BSc Criminology: Fees, Eligibility, Colleges, Syllabus & Career Scope

What is BSc Criminology?

BSc Criminology is an undergraduate degree on crime and criminal behaviour. Criminology draws on sociology, psychology, economics, statistics and anthropology, not just law.

Many colleges offer it as a BSc Criminology and Forensic Science programme. If you like the lab side of crime investigation, also read the BSc Forensic Science course page.

BSc Criminology Course Highlights

Have a look at the BSc Criminology course details:

BSc Criminology Eligibility 2027

Rules change from college to college. The common eligibility criteria for the BSc in Criminology course are:

• Pass Class 12 (10+2) from a recognised board

• Science stream is preferred by most colleges

• Minimum marks are usually 40 per cent to 50 per cent in aggregate

• Some colleges accept any stream, like the University of Madras college listed below

BSc Criminology eligibility for some colleges is mentioned below as:

• Mahakaushal University: 10+2 with Science

• RV University: 50% aggregate (45 per cent for SC/ST and PWD)

• Kristu Jayanti: 10+2 Science with 40 per cent marks

BSc Criminology Admission Process

Most colleges follow one of these routes:

• Merit-based: your Class 12 marks decide the seat

• Entrance or common tests: some accept scores like CUET, CLAT or LSAT

• SOP and interview: RV University offers direct admission above 70 per cent, and others go through a Statement of Purpose and personal interview

• Online application: fill the form, upload documents, pay the fee

BSc Criminology Subjects and Syllabus

Subjects differ by university, but you will usually study:

• Introduction to Criminology

• Criminal Law and Procedure

• Forensic Science basics

• Criminal Psychology

• Sociology of Crime

• Police Administration

• Penology and Victimology

• Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics

• Research Methods and Statistics

You also get projects, internships and sometimes visits to forensic labs or courts.

BSc Criminology Fees in India

Fees depend on whether the college is government or private. Here are the BSc Criminology colleges in India with fees:

Top BSc Criminology Colleges in India

• University of Madras (Hindu College), Chennai: the cheapest pick here, and open to students from any Higher Secondary group

• Mahakaushal University, Jabalpur: a low-fee 4-year Honours course

• RV University, Bangalore: a 4-year Honours degree with an SOP and interview route

• Kristu Jayanti College, Bengaluru: a combined criminology and forensic science programme

• Panjab University (Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology), Chandigarh: offers BSc Forensic Science Hons at Rs. 1.60 L, based on PU-CET (UG).

BSc Criminology Abroad

Some students also look at the UK. Some universities offering a BSc Criminology course at abroad are listed below:

BSc Criminology Career Scope and Jobs

Graduates can work in:

• Police and intelligence departments

• Government forensic science laboratories

• Forensic audit and questioned document units

• Law firms, as research or legal assistants

• NGOs working on crime prevention and victim support

• Cybercrime and corporate security teams

You can also go for higher studies like MSc Criminology, forensic science or law, depending on your interest.

Is BSc Criminology a Good Course?

It is a good choice if you:

• Enjoy psychology, society and law

• Want a career linked to the justice system

• Are okay with a niche field and want to build skills with higher studies

Keep in mind that it is a growing field, so jobs are often tied to government exams, forensic labs or private security roles. Internships help a lot.

BSc Criminology is a smart course for students curious about crime, behaviour and justice. Eligibility is simple, fees range from Rs. 58,400 to Rs. 6.01 L for the colleges listed above, and the syllabus mixes science, law and psychology. Compare colleges, check the admission process and study the syllabus before you apply.