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Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Naima Saeed.

 

Criminology is the scientific study of the non-legal aspects of crime and delinquency, including its causes, consequences, prevention and rehabilitation from the viewpoints of such diverse disciplines as sociology, biology, mental and physical health, information technology, economics and statistics.

Criminology was started in 1995 as a Master degree program under the umbrella of Department of Sociology. Department of criminology university of Karachi was established by a resolution of Academic Council since when has been separately working. The Department of Criminology at the University of Karachi is a pioneering academic institution in Pakistan, dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of crime, criminal behavior, and the functioning of the criminal justice system. As one of the first departments in the country to offer formal education in criminology, it plays a vital role in addressing contemporary challenges related to crime prevention, legal systems, social justice, and public safety.

The Department of Criminology is committed to fostering academic excellence, critical inquiry, and applied research. Its academic programs are designed to equip students with theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical competencies required in a range of professional contexts, including law enforcement, policy development, legal practice, corrections, and academia.

The Department of Criminology at the University of Karachi aims to be a leading centre of academic excellence in criminological theory, research, and practical application. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who contribute to the advancement of criminological knowledge while addressing real-world challenges. Through collaboration with communities, we strive to promote justice, equity, and sustainable social change.

The Department of Criminology at the University of Karachi is committed to advancing academic excellence and professional competence in the field of criminology and criminal justice. Its mission is to educate and train students through rigorous undergraduate (BS), postgraduate (Master’s), and doctoral (PhD) programs that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The Department of Criminology aims to cultivate critical inquiry, interdisciplinary research, and ethical responsibility among students, preparing them to address complex issues related to crime, law enforcement, forensic investigation, corrections, and public policy. By fostering collaboration with academic institutions, criminal justice agencies, and civil society organizations, the department seeks to contribute meaningfully to the development of informed public policy and the promotion of a just, safe, and equitable society.

Through its teaching, research, and community engagement, the Department of Criminology aspires to produce scholars and professionals equipped to lead in the fields of criminology, criminal justice, and social development at both national and international levels.

Curriculum
The Department of Criminology at the University of Karachi offers a dynamic and modern curriculum designed to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world. The syllabus provides students with strong foundations in criminological theory, criminal law, policing, victimology, corrections, and forensic science, while also incorporating specialized contemporary fields. Intelligence Studies equips students with skills to analyze and utilize information for crime prevention, counter-terrorism, and combating organized crime. Security Studies addresses national, regional, and international security concerns, focusing on strategies to protect societies against emerging threats. Environmental Criminology examines how physical and social environments influence criminal behavior, emphasizing urban planning and crime prevention through environmental design. Cyber Criminology prepares students to understand and tackle digital crimes such as hacking, fraud, and identity theft, along with relevant cyber laws and preventive measures. The inclusion of Artificial Intelligence in Criminology introduces students to cutting-edge applications such as predictive policing, big data analysis, and AI-driven surveillance systems. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are not only well-versed in traditional criminology but are also prepared to address future challenges in security, technology, and justice.

Career Opportunities:

    1. Law Enforcement & Investigation
    • Police officer
    • Crime scene investigator
    • Forensic analyst
    • Intelligence officer (FIA, IB, ISI, Interpol, etc.)
    • Cybercrime investigator

    2. Legal & Judicial System
    • Probation/parole officer
    • Court researcher
    • Legal analyst for criminal cases
    • Correctional counsellor

    3. Corrections & Rehabilitation
    • Prison administration
    • Rehabilitation specialist
    • Juvenile justice officer
    • Victim support services

    4. Research & Academia
    • University professor/lecturer
    • Social science researcher
    • Policy analyst (crime prevention, counterterrorism, justice reform)
    • Think tank or NGO researcher

    5. Private & Corporate Sector
    • Corporate security consultant
    • Fraud examiner
    • Risk and compliance officer
    • Private investigator
    • Insurance claims investigator

    6. International Organizations
    • United Nations (UNODC, UNDP)
    • INTERPOL, Europol
    • NGOs working on human rights, extremism prevention, or victim advocacy

    7. Specialized Fields
    • Cyber security and cybercrime analysis
    • Counterterrorism and intelligence studies
    • Environmental crime and wildlife protection
    • Artificial intelligence and predictive policing