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MASTER-OF-ARTS in Criminology at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Criminology at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University Delhi?
This Criminology program at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University focuses on the scientific study of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system within an Indian context. It delves into the causes of crime, its prevention, and the mechanisms of justice delivery. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, addressing the evolving crime landscape and the demand for skilled professionals in law enforcement, correctional services, and social defense sectors across India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in any discipline, especially Law, Social Sciences, or Psychology, who seek entry into the dynamic field of criminology. It also caters to working professionals in police, legal, or social welfare departments looking to upskill with advanced theoretical and practical knowledge. Career changers aspiring to contribute to crime prevention and justice administration will find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in police, intelligence agencies, correctional services, NGOs, research organizations, and academic institutions. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more (INR 8-15+ lakhs). Growth trajectories involve leadership roles in criminal justice administration and specialized research. The curriculum aligns with requirements for roles in forensic science and cyber crime units.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Criminological Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with core theories of criminology, criminal justice systems, and research methodology. Regularly attend lectures, participate in class discussions, and form study groups to clarify concepts. Focus on understanding the Indian legal and social context of crime.
Tools & Resources
Official textbooks, GGSIPU library resources, academic journals in criminology, peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation is crucial for excelling in entrance exams for government jobs (e.g., UPSC, state PSCs) in policing or corrections, and for building a robust understanding for future specialization.
Develop Strong Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay keen attention to research methodology and statistical application. Practice data collection, analysis, and report writing through assignments and term papers. Utilize university resources for statistical software training and academic writing support.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R/Excel for data analysis, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, GGSIPU research workshops
Career Connection
Proficiency in research is invaluable for roles in crime analysis, policy formulation, and academic research, enabling evidence-based decision-making in future careers.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Actively seek connections between criminology and other disciplines like sociology, psychology, law, and forensic science. Attend guest lectures and workshops on related topics to broaden your perspective on crime and justice.
Tools & Resources
Online courses on related subjects, university seminars, cross-disciplinary academic events
Career Connection
An interdisciplinary approach enhances problem-solving skills, making you a versatile professional capable of addressing complex criminal issues from multiple angles in police, NGOs, or policy roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Specialized Internships- (Semester 3-4 (during breaks or alongside studies))
Proactively seek internships with police departments, correctional facilities, forensic labs, legal firms specializing in criminal law, or NGOs focused on victim support. Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
GGSIPU placement cell, online internship portals like Internshala, LinkedIn, direct outreach to organizations
Career Connection
Internships provide practical exposure, build a professional network, and often lead to pre-placement offers or crucial recommendations for future job applications, especially in government or private agencies.
Deepen Elective Specialization- (Semester 3-4)
Choose electives strategically based on your career interests (e.g., Criminal Psychology, Cyber Crime, Police Administration). Dedicate extra time to reading specialized literature, attending relevant workshops, and undertaking projects in your chosen area.
Tools & Resources
Specialized textbooks, MOOCs on platforms like Coursera/edX, industry-specific webinars
Career Connection
Specialization makes you highly competitive for niche roles in areas like cyber crime investigation, criminal profiling, or correctional psychology, catering to specific industry demands.
Participate in Debates and Moot Courts- (Semester 3-4)
Engage in university-level or inter-university debates, moot court competitions, or essay writing contests focusing on criminal justice issues. This enhances critical thinking, legal reasoning, and public speaking skills.
Tools & Resources
Law School societies, legal news portals, GGSIPU debate/moot court clubs
Career Connection
These activities sharpen advocacy and analytical skills essential for roles in public prosecution, legal aid, or policy analysis, and boost confidence for interviews and professional interactions.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Select a significant and impactful research topic for your dissertation. Work closely with your faculty supervisor, conduct rigorous data collection and analysis, and aim for high-quality, publishable work. Focus on addressing contemporary Indian criminological challenges.
Tools & Resources
University research ethics board, academic writing centers, statistical software, peer review from mentors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation can serve as a portfolio piece, demonstrating your expertise and research capability to potential employers or for pursuing further academic qualifications like a PhD.
Prepare for Placements and Government Exams- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in placement cell activities. Prepare thoroughly for competitive government exams (UPSC, State PSC, SSC) for roles like Assistant Public Prosecutor, Probation Officer, or Police Officer. Practice interview skills and general knowledge.
Tools & Resources
GGSIPU placement workshops, career counseling, online test series for government exams, mock interviews
Career Connection
Dedicated preparation directly translates into successful placements in reputed government organizations and private sector roles that demand strong analytical and domain knowledge, ensuring a secure career path.
Build Professional Networking- (Throughout the program, intensifying in Semester 4)
Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops organized by professional bodies in criminology and justice. Connect with alumni and industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in professional associations relevant to your specialization.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, national/international criminology associations, university alumni network events
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to mentorship, collaborative projects, and job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, providing a significant advantage in career advancement and professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Any Bachelor''''s Degree from a recognized University/Institution in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. For eligibility of ‘Reserved Categories’ the criteria would be as per the latest UGC Guidelines/Delhi Govt. Rules/GNCTD Rules.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 88 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25% (Internal Assessment), External: 75% (End Term Examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MACR 101 | Introduction to Criminology | Core | 4 | Nature, Scope & History of Criminology, Schools of Criminology, Types of Crimes and Criminals, Interdisciplinary nature of Criminology, Contemporary Criminological Issues |
| MACR 103 | Crime and Society | Core | 4 | Social Structure and Crime Causation, Theories of Social Disorganization, Social Deviance and Conformity, Culture, Subculture, and Crime, Social Change and its impact on Crime |
| MACR 105 | Criminal Justice System | Core | 4 | Components of Criminal Justice System in India, Role and Functions of Police System, Judiciary System and its processes, Correctional System and Reforms, Victimization and Victim Support |
| MACR 107 | Penology and Victimology | Core | 4 | Theories and Objectives of Punishment, Correctional Philosophy and Practices, Prison Reforms and Administration, Emergence and Scope of Victimology, Victim Rights and Compensation Schemes |
| MACR 109 | Research Methodology & Statistics | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research Design, Data Collection Methods in Criminology, Sampling Techniques and Ethics in Research, Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis, Introduction to Statistical Tools for Research |
| MACR 111 | Field Study / Term Paper | Project | 2 | Practical application of research methods, Observation and data collection techniques, Structured report writing, Analysis of empirical data, Presentation of findings |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MACR 102 | Theories of Crime | Core | 4 | Classical and Neo-classical Criminology, Positivist Theories of Crime, Sociological Theories (e.g., Anomie, Strain), Psychological Theories of Criminal Behavior, Feminist Perspectives in Criminology |
| MACR 104 | Juvenile Delinquency | Core | 4 | Concept and Causes of Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Justice System in India, Institutional and Non-Institutional Care for Juveniles, Prevention Strategies for Delinquency, Rehabilitation and Treatment Approaches |
| MACR 106 | Criminal Law and Procedure | Core | 4 | Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Elements of Crime, Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) Overview, Indian Evidence Act, Investigation Process and FIR, Trial Procedures and Sentencing |
| MACR 108 | Human Rights and Criminal Justice | Core | 4 | Concept and Evolution of Human Rights, International Human Rights Instruments, Human Rights in the Indian Context, Custodial Violence and Police Accountability, Rights of Prisoners and Victims |
| MACR 110 | Forensic Science and Criminalistics | Core | 4 | Introduction to Forensic Science Disciplines, Forensic Psychology and Profiling, DNA Fingerprinting and Analysis, Ballistics and Document Examination, Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Investigation |
| MACR 112 | Seminar / Presentation | Project | 2 | Public speaking and presentation skills, Critical analysis of criminological topics, Literature review and research synthesis, Effective communication of findings, Q&A and interactive discussion |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MACR 201 | Correctional Administration | Core | 4 | Principles of Prison Management, Alternative Sentencing and Open Prisons, Probation and Parole Systems, Community Corrections Programs, Rehabilitation and Aftercare Services |
| MACR 203 | Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics | Core | 4 | Types and Modus Operandi of Cyber Crimes, Information Technology Act and Cyber Laws in India, Digital Forensics Techniques and Tools, Cyber Security Measures and Threats, Investigation and Prosecution of Cyber Crimes |
| MACR 205 | Organized Crime and Terrorism | Core | 4 | Concept and Structure of Organized Crime, Drug Trafficking and Human Trafficking, Funding of Terrorism, Types, Causes and Impact of Terrorism, Counter-Terrorism Strategies and Legislation |
| MACR 207 | White Collar Crime & Economic Offences | Core | 4 | Definition and Typology of White Collar Crime, Corruption and Bribery, Financial Frauds and Scams, Money Laundering and its prevention, Corporate Crime and Consumer Protection |
| MACR 209 | Elective – I | Elective | 4 | Student chooses one from MACR 211 or MACR 213 |
| MACR 211 | Criminal Psychology | Elective | 4 | Psychological Theories of Criminal Behaviour, Criminal Profiling Techniques, Mental Disorders and Offending, Psychology of Eyewitness Testimony, Lie Detection and Interrogation Techniques |
| MACR 213 | Women and Crime | Elective | 4 | Women as Offenders and Victims, Gender and Crime Theories, Domestic Violence and Marital Rape, Sexual Harassment at Workplace, Women in the Criminal Justice System |
| MACR 215 | Research Project / Internship | Project | 2 | Project planning and execution, Industry/organization specific problem solving, Practical exposure to criminal justice agencies, Report writing and documentation, Professional skill development |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MACR 202 | Social Defense and Crime Prevention | Core | 4 | Crime Prevention Strategies and Models, Community Policing Initiatives, Role of NGOs and Civil Society in Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation of Offenders and Ex-convicts, Social Reintegration Programs |
| MACR 204 | Global Criminology and International Justice | Core | 4 | Transnational Crime and its challenges, International Criminal Law and Organizations, Role of Interpol and UNODC, Human Rights Violations and International Crimes, Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity |
| MACR 206 | Dissertation | Project | 10 | Independent research on a criminological topic, Advanced literature review, Data collection and empirical analysis, Thesis writing and academic argumentation, Viva Voce examination |
| MACR 208 | Elective – II | Elective | 4 | Student chooses one from MACR 210 or MACR 212 |
| MACR 210 | Criminal Sociology | Elective | 4 | Sociological Perspectives of Crime, Social Control and Deviance, Urbanization, Poverty and Crime, Social Inequalities and Criminality, Youth Culture and Delinquency |
| MACR 212 | Police Administration and Management | Elective | 4 | Police Organization and Structure in India, Role and Functions of Police Force, Police Reforms and Challenges, Community Policing Initiatives, Ethics, Accountability, and Leadership in Policing |
