About the Program

The Master’s program in Law, with a focus on Criminal Law, encompasses the legal and penal field with the aim of providing academic education and professional training to students, and developing specific knowledge related to the evolution and improvement of criminal legislation. This study program prepares specialists capable of organizing, planning, and leading procedural actions required by criminal procedure subjects during investigative, judicial, and execution phases, related to the respect for human rights in the fight against crime and delivering justice in the field of criminal law. This will also contribute to increasing guarantees for a regular legal process.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Law is to prepare qualified individuals in the field of justice who can serve public, private, and business institutions at both local and international levels. Our philosophy is based on universal values of justice, professional ethics, and the development of practical skills, with the goal of implementing projects that benefit individuals and society as a whole.

Vision

The program presents students with comprehensive courses covering all necessary knowledge for a thorough academic and professional preparation in the field of law, grounded in professional ethics, aiming to develop critical thinking in students and to make them understand the importance of their role in society.

Objectives of the Master’s Program in Law, with a focus on Criminal Law

1. Mastering basic legal concepts of criminal law and their efficient use.

2. Understanding the criminal law institutions in Albania and Europe, and the differences among various legal penal systems.

3. Familiarizing students with ethical and professional responsibilities.

4. Understanding the social, economic, historical, political, and philosophical conditions that have influenced the criminal justice system in Albania, as well as the factors and values that have shaped criminal law.

5. Recognizing that law (justice) is based on different value systems which are continually evolving.

6. Integrating theoretical knowledge, practice, and various policies so that students understand the functioning of the law.

7. Recognizing that law is only a part of the knowledge system and providing opportunities to acquire knowledge from various disciplines to be adaptable to the job market.

8. Raising students’ awareness to contribute to the community.

9. Understanding and promoting lifelong learning to adapt to the job market.

10. Developing cooperation with all institutions involved in the functioning of the national legal system, including both state organs and other legal departments in the country.

11. Contributing to the development of the criminal legal system in the Republic of Albania.

12. Keeping up with trends in the field of criminal jurisprudence science and practice.

13. Preparing professionals in various fields of criminal jurisprudence in Albania.

Outcomes of the Master’s Program in Law, with a focus on Criminal Law

Graduates of the second cycle of studies, Master of Science in Law: Criminal Law profile, will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of criminal justice systems and the differences between them.

2. Understand legal concepts and terminology in substantive and procedural criminal law.

3. Conduct scientific legal research in the criminal-legal field.

4. Engage in legal analysis through various legal cases.

5. Understand the history, purpose, structure, rules, and responsibilities of criminal legal entities.

6. Develop critical thinking through reading and analyzing legal materials.

7. Distinguish between procedural and substantive law.

8. Demonstrate solid knowledge of legal principles and their applicability.

9. Have knowledge of crime investigation methods and be familiar with medico-legal reports prepared by crime investigation institutions.

10. Apply the law with professionalism and ethics while respecting personal integrity.

11. Understand the law as a public profession and the importance of providing services to the community.

12. Understand the classification of crimes and their risk levels.

13. Compare Albanian criminal law with that of European countries.

14. Understand and analyze the roles of judicial police officers, lawyers, and prosecutors in the criminal process.

Employment Opportunities

The study programs offered by the Department of Law are fully aligned with both the current job market demands and the anticipated developments of the Albanian economy as an emerging economy aiming to integrate into the European single market. Contemporary curricula aim to prepare:

• Legal specialists in public administration institutions (central/local).

• Legal specialists in international institutions.

• Legal consultants in the private sector.

• Assistant lawyers/assistant notaries, as well as qualification for participation in the bar exam.

• Research/teaching assistants at higher education institutions.

• Lawyers, notaries.

• Prosecutors, judges.