Criminology Course: Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Jobs and Top Colleges

Criminology Courses have gained importance due to the rising number of crimes in India. Criminologists are responsible for examining crime trends, crime figures and criminal activity to develop strategies for reducing crime in society. Criminology is the study of crime and is an interdisciplinary field in behavioural and social sciences. Criminology is a branch of Sociology and Forensic Scientists also play a major role in the field. The candidates must note that Criminology is not a course but a specialization that is offered in various UG level and PG level courses.

Criminology courses can be pursued at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. The duration of a Criminology course depends on the course level. Usually, Criminology UG courses are of 3 years and Criminology PG Courses are of 2 years.

To be eligible for the UG programme, a student must have completed his 10+2 with aggregate 50 per cent marks. CUET, IPU CET, JMI are some of the entrance exams that allow admission to students in Criminology courses. Graduates can apply for Criminology Courses in postgraduate level.  Candidates can gain employment in a variety of other criminology specialisations such as Forensic Experts, Crime Analysts, Criminal Lawyers and Digital Forensic Analysts.

Criminal scientists can find work in both public and private organisations. Digital Forensics Researchers, Human Rights Agencies, Standard Chartered, Central Police, State Police, Educational Institutions, CBI, Barclays and Amazon are some of the top recruiting companies where criminologists are in high demand. The average starting salary for Criminology courses in India ranges from INR 4 LPA to 12 LPA. 

Latest Updates Related to Criminology Course:

• CUET 2024 is scheduled to be held from 15 May '24 to 24 May '24.

Criminology Course Highlights

The table below presents some of the important details related to Criminology course such as Criminology course duration, Criminology course entrance exams, Criminology course average fees, Criminology course average salary, Criminology course top recruiters and Criminology course top job profiles:

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All About Criminology

Criminology is a field that is studies about unlawful activities and the psychology and behavior of the offenders. The study of criminology involves assessment, analysis and research with a scientific temperament and problem solving approach. One of the renowned professions one can pursue after studying Criminology is that of a Criminologist.

Criminologists research about crime, look for existing patterns in crime, draw clues from evidences and patterns to identify criminals. They also use various research and analysis methods in prevention of crime. Criminology courses can be pursued in various degrees and multiple course levels.

Online Criminology Courses

There are several online certificate programmes relating to Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Cyber Crime. These programmes are short-term and help in enhancing the skills of the candidates. However, the candidate who wants to pursue a career-oriented course can take admission to Diploma and PG Diploma criminology courses. Some of the top online Criminology certificates courses that are provided by different online learning platforms are tabulated below:

What is the scope of Criminology?

There are several reasons due to which candidates prefer to study Criminology as a main part of their course. Some of these reasons are listed below:

• The demand for Criminologists has risen with the increasing crime rate in the country as well as across the globe.
• The candidates who wish to join the Armed Forces, the Police department and Investigation Agencies can pursue the course in order to mentally prepare themselves.
• It can also be pursued by candidates who have genuine interest for the subject and wish to work in academia.
• Criminology courses are available in several specialisations like Law enforcement, Criminal Ethology, Criminal Justice and Cyber Law. Therefore, Lawyers can pursue this course to gain better insights about the field.
• Journalists and Crime Reporters can also study Criminology. Gaining a holistic understanding about crime and criminals from a different perspective can improve their work performance.
• The salary of an entry level Criminologist ranges from INR 2.8 LPA to INR 6.5 LPA.

Criminology Courses Eligibility

Criminology can be opted as a specialization in many courses. The eligibility criteria could be different for each course and course level. The colleges providing courses with criminology as a specialization determine the eligibility criteria for admission of candidates. The entrance exam conducting bodies may also prescribe some additional criteria to shortlist candidates for admission.

Candidates can find below the basic eligibility criteria that has to be fulfilled by candidates who wish to seek admission in courses with criminology as a specialization:

Note: The criminology eligibility criteria mentioned above may vary depending on the college offering the course.

Types of Criminology Courses

Criminology Course Syllabus

The criminology course syllabus includes topics related to investigation of crime, gathering of evidences and their scrutiny. It also extends its study to find the root cause of crime and criminal psychology. The criminology syllabus includes both theoretical and practical subjects.

Criminology is covered at various course levels with varying approaches and intensities. However, there are some main subjects that are included in the curriculum of courses offering criminology as a specialization. Some of which is mentioned below:

Note: The syllabus topics of Criminology courses may vary depending on the colleges offering the course.

Criminology Courses Entrance Exams 2024

There are various undergraduate level and postgraduate level entrance exams conducting in India for admission into courses offering Criminology as a specialization or subject. CUET is a national level entrance exam for admission into UG level courses whereas CUET PG is for PG level. There are many other state level and university level entrance exams for Criminology.

Given below are some of the top entrance exams conducted in India at various course levels for admission into ourses that involve the study of Criminology:

Note: The criminology courses entrance exams dates and schedules may vary depending on the latest updates.

Colleges Offering Criminology Courses

There are a multitude of colleges in India that offer courses providing Criminology as a specialization. These colleges are located all across India in many developed and developing cities and districts. The candidates are advised to check if the college providing admission in courses offering criminology is recognized by UGC and approved by AICTE.

Top Private Colleges for Criminology

Many private colleges offer BA, BSc, MA and MSc courses with criminology as a specialization. The colleges listed below may provide some or all of the courses involved in criminology. May candidates prefer private colleges for studying criminology as they provide these courses in various locations in India and also due to their infrastructure and placement training.

Given below are some of the top private colleges that provide courses involving the study of criminology:

Note: The average fees mentioned above may vary.

Top Government Colleges for Criminology Courses

Many candidates prefer government colleges offering courses with criminology as they have affordable fee structure and a good reputation in the job market.

Given below are some of the top government colleges that provide courses involving the study of criminology:

Note: The average fees mentioned above may vary.

Criminology Career Scope: Job Profiles and Salaries

The candidates who have completed Diploma or UG level courses can offering the study of Criminology can pursue further studies in the field to enhance their knowledge and job prospects. They can find employment opportunities in government and private sectors.

Criminology Job Profiles

The candidates are advised to use their knowledge of Criminology for constructive activities with ethics and integrity by pursuing jobs that either directly or indirectly contribute to the good of the larger society. Given below are some of the job profiles that can be pursued by candidates who have studied criminology as a part of the course curriculum of their degree:

Criminology Top Recruiters

The candidates who have gained expertise in the field of Criminology are sought after for various jobs in India as well as abroad. The theoretical and practical subjects of Criminology prepare a candidate with basic knowledge required in the job market.

Given below are some of the Indian organizations that employ graduates who have studied Criminology:

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Criminology Abroad for Indian Students

To pursue a Criminology courses abroad candidates have to follow the admission procedure prescribed by their preferred institute.They have to appear for the language proficiency tests Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for abroad admissions. 

The total expense of the course can go up to INR 50 lakh. The most popular countries for abroad courses are the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and New Zealand.

Given below are some of the colleges abroad that offer the study of Criminology at various course levels: