Criminal Law

Aims and the profile of the study program

The AAB program in criminal law provides valuable qualifications for those aiming to take a leadership role in these processes. In particular, students will acquire the necessary skills to tackle serious crimes and combat transnational crime phenomena, which are often interconnected with domestic corruption.

Moreover, this program will prepare students to contribute to institutional reform and meet international standards in criminal justice, thus preparing Kosovo for greater integration into European criminal justice structures.

General objectives for students’ academic achievements in the LLM Criminal Law program include:

• provide students with comprehensive and specialized knowledge in Comparative Criminal Law, Criminalistics, and Criminology;
• stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to respond to the evolving demands of the legal profession;
• encourage independent learning, critical thinking, and research skills through exposure to various methodologies and academic frameworks;
• encourage students to actively engage with the community and participate in initiatives promoting positive legal and social transformations in Kosovo and beyond;
• prepare students to adapt to the demands of the global information society.

Mission statement

The mission of the LLM in Criminal Law program is to provide advanced, student-centered education that equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to address complex legal challenges in national and international contexts, who pursue quality scientific research and who contribute to progressive legal and social transformations in Kosovo and beyond.

Responsible persons of the study program

• Dr. Sc. Veton Vula
• Dr. Sc. Mensut Ademi

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the LLM in Criminal Law, students will acquire the following knowledge, skills, and competencies:

Knowledge:

• demonstrates knowledge of national and international criminal laws, including comparative systems of criminal law and the implications of human rights in criminal procedures.
• critically analyzes and evaluates contemporary criminological theories and emerging trends in criminal justice.
• understands the legal challenges and regulatory framework related to cybercrime and cybersecurity, including the impact of digital technology on crime and criminal investigation.
• acquires digital knowledge for academic research.

Skills:

• develops advanced research skills, including the ability to design and execute legal research projects using scientific methodology and heuristic approaches;
• applies critical thinking and legal reasoning to analyze complex criminal issues, interpret statutes and legal precedents, and develop well-supported legal arguments;
• demonstrates practical skills in criminal investigation techniques and tactics, including evidence collection, forensic analysis, and the application of advanced investigative technologies;

Competencies:

• applies ethical standards and professional responsibility in the practice of criminal law, including sensitivity to human rights issues and the fair execution of criminal sanctions;
• integrates knowledge from various disciplines, including law, criminology, and cybersecurity, to address complex legal issues and propose innovative solutions in a global context;
• develops oral and written communication skills, enabling effective advocacy and presentation of legal arguments;
• designs a research project and defends the master’s thesis.

Admission to studies

According to Article 6 of the Regulation, candidates are eligible for MA studies if they have completed their Bachelor’s studies and earned at least 240 ECTS, depending on the program. Further conditions for admission to the MA program are:

• completion of a Bachelor’s degree at an accredited and recognized higher education institution, either domestically or internationally;
• successful completion of the selection procedure;
• completing the application with the required documentation as defined by MESTI.

Number of study places

The number of study places according to the decision of the KAA is 35 students per academic year.

Recognition of qualifications

According to the Regulation for Master Studies at AAB College, the recognition of qualifications and transfer of studies are governed by Articles 9, 10, and 11. These articles outline the conditions, criteria, and procedures for admitting students from other higher education institutions, detail the process of transferring, and explain how previously studied courses can be recognized and deemed equivalent.

Duration and number of ECTS

Studies in the LLM Criminal Law program last 1 year, 60 ECTS, with a total of 2 semesters.

Level and Academic Degree

Upon completion of studies, students earn the academic title LLM in Criminal Law.

Employment perspectives

The program is ideal for students aspiring to build careers in law enforcement institutions, including courts and law enforcement agencies, as well as in international justice organizations, policy consulting, mediation, academic and research institutions, NGOs, and law enforcement or intelligence agencies. With expertise in interdisciplinary fields such as criminology, human rights, and cybersecurity, graduates can also work as legal consultants and policy analysts, contributing to justice, crime prevention, and legal innovation.

Assessment methods

The institutional approach is to encourage a diversity of assessment methods suitable within the legal field. At the Master’s level, students’ achievements are assessed not only based on the fulfillment of learning outcomes but also on their readiness for the workplace. Learning outcomes are assessed through a range of summative and formative assessment tools, as follows:

• Summative assessment formats: exams, colloquia, research or analytical projects, presentations, seminar papers, assignments, reflective writing, etc.
• Formative assessment formats: quizzes, classroom activities, seminars, workshops, peer evaluations, etc.

Data on student progress, dropout, and employment

DROPOUT <14% STUDENT EMPLOYMENT >90% STUDENT SUCCESS IN EXAMS 8.5

Student rights

Students at AAB College, in accordance with the Statute and the Regulation for MA Studies, have the right to:

• Attend lectures and participate in academic activities
• Access university services, including the library and internet
• Be represented in student bodies
• Organize non-political associations
• Receive official student documents
• Obtain a diploma upon completion of their studies

Additionally, students have the right to submit complaints and requests regarding any aspect of the teaching process, assessment, or any other issues that they believe may hinder their academic development and well-being while studying at the college.

Student Involvement in Quality Assurance Processes

At AAB College, students are considered equal partners in the design, implementation, and evaluation of quality assurance processes. They actively participate in every working group or workshop that discusses policymaking, strategic planning, and decision-making. Specifically, students engage in quality assurance procedures through the following activities:

• students assess the academic staff and teaching content
• students assess administrative services and infrastructure
• students are full members in academic and decision-making bodies of the college
• students participate in committees and working groups
• students are involved in drafting, completing, and reviewing study programs
• students provide continuous input on all matters affecting students and the college
• students offer recommendations for improvements related to procedures, policies, processes, or decisions concerning the college.