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Digital technology and crime: the crucial role of the human factor in Cybercrime

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme

What is a BIP?

Partner Institutions

University of Porto (Portugal)
University of Leiden (the Netherlands)
Miguel Hernández University of Elche (Spain)

Brief Course Description

The current program was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of diverse subjects on digital technology and criminology, giving special emphasis to the human factor. Furthermore, the practical component of this program allows students to translate theoretical concepts into actionable insights, demonstrating the ability to apply learned concepts to real-world scenarios.

The BIP relies on the knowledge of experts in the field of digital technology and crime, offering a broad perspective of crucial topics such as criminological theories and methods for explaining, researching, and detecting cybercrime; specific online crimes (hacking, malware, cyberbullying, online fraud…), prevention and interventions on cybercrime; emerging challenges in the digital realm, such as the regulation of digital technology, data protection, artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies. The inclusion of specialists from the University of Porto, particularly in the legal domain, reinforces the program's commitment to adopting a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape surrounding digital technology.

The lectures will combine expositive sessions alongside practical components and exercises, conceived for the participants to promote critical thinking, reflection, discussion, and application of the teaching contents.

Furthermore, the BIP comprehends the elaboration of a final project focused on discussing cybercrime scenarios in light of the contents explored throughout the program. This project, which will be presented and discussed at the end of the physical mobility, will be developed in groups, thus reinforcing the methods and strategies implemented throughout the course.

This BIP's virtual component will occur the week before the physical mobility. This session seeks to provide participants with an introduction to the BIP Program, explaining, in detail, the functioning, contents, schedule, activities, and final project. Furthermore, in this preliminary session, the central concepts in the field of cybercrime will be analyzed to provide a basis for developing physical mobility.

Teaching Team

University of Porto, Faculty of Law: Inês Guedes, Gilda Santos, Pedro Sousa, André Leite and Inês Neves
University Miguel Hernandéz of Elche: Fernando Miró-Llinares and Ignácio Castaño Diaz
University of Leiden: Rutger Leukfeldt and Marco Romagna

Certificate

The conclusion of the BIP project will credit the participants with 3 ECTS and a certificate of attendance. 

Placements

There are currently 19 places for international students and 11 places for students at the University of Porto.

Target audience

The BIP is mainly aimed at master's students. Still, students at the beginning of their Ph.D. or the end of their bachelor’s degree can submit their application, depending on whether they meet the application criteria, namely:

    - Proficiency in English (minimum: level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe).

    - Students of social sciences, preferably in the field of criminology, at any university level. (coerentes com o campo anterior, respetivas ponderações e critério(s) de desempate)

Social Program

    - Lunch provided at the University canteen (5 days)
    - Welcome dinner at an iconic restaurant in Porto
    - Douro River cruise, Port wine cellars, and Fado show
    - Guided tour of Porto’s Historical Centre
    - Guided tour of Serralves Museum and Gardens

Applications

Students wishing to attend the BIP must present their application by submitting their CV and Letter of Motivation (up to 3000 characters with spaces). The applications should be presented as follows:

• Students coming from the University of Leiden: https://www.formdesk.com/universiteitleiden/form692714218. For further information please contact Ms. Astrid de Vries - a.m.de.vries@fgga.leidenuniv.nl
• Students coming from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche: sending an e-mail to Mr. Ignacio Díaz Castaño - diaz@crimina.es
• Students coming from the University of Porto: sending an e-mail to Mr. Pedro Cadavez - pcadavez@direito.up.pt
• Other international students: sending an e-mail to Mr. Pedro Cadavez -  pcadavez@direito.up.pt

Applications deadline:  

• Students coming from the University of Leiden: 7^th March 2024
• Students coming from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche: 7^th March 2024
• Students coming from the University of Porto: 22^nd March 2024
• Other international students: 22^nd March 2024

Selection

Financing