension (including logical reasoning) and general knowledge.
We recommend reading the instructions and trying the demo test before taking the test.
View admission rankings and reserve your place
If you are admitted, you can reserve your place by paying the first instalment of tuition fees through the Enrolment Portal, even before you have obtained your high school diploma.
Places are allocated according to the admission rankings. If there is a waiting list, any subsequent movement on the list will be published in the dedicated section of the programme page.
Your test result is also valid for Communication Management and International Relations and Global Affairs, provided you also apply for admission to either of these programmes.
Complete enrolment
Once you have obtained your high school diploma, complete your enrolment.
At this stage, you will need to provide a certificate of baptism. If you do not have one, you can submit alternative documentation, depending on your circumstances:
If you have been baptised but cannot obtain the original certificate, you can complete a self-certification.
If you have not been baptised, you can book an appointment for an interview with the campus pastoral assistant. After the interview, you will receive a certificate that can be used as alternative documentation. If you have already booked an appointment but are still waiting for the interview, you can temporarily submit a self-certification confirming this.
It is necessary to enter one's income data by the end of November through the "Compila redditi" application, accessible from the personal iCatt page.
Applicants holding an international qualification should follow the procedures set out by the International Admissions Office. Further information is available via the links below.
* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change
Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.
To register for the admission test for the Criminology programme, you must enter your average grade from your second-to-last year of high school in the Enrolment Portal.
If you are working towards or have already obtained an Italian high school diploma and attended your entire second-to-last year of high school abroad, you must enter your average grade converted to the Italian grading system in the Enrolment Portal and upload the high school transcript issued by your Italian school to register for the admission test.
If you cannot obtain a transcript showing your converted grades but have an average grade on a 10-point scale for the year you spent abroad, you can upload an official document issued by your school confirming this information.
If the only document you have shows the school credits awarded, you must upload it. Your average grade will then be determined according to the following table:
School credits (Year 4)
8
Assigned average grade
6
9
6,5
10
7
11
8
12
9
13
10
If you cannot provide the documents listed above, enter your average grade from your third-to-last year of high school. Upload the high school transcript for that year and the transcript for your second-to-last year spent abroad together as a single file.
Please note:
If you spent only the first semester abroad, enter your average grade from the second semester on a 10-point scale. Upload your high school transcript for your second-to-last year, showing your final average grade on a 10-point scale.
If you spent only the second semester abroad, enter your average grade converted to the Italian grading system. Upload the high school transcript issued by your Italian school, showing your final grades.
If you cannot obtain a transcript showing your converted final grades, or a document confirming your average grade or school credits at the end of your second-to-last year, enter your average grade from the end of your first semester in Italy. Upload the transcript for the semester spent abroad and the high school transcript for your first semester in Italy together as a single file.
Important: Translations of transcripts issued by schools abroad and self-certifications of grade conversions will not be accepted under any circumstances.
To apply for the Criminology programme, you must have English language proficiency at B2 level or above.
You can meet this requirement by submitting a recognised language certificate, having attended the fourth year of high school in an English-speaking country, holding one of the international high school diplomas specified in the admission procedures, or passing the English Test organised by Università Cattolica at B2 level or above.
The Foundation Knowledge Assessment test (Verifica della Preparazione Iniziale – VPI) is compulsory for all students enrolled in the first year of an Undergraduate Degree Programme or an Integrated Five-year/Six-year Degree Programme.
For the Criminology curriculum, the VPI is included in the admission test.
The VPI assesses your initial knowledge and provides useful guidance to help you prepare for your university studies.
To pass the VPI, you must achieve a score of at least 16 out of 30 on the admission test.
If you do not meet this threshold, you will be assigned an Additional Training Obligation (OFA) to address gaps in your preparation.
Any OFA assigned to you will be communicated when the admission test results are published and will also appear on your personal iCatt page after enrolment.
Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) can benefit from learning aids and adjustments or exemptions. Full details are available in the University's Services for Inclusion section.
Applicants wishing to change programmes within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, pursue a second degree or resume their university studies must meet the entry requirements.
Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.
Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.
Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.
Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.
Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.
During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.
Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:
Semester abroad
Double degrees
Language courses and certifications
Summer programmes
Internships abroad
International volunteering
Thesis abroad
Short programmes
Virtual programmes
You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.
The programme offers a range of internship opportunities, allowing students to apply the skills developed during their studies in real-world professional settings.
An internship gives students the opportunity to gain professional experience during their studies, apply the skills developed in the classroom in a professional setting and explore their academic interests in greater depth.
Students can gain experience with organisations working in security, social research, public policy, risk management and crime analysis, developing practical experience in professional settings relevant to their studies.
Within the Undergraduate Degree Programme in Sociologia, and particularly within the Criminology programme, the internship is optional and enables students to complement their studies with practical, professionally focused experience.
The internship is worth 3 ECTS. Students who undertake longer internships may also obtain additional credits, which are recognised as part of the study plan.
As part of the degree programme, an internship provides an opportunity to connect theory and practice, develop professional skills and gain a clearer understanding of potential career opportunities.
The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.
Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.
By the end of the Criminology programme, students develop specific skills in analysing crime-related phenomena and security policy from a sociological and international perspective.
Sociological analysis of crime
Analysis of crime-related phenomena using social science methods.
Research design
Ability to design and carry out studies on crime, security and social behaviour.
Analysis of data and sources
Use of official data, databases and quantitative methods to analyse and compare social phenomena.
Digital Research Methods and Tools
Application of data analysis techniques and use of digital tools and programming languages such as R and Python in criminological analysis.
Evaluation of policies and interventions
Critical analysis of strategies, programmes and public policies in the areas of security, prevention and justice.
Communication in international contexts
Presentation and interpretation of data, findings and analyses in English in academic, institutional and professional contexts.
The curriculum equips students to analyse crime-related phenomena rigorously, combining empirical analysis with strong interpretative skills.
The skills developed through the Criminology programme open up career opportunities across a range of professional fields in the public, private and international sectors, with a strong focus on the analysis of social phenomena and security issues.
Public Sector
Security institutions, regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.
Private sector
Corporate security, consulting, cyber security and risk management.
International organisations
Organisations and institutions working internationally in the fields of security and social justice.
Criminological research and analysis
Research, monitoring and analysis of crime-related phenomena in research centres and specialised institutions.
The curriculum prepares graduates to analyse crime-related phenomena and contribute to security management in complex, multidisciplinary contexts.
The Criminology curriculum provides a coherent foundation for further study, with opportunities for further specialisation and advanced study in international and research contexts.
The curriculum provides a solid foundation for pursuing further academic study or research, while further developing specialist skills and an international outlook.
Take part in events to explore specific degree programmes and learn more about what different Faculties have to offer.
Find out about Università Cattolica Open Days for prospective students who want to learn more about the University and its programmes.
Explore the Milan, Rome, Brescia, Cremona and Piacenza campuses in 3D and access virtual events on the UnicattX platform.
Get the information you need about Università Cattolica's degree programmes and receive support in choosing the right programme and understanding the application, admission and enrolment process.
