Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior based on the principles of non-legal disciplines such as Sociology, Psychology, Economics, Statistics and Anthropology. Criminology as a study considers many perspectives on crime’s causes and effects and the approach is to accept that there is no single answer to why people commit crimes. In addition, researchers focus on the causes, prevention and correction of crime.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of criminology, a degree in this field will enable students to cover a wide variety of theories, topics and ideas. The curriculum will depend on whether the students choose to major purely in criminology or combine it with other disciplines such as law, psychology, criminal justice or social policy. Students will also develop certain skills such as critical observation, attention to detail, as well as strong analytical and investigative thinking.

Although the study modules will vary from institution to institution, the core areas that will be required while studying Criminology are, criminal behaviour, the legal context of crime, crime prevention methods, social anthropology, quantitative analysis, social policy, criminal psychology, qualitative research skills, physiology of crime, communication and gender and society. Students in Criminology will have the opportunity to participate in criminal investigations and gather evidences, investigate crime scenes, interview witnesses and attend autopsies to demonstrate their skills.

Study Levels:

Accredited universities in India as well as abroad offer criminology degrees and diplomas at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels under the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociology
• Bachelor of Science in Criminology
• Bachelor Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science
• Master of Science in Criminology
• Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Master Degree in Global Criminology
• Master of Science in Criminological Research
• Master of Science in International Crimes, Conflict and Criminology
• Master Degree in Neurocriminology of Aggressive Behaviour
• Master of Science in Criminology, Risk, and Safeguarding
• Master in Criminalistics and Forensic Sciences
• Master of Legislative Law in Criminal Law and Criminology
• Master of Legislative Law in Crimes and Torts
• Diploma in Criminal Law
• Diploma in Criminology and Penology
• Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science and Criminology
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminology
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Policing, Security and Criminal Justice

Specialisations:

Studying for a degree in Criminology will open up doors for students in several areas of specialisations, depending on their interests. These include:

• Criminal Law
• Global Criminology
• Penology
• Forensic Criminology
• Forensic Psychology
• Police Science
• Criminal Law and Jurisprudence
• Criminal Investigation
• Forensic Analysis
• Crime and Human Development
• Biopsychosocial Criminology
• Neighbourhood Dynamics of Crime
• Criminological Theories
• Juvenile Law
• Criminal Procedures

Employability:

With some courses offering students a placement year, which can help them gain insight into particular areas of work and build up contacts for future prospects, graduates in Criminology are in demand both inside and outside the criminal justice sector for their high-level transferable skills that make them attractive to employers.

Possible job roles include:

• Private Detective
• Crime Investigator
• Crime Scene Analyst
• Probation Officer
• Crime Laboratory Analyst
• Prison Governor
• F.B.I. Agent
• Forensic Surgeon
• Crime Intelligence Analyst
• Police Officer
• Community Corrections Coordinator
• Community Development Worker
• Law Reformer
• Regional Crime Prevention Coordinator
• Drug Policy Advisor
• Criminology Teacher
• Consumer Advocate
• Psychiatrist
• Lawyer
• Forensic Engineer

In addition, the professional areas that graduates can also look into, include:

• Addiction services
• Community development
• Civil servant
• Charity office
• NGOs
• Probation officer
• Prison officer
• PhD researcher/Academic
• Reintegration support worker
• Victim liaison worker
• Youth advocacy support worker