BA Criminology Syllabus: Core Subjects in Government and Private Universities

• Updated on  23 Jul, 2025 by Kirti Mehendiratta

BA Criminology is an undergraduate program that provides the study of crime, its causes, effects, and the criminal justice system. Students in the course are provided with basic knowledge of criminology theories, the criminal law, forensics science, and policing. It also focuses on field visits, crime scene management, and internship opportunities as a basis of practical training and skill development. Students gain knowledge on current social problems like cybercrime, human rights, and victimology, and are set ready to pursue various careers ranging in law enforcement, legal services, forensic analysis, and social work.

 

Bachelor of Arts Criminology curriculum differs across colleges, like the University of Madras has a curriculum combining the principles of criminology, criminal law, psychology, cybercrime and community policing combined with environmental studies and field work. CMS College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore on the other hand offers a program that is focused more towards forensic science, including crime scene management, forensic psychology, advanced forensic medicine, socio-economic crimes.

 

Table of Contents

  1. BA Criminology Syllabus in Govt University
  2. BA Criminology Syllabus in Private University
  3. FAQs

 

BA Criminology Syllabus in Govt University

BA Criminology provides an in-depth understanding of criminology, criminal law, and related fields through core papers, electives, and hands-on training. Mentioned below is the syllabus that includes language studies, soft skills, and value-based education. This curriculum is offered by the University of Madras.

Semester 1

Semester 2

Language Paper I

Language Paper II

English Paper I

English Paper II

Principles of Criminology

Vigilance and Security Management

Criminal Law

Principles of Psychology

Document Examination

Special Laws

Basic Tamil / Advanced Tamil / NME

Basic Tamil / Advanced Tamil / NME

Soft Skill

Soft Skill

Semester 3

Semester 4

Language Paper – III

Language Paper – IV

English Paper – III

English Paper – IV

Human Rights and Criminal Justice Administration

Prison Administration

Social Problems

Cyber Crimes

Fundamentals of Statistics

Guidance and Counseling

Soft Skill III

Practical – I: Field Visits

Environmental Studies

Soft Skill IV

-

Environmental Studies

Semester 5

Semester 6

Police Administration

Community Policing

Police Station Management

Contemporary Forms of Crime

Practical – II: Outdoor Training I

Practical – III: Advanced Outdoor Training

Elective Paper I – Victimology

Elective Paper III – Crowd Control and Riot Management

Elective Paper II – Computer Application in Criminal Justice

Elective Paper IV – Private Detective and Investigation

Value Education

Extension Activities

 

BA Criminology Syllabus in Private University

BA Criminology curriculum is a very detailed study of criminology, forensic science, law enforcement as a whole providing both theoretical understanding and practical implementation. Bachelor of Arts Criminology is meant to help students provide the necessary skills in various fields of study including human rights, advanced forensic methods. Mentioned below is the syllabus of CMS College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore:

Semester I

Semester II

Introduction to Criminology

Introduction to Human Rights

Sociology of Law

Crime Scene Management

Child and Law

Criminalistics Practical

Ethics and Culture

General Studies - I

Jurisprudence

-

Semester III

Semester IV

Forensic Psychology

Criminal Psychology

Fingerprints and Questioned Documents

Criminal Psychology - Practical

Penology and Correctional Administration

Police Science and Law Enforcement

Police Station Management

Criminal Procedure and Evidences (CrPC & IEA)

White Collar Crime

General Studies - III

General Studies - II

-

Semester V

Semester VI

Major Criminal Laws

Project and Viva Voce

Crime Prevention

Internship

Risk and Vulnerability Analysis

Victimology

Basics of Research Methods, Statistics & Computer

Advanced Forensic Science & Forensic Medicine

Advanced Forensic Psychology

Socio-Economic Crimes

 

Modular - General Studies

Also Read: Diploma in Cyber Law

 

FAQs

What are the core subjects covered in the BA Criminology syllabus?

The core subjects include criminology principles, criminal psychology, criminal law, forensic science, penology, victimology, cyber crime, police administration, sociology of crime, and research methods. These areas provide a multidisciplinary approach to understanding crime, its causes, and the functioning of the criminal justice system.

What opportunities are available for law graduates interested in criminology?

Graduates of law studies can work as a crime analyst, forensic specialist, policy maker/advisor, legal consultant, or in law enforcement organizations. There are also opportunities in academic institutions, in prisons and punishment, non-governmental organizations, and criminological research centers. This expertise can give law graduates more flexibility in crime research and expertise in the legal field, and thus be useful in cross-disciplinary projects.

How does an internship in criminology help in one's future career path?

Internships provide practical experience with placements in police departments, forensic laboratories, courts, or research-related establishments. They assist students in acquiring essential skills related to investigation, legal writing, and analysis of cases, making them more employable.

How can developing research skills impact success in criminology-related jobs?

Strong research skills enable criminologists to analyze crime trends, evaluate policies, and develop prevention strategies. They support evidence-based decision making in academic, government, and applied settings. Proficiency in research enhances career advancement by contributing to innovation and best practices within the field.

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