On Wednesday 6 September, the introduction for the new students of the Criminology master programmes took place. For the first time, this was organised jointly for the Dutch-speaking students who are following the one-year master programme in Criminology and the international group of students who are pursuing the two-year International Master’s in Advanced Research in Criminology (IMARC). The introduction began with a separate programme, after which the two groups came together. The students, teachers, and coordinators reflect on a sunny day and a successful preview of the upcoming year.
The program for the Dutch-speaking master programme featured three guest speakers, all of whom shed light on the key topics within the master’s from their respective fields. Crime Journalist Paul Vughts provided an overview of various cases and themes he has written about during his career, which are also of concern to today's criminologists, such as drug crime and the darker side of the drill rap scene. Romilda Schaaf from the Seaport Police also spoke and focused on the city of Rotterdam by painting a picture of drug crime in the port, its approach, and its associated challenges. Finally, Bart Hartog from the municipality of Rotterdam gave insight into how the city deals with at-risk youth and responds to youth crime.
“It was a beautiful, warm, energetic day, and we look forward to working with this group of students!”
For the international students, the afternoon began with a session on the various tracks students can pursue at different partner universities. There was also an opportunity for new IMARC students to speak with second-year IMARC students about their experiences from the past year. After a warm session for taking the group photo in the bright sun, the students had a campus tour led by the Criminologie in Actie student association (CIA). The tour ended on the terrace, where students, teachers, and coordinators could get to know each other, catch up, and socialise.
“It was a beautiful, warm, energetic day, and we look forward to working with this group of students”, Elisabeth Brein, program coordinator of IMARC, reflects.
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