A PhD in Law and Criminology is a doctoral-level program that focuses on advanced study and research in the fields of law and criminology. The program typically involves conducting original research, developing theoretical frameworks, and contributing new knowledge to the field.
The primary goal of a PhD in Law and Criminology is to prepare graduates for careers in academia, research, or other professional roles that require expertise in legal and criminological theory and practice. Graduates may pursue careers as university professors, researchers, policy analysts, consultants, or practitioners in the legal and criminal justice systems.
Some of the key areas of focus in a PhD in Law and Criminology program may include criminal law, criminal justice policy, forensic science, victimology, human rights, comparative law, and international criminal law. Students may also have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest through their research and coursework.
Course | PhD in Criminology |
Duration | 2 to 5 years |
Eligibility | Master’s degree in a relevant discipline |
Level | Research Level |
Average Tuition Fee | updated Soon |
Average Salary | INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA |
Top Recruiting Organizations | High Court of India, Supreme Court of India, Forensic Departments of Govt. of India, Police Organizations, etc. |
Admission Process | Entrance Test followed by Interview |
Most universities require applicants to take a standardized entrance exam, such as the GRE or LSAT.
Some universities may also require applicants to take a subject-specific test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS for non-native English speakers.
A PhD in Law and Criminology program typically takes 3-5 years to complete. |
The duration may depend on the student's research progress, completion of coursework, and dissertation requirements. |
Admissions committees evaluate applicants based on their academic record, research experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and entrance exam scores.
Some universities may also consider an applicant's fit with the program, research interests, and potential for contributing to the field.
Applicants can typically find the application form for a PhD in Law and Criminology program on the university's website. |
The application form may require personal information, educational background, research interests, and a statement of purpose. |
Applicants should carefully review the instructions and requirements before submitting the application. |
The application process usually involves submitting the application form, supporting documents (such as academic transcripts and recommendation letters), and entrance exam scores. |
Some universities may require a writing sample or research proposal. |
Application deadlines and requirements may vary by program and university, so applicants should carefully review the information provided by the university. |
SUBJECTS OF STUDY Unit 1: Capital Punishment Unit 2: Corrections Unit 3: Crime and Drugs Unit 4: Crime Prevention Unit 5: Juvenile Justice Unit 6: Sentencing |
JOBS | DESCRIPTION |
Criminal Investigator | Investigate criminal acts such as homicides, sexual assaults, armed robberies, home invasions, and property crimes such as burglaries. Collect and use forensic evidence to solve crimes. Interview informants, suspects, and witnesses to ascertain alibis, clues, time frames, and possible suspects and keep detailed records. |
Sociologists | Sociologists typically design research projects to test theories about social issues. They study human behaviour, interaction and organization. They observe the activity of social, religious, political and economics groups, organizations and institutions. |
Criminal Justice Professor | The criminal justice professor, essentially, is teaching students the system or process in the community by which crimes are investigated, and the persons suspected thereof are taken in custody, prosecuted in court and punished, if found guilty, provisions being made for their correction and rehabilitation. |
Legal advisor | As a legal advisor, you will be responsible for handling a company's legal responsibilities. Legal advisors are lawyers who are employed by the government, large companies and other organizations to provide legal advice and services to the organization and its employees. |
Criminologist | The core job of a criminologist is to examine all aspects of crime and find ways to prevent criminal behaviour and reduce recidivism. Criminologists gather statistics and identify patterns. They look at types of crimes as well as demographics and locations. A criminologist's job is mostly related to research , and their research might be conducted in a sterile office setting or the field. |
Some of the top universities for a PhD in Law and Criminology include
However, the quality of the program and suitability for the student may depend on individual factors, such as research interests and academic background.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.