Bachelor of Security Studies and Criminology
Department of Security Studies and Criminology
Equips graduates with a comprehensive understanding of criminology, criminal justice systems, and security studies, combined with practical skills in crime prevention, investigation, intelligence analysis, and risk management.
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology
Total Credit Hours
194 Credit Hours
Total Courses
64 Courses
Duration
5 Years (10 Semesters)
Semester Length
16 weeks, inclusive of examinations
Programme Start
September intake
Language of Instruction
English
Campus Location
Mogadishu, Somalia
Modes of Study
Full-Time and Part-Time on-campus learning
Overview
The Bachelor of Security Studies and Criminology is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary to understand, analyse, and respond to complex security challenges in contemporary society. It combines theoretical foundations in criminology, criminal justice, and security studies with practical insights into law enforcement, intelligence, and risk management, situated throughout within the particular institutional and social realities of Somalia and the Horn of Africa. Through rigorous coursework, case studies, fieldwork, and research — supported by laboratory-based forensic practice and a supervised field internship — the programme emphasises critical thinking, analytical skills, and evidence-based approaches to security and crime management.
Background and Rationale
The Bachelor of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology is an undergraduate degree programme offered by Somali International University. It covers a range of topics, from war and conflict to counter-terrorism, equipping graduates with a wide range of knowledge about national security, global security, international politics, and intelligence. It also examines how politics can impact both security and insecurity in Somalia. The programme is housed within the Department of Security Studies and Criminology, part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, and brings together instructors with backgrounds in criminology, law, political science, and security studies. Students first build a shared foundation in the social sciences before progressing into specialised coursework in criminology, criminal justice, and security studies. Its explicit orientation is toward the institutions and processes of public safety and justice: how crime is explained, prevented, and investigated, how criminal proceedings and correctional systems operate, and how security institutions are organised, managed, and held accountable. Where relevant, courses draw on Somali case material — including customary reconciliation practices, counter-extremism experience, and maritime-security challenges.
Vision & Mission
The Bachelor of Security Studies and Criminology programme aspires to produce knowledgeable, skilled, and ethical professionals capable of addressing complex security and criminal justice challenges. Our vision is to develop graduates who combine strong theoretical foundations with practical competencies to promote public safety, uphold the rule of law, and contribute to social stability at local, national, and international levels.
The mission of the programme is to:
- 1Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of criminology, criminal justice systems, and security studies.
- 2Equip graduates with practical skills in crime prevention, investigation, intelligence analysis, risk management, and conflict resolution.
- 3Foster ethical awareness, professional responsibility, and respect for human rights in security and justice practice.
- 4Encourage critical thinking, research, and evidence-based approaches to security challenges.
- 5Prepare graduates to engage effectively in law enforcement, security management, policy-making, community protection, and research roles in diverse professional settings.
Our Values
Integrity
Practising security and criminal-justice work with honesty and accountability.
Credibility
Building trusted, evidence-based approaches to public safety and justice.
Innovation
Applying creative strategies to crime prevention and security challenges.
Transparency
Promoting accountable, rule-of-law-based security and justice practice.
Excellence
Pursuing the highest standards in security and criminal-justice practice.
Professionalism
Preparing graduates to serve competently in law enforcement and security.
Objectives & Learning Outcomes
- 1Develop Knowledge and Understanding — provide students with a strong foundation in criminology, criminal justice, security studies, and related theoretical frameworks.
- 2Enhance Analytical Skills — enable students to critically examine the causes, patterns, and consequences of crime and security threats.
- 3Promote Practical Competence — equip students with professional skills in investigation, intelligence gathering, risk assessment, conflict resolution, and crime prevention.
- 4Foster Ethical and Legal Awareness — instil a strong sense of ethics, accountability, and respect for human rights in security and justice practice.
- 5Encourage Research and Evidence-Based Practice — prepare students to conduct research, evaluate programmes, and apply evidence-based strategies to address security and criminal justice challenges.
- 6Prepare for Professional Careers — equip graduates for employment in law enforcement, security management, policy analysis, corrections, intelligence agencies, and related fields.
- 7Promote Social Responsibility — cultivate a commitment to promoting safety, justice, and the well-being of communities at local, national, and international levels.
- 1Demonstrate Foundational Knowledge — explain key concepts, theories, and frameworks in criminology, criminal justice, security studies, and law enforcement.
- 2Analyze Security and Criminal Issues — critically assess the causes, patterns, and impacts of crime, terrorism, and other security threats at local, national, and international levels.
- 3Apply Practical Skills — conduct investigations, risk assessments, intelligence analysis, and security management tasks using professional standards and best practices.
- 4Conduct Research and Policy Analysis — design, execute, and present research projects to evaluate security policies, crime prevention strategies, and criminal justice programmes.
- 5Promote Ethical and Legal Practice — apply ethical principles, human rights considerations, and legal standards in professional decision-making and security operations.
- 6Communicate Effectively — present findings, reports, and recommendations clearly and professionally to diverse audiences in oral, written, and digital formats.
- 7Demonstrate Critical Thinking and Problem Solving — formulate evidence-based solutions to complex security and criminal justice challenges.
- 8Engage in Professional and Lifelong Learning — adapt to evolving security threats, emerging technologies, and policy developments through continuous learning and professional development.
- 9Foster Social Responsibility — contribute to the safety, justice, and stability of communities, upholding the principles of accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
Programme Duration
- Total duration: five (5) academic years.
- Structure: ten (10) semesters, at a rate of two semesters per academic year.
- Semester length: sixteen (16) weeks, comprising the instructional period and the final-examination period that concludes it.
- Annual intake: one (1) intake per year, commencing in September.
- Academic load: 64 courses and 194 credit hours in total, distributed across the ten semesters as prescribed in the Study Plan.
- Credit-hour equivalence: one (1) credit hour equals 45 contact hours.
Admission & Graduation Requirements
- Possess a Secondary School Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
- Have a minimum proficiency in English.
- Pass an entrance examination and/or interview.
- Provide valid medical clearance and vaccination records.
- Submit four passport-size photographs (white background).
- Pay a non-refundable $30 registration fee.
- Complete the university enrolment form.
- Complete all required coursework and components.
- Pass all courses with no grades of F/Fail, NG/No Grade, or I/Incomplete.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00.
- Pass a final comprehensive examination.
- Complete the field internship in security studies.
- Fulfil all academic, ethical, and attendance policies of the faculty.
Career Opportunities
Law Enforcement Agencies
Serving as police officers, investigators, or crime-prevention specialists at local, regional, and national levels.
Correctional and Rehabilitation Services
Working in prison administration, probation, or offender rehabilitation programmes.
Intelligence and National Security Agencies
Contributing to intelligence analysis, counter-terrorism, and national security planning.
Private Security and Risk Management
Providing corporate security, risk assessment, and protective services for businesses and organisations.
Border, Customs, and Immigration Services
Supporting border control, customs enforcement, and migration management.
International and Regional Organisations
Engaging in peacekeeping, humanitarian security, or policy work with bodies such as the United Nations and African Union.
Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations
Supporting community safety, human-rights monitoring, and conflict-resolution initiatives.
Research and Academia
Conducting research or teaching in criminology, criminal justice, and security studies.
Policy Analysis and Public Administration
Advising government ministries and agencies on security policy and criminal-justice reform.
Delivery & Assessment
- Classroom-based lectures.
- Practical laboratory sessions, including crime-scene and forensic simulations.
- Field practicals and study visits to courts, correctional facilities, and security institutions.
- Case studies, role plays, and group projects.
- Supervised field internship in a police department, security agency, correctional facility, intelligence unit, or comparable institution.
- The graduation research project, undertaken under academic supervision.
| Assessment Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Written Examinations | 80% |
| Practical / Skills Demonstrations | 10% |
| Coursework, Assignments, and Reports | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Practical Training
Practical learning is integrated across the programme through laboratory-based forensic practice, field visits, and a supervised internship, so that students apply security and criminal-justice theory in operational settings before graduation.
- Practical laboratory sessions, including crime-scene and forensic simulations.
- Field practicals and study visits to courts, correctional facilities, and security institutions.
- FLP 5101 Field Internship in Security Studies (Semester 9) — a supervised placement in a police department, security agency, correctional facility, intelligence unit, or comparable institution; completing it is a graduation requirement.
- The graduation research project (GRAP 5101 / GRAP 5202), undertaken under academic supervision.
Contact Information
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Somali International University (SIU)