LLM in Criminal Law syllabus : Latest Updated Syllabus for syllabus
Pragati SinghSenior Executive - Content
LLM in Criminal Law syllabus provides an explained and advanced understanding of criminal justice, substantive and procedural criminal law, and related socio-legal issues. While specific subjects and their format can vary in different universities, there are several core areas that are generally covered. course is spread over two years, divided into four semesters but some colleges offer a one-year LLM course.
Initially, students are often taught about foundational and interdisciplinary subjects such as Research Methods and Legal Writing, for advanced legal study and academic work. Courses such as Comparative Public Law or System of Governance provide a broader understanding of legal and political frameworks. Subjects like Criminology, Penology & Victimology teaches theoretical and practical aspects of crime, punishment, and victim rights.
LLM Criminal Law syllabus aims to produce graduates with specialised knowledge and critical understanding of criminal law and justice, preparing them for careers in litigation, academia, law reform, and various other legal and policy-related fields.
LLM Criminal Law Syllabus
Candidates can see the table below -
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Semester 1 |
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|---|---|---|
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Indian Penal Code (IPC) |
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) |
Constitutional Law-III (Focus on Criminal Justice) |
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Semester 2 |
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Evidence Law |
Forensic Science & Law |
Cyber Law & Cybercrime |
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Semester 3 |
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Special Acts (NDPS Act, Prevention of Corruption Act, etc.) |
Legal Aid & Criminal Justice |
Criminal Justice Administration |
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Semester 4 |
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Dissertation/Thesis |
Seminar Presentations |
Optional Courses (as per university) |
LLM Criminal Law Syllabus 2025: Core Subjects
Candidates can see the table below -
|
Semester |
Core Subject |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 |
Criminal Jurisprudence |
Explores fundamental theories of criminal law, liability, and punishment from a jurisprudential angle. |
|
Advanced Indian Penal Code (IPC) |
Analytical study of key provisions and interpretations of IPC including landmark case laws. |
|
|
Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) |
Focuses on procedures of investigation, arrest, bail, trial, and appeal mechanisms in criminal law. |
|
|
Criminology and Penology |
Examines causes of crime, classification of criminals, punishment theories, and correctional reforms. |
|
|
Legal Research Methodology |
Introduces students to doctrinal, empirical, and socio-legal research methods relevant to law. |
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Semester 2 |
Comparative Criminal Law |
Offers insight into how different legal systems handle criminal offences, procedures, and reforms. |
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Victimology and Restorative Justice |
Covers victims’ rights, support systems, rehabilitation, and non-retributive justice approaches. |
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Human Rights and Criminal Law |
Focuses on constitutional protections, international conventions, and safeguards in criminal justice. |
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White Collar and Organized Crimes |
Deals with financial crimes, corporate frauds, cybercrimes, and laws combating organized crime. |
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Dissertation / Thesis |
Independent research on a criminal law topic with guidance from faculty, ending in a viva voce. |
LLM Criminal Law Syllabus 2025: Elective Subjects
Candidates can see the table below -
|
Elective Subject |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Cyber Law and Cyber Crimes |
Covers legal frameworks related to digital offences, cyber terrorism, data privacy, and IT Act compliance. |
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Forensic Science and Law |
Introduces forensic techniques in criminal investigations including DNA, fingerprinting, and ballistics. |
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Gender and Criminal Justice |
Focuses on crimes against women and marginalized genders, laws like POCSO, and feminist legal theory. |
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Juvenile Justice and Child Protection Laws |
Examines juvenile delinquency, Juvenile Justice Act, and rehabilitation systems for minors. |
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International Criminal Law |
Studies war crimes, genocide, international courts (like ICC), and cross-border criminal prosecution. |
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Police Law and Accountability |
Deals with police powers, custodial violence, reforms, and laws governing accountability mechanisms. |
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Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law |
Focuses on NDPS Act, drug trafficking, legal regulation of narcotics, and rehabilitation. |
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Terrorism and Anti-Terror Laws |
Analyses national security laws like UAPA, preventive detention, and global anti-terror frameworks. |
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Economic Offences and Anti-Corruption Laws |
Covers money laundering, embezzlement, PMLA, Lokpal Act, and Prevention of Corruption Act. |
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Penal Reform and Alternatives to Incarceration |
Discusses prison reforms, parole, probation, open prisons, and community-based justice models. |
LLM Criminal Law Syllabus: Popular Books and Authors
Candidates can see the table below -
|
Book Title |
Author |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Principles of Criminal Law |
Prof. K.D. Gaur |
Comprehensive explanation of Indian criminal law principles, judicial interpretation, and case law. |
|
Indian Penal Code |
Ratanlal & Dhirajlal |
A widely cited commentary offering deep insights and section-wise analysis of IPC. |
|
Criminal Law |
P.S.A. Pillai |
A foundational text for understanding Indian criminal law, updated with recent amendments. |
|
Criminal Procedure Code |
R.V. Kelkar |
A standard reference covering procedural aspects of criminal law in India in a student-friendly style. |
|
Criminology and Penology |
Dr. N.V. Paranjape |
Discusses crime causes, penal systems, theories of punishment, and criminal profiling. |
|
Law of Evidence |
Batuk Lal |
Covers Indian Evidence Act with practical examples, case laws, and admissibility issues. |
|
Victimology |
Dr. K.I. Vibhute |
A focused study on victim rights, compensation, and restorative justice in Indian legal context. |
|
Comparative Criminal Justice |
Malcolm Davies & Hazel Croall |
An international perspective comparing criminal justice systems and reform initiatives worldwide. |
|
International Criminal Law and Human Rights |
Dr. Reema Singh |
Explores intersection of human rights law and international criminal prosecution mechanisms. |
|
White Collar Crime in India |
Sutherland & Indian case studies |
Analyses economic crimes and regulatory gaps, blending theory with landmark Indian judgments. |
- Popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
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Popular LLM in Criminal Law Colleges in India
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Popular LLM in Criminal Law Specializations
Popular Specializations
- Criminal Law
164 Colleges
- Security & Investment Law
24 Colleges
- Corporate Law
21 Colleges
- Constitutional Law
18 Colleges
- Business Law
15 Colleges
- Intellectual Property Law
11 Colleges
- Human Rights & International Humanitarian Law
10 Colleges
- Commercial Law
6 Colleges
- Administrative Law
5 Colleges
- Cyber Law
5 Colleges
News & Updates
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
There are some major differences between the courses in Criminal Law and Civil Law.
Refer to the table given below
| Criminal Law | Civil Law |
|---|---|
| The criminal law curriculum revolves around the legal principles, processes, and practices related to criminal offenses. | The Civil Law syllabus equips students with knowledge of the legal principles, processes, and practices governing disputes between people or organizations, excluding criminal offenses. |
| PG, PhD, Diploma, and Certification. | PG, PhD, and Diploma. |
| Strategic thinking, criminal investigation, trial advocacy, interviewing & negotiation, etc. | Legal research, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, legal writing, and communication. |
| INR 1,000 - INR 15 Lakh | INR 1 Lacs - 4 Lakh |
| Symbiosis Law School, NALSAR University of Law, GNLU Gandhinagar, SIMTS, GGSIPU, Alliance School of Law, etc. | K.R. Mangalam University, SAGE University, Kalinga University, Aryavart University, etc. |
Legal Manager, Contract Attorney, Legal Advisor, Legal Researcher, Legal Assistant, etc. | Lawyer, Advocate, Transactional Lawyer, Family Lawyer, Assistant Professor, etc. |
| Advocacy, Judiciary, Law Enforcement, Legal Consultancy, Education, NGO, etc. | Colleges, Universities, Law Firms, Public Sector Undertakings, etc. |
| Trilegal India, Khaitan & Co., Ahlawat & Associates, Sagar Associates, etc. | Aditya Birla Group, Tata Group, Infosys, Wipro, Mahindra and Mahindra, Bajaj Auto |
| INR 3 - 8 LPA | INR 3 - 7 LPA |
Source - Multiple external/ official sites on the web and data may vary.
Hope this helps!
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
One can formally pursue Criminal Law through various course levels like PG, PhD, Diploma and Certification. A course in Criminal Law generally has a duration of 2 to 5 years, depending on whether you're aiming for a master's or a doctorate.
You can get admission to these courses either through an en
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Criminal law refers to the laws protecting society against crime. It ensures a fair justice system. Criminal law courses revolve around legal practices, investigative methods, trial preparation, and the operation of the criminal justice system. Criminal Law subjects encompass laws related to crimes,
D
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 weeks ago
The seat intake for the BA LLB (Hons) in Criminal Law at Unitedworld School of Law, Karnavati University is yet to be revealed for 2026 admissions. In the previous year, the seat intake for the aforementioned course was 180 seats. Thus, candidates can expect the seat intake to be reletively similar
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To prep for a career in criminal law
- Get a law degree.
- Get practical experience.
- Take part in moot courts or legal debates.
- Networking with professionals.
Know more about -
S
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
You can
- Follow legal news and blogs.
- Join associations that are related to criminal law.
- Participate in seminars to learn about new laws and practices.
Know more about -
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
Yes, it has. Criminal law field offers many specializations. See below
- Criminal Litigation
- White-Collar Crime
- Cybercrime
- Juvenile Justice
- Human Rights
- International Criminal Law
Know more about -
G
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
It is a law field that deals with crimes and their legal consequences. It has the investigation, prosecution, and defense of people accused of criminal offenses.
Know more about -
I
Contributor-Level 9
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What is the difference between Criminal Law and Civil Law?