This spring, international studies at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) took on a distinctly practical dimension. The university hosted two intensive ERUA courses, bringing together students from across Europe to deepen their knowledge in the fields of children’s rights and criminalistics.
Held from March 16 to 25, the blended intensive course “Children’s Rights in Action” focused on the protection of children’s rights at the international, European Union and national levels. During the online part of the programme, students explored the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, different national approaches, and current challenges related to the implementation of children’s rights.
In the second stage of the course, participants met in Vilnius, where they attended expert lectures, visited child protection institutions and met with representatives of non-governmental organisations. Particular attention was devoted to practical issues, including the protection of children from violence and neglect, the rights of migrant and refugee children, children’s participation in criminal justice processes, and safety in the digital environment. Working in international groups, students analysed real-life cases, developed solutions and presented their insights. Participants who successfully completed the course were awarded 3 ECTS credits.
In May, MRU’s international spring activities continued with another ERUA intensive course – “Crime Scene Investigation”, organised by the Public Security Academy. During the programme, held from May 6 to 22, students were introduced to the principles of crime scene investigation, learning how to secure a crime scene, search for and document evidence, work with forensic traces and ensure the proper chain of custody.
During the online lectures, participants explored the history of criminalistics, crime scene investigation methods and forensic photography, while the practical sessions in Vilnius focused on simulated crime scene investigations. Students collected and packaged evidence, prepared photographic documentation, analysed the gathered material and presented the results of their investigations in teams. The course was designed for students of law, criminology, public security, criminal law and related study fields. Participants who completed the programme were also awarded 3 ECTS credits.
These courses demonstrate how the ERUA partnership strengthens international cooperation and practice-based learning. The intensive programmes organised at MRU provide students not only with academic knowledge, but also with international experience, opportunities to work in multicultural teams and practical skills relevant to their future professional careers.
