Bachelor's degree in criminology in Spain: solutions and outstanding issues

Abstract

Criminology studies in Spain have a short stroke when are compared with other "classic" degrees. By this reason this type of studies required adjustments in its design and other qualifications, but also the generation of a specific identity. It is noteworthy that despite this youth”, in academic terms, the different manifestations of this degree shows specific issues that are the object of this paper. I First, we find some legislative changes which serve to develop and implement many titles associated with this specialty. On the other hand, is needed to adjust this degree at 2008 demands of equivalence in social and labor required by the effective implementation of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Also, throughout this article we analyze how the Government have tried to establish mechanisms to readjust legislative enactments to market needs. However, criminology studies,  in their history in Spain, first as unofficial studies and later as official degrees, have never being closed at all. They have always been subject of continuous changes and adjustments of pupils interested in this profile to an evanescent reality. Many of them, for example, are planned today if the degree -of 240 ECTS credits- shows similarities or differences with the unofficial titles of the past. Therefore in this article are also established, as a reflection, similarities. Also we analyze whether such studies are covered by the text of Royal Decree 43/2015.