Master of Arts in Social Work (Criminology and Justice)

Description

This programme has been developed with a strong emphasis on the theoretical underpinnings and practice dimensions relevant to social work practice in criminology and related settings with a focus on marginalised groups in contestation with the justice system. It is aimed to gain a critical understanding of the major debates and learn practice skills aimed at addressing them. The programme introduces the substantive problems, concepts, theories, strategies and key actors in the system with due attention to the socio-economic, political and cultural dimensions and to inter-sectoral problems and approaches.

The programme lays emphasis on the disciplinary foundations; the legal framework within which social workers in criminology and related settings operate; and the attitudes, skills and knowledge which inform the practice dimensions. It attempts to integrate the macro with the underlying micro issues in the context of the justice delivery system, its interface with allied systems and the varied socio-economic groups that come in contact with these systems. The courses are structured to introduce issues of crime and development, criminological theory, and the changing trends of crime in contemporary society, through an inter-disciplinary approach. The courses would also address issues such as corruption, governance in the justice delivery system, strategies of reform/change, participation and representation by civil and human rights organizations and the role of social workers in the system.  Hence it attempts to encapsulate the political economy of crime and development by situating vulnerable and marginalized sections of the population.

The broad concerns of the programme correspond to three inter-related areas:

1. First, a strong theoretical underpinning.
2. Second a critical examination of the problematic of crime around issues and areas such as gender-based violence; atrocities against dalits, de-notified tribes and socially stigmatized communities;  juvenile justice and youth crime; trafficking of drugs and human beings; and transnational crime and terrorism.
3. Third, a critical analysis of criminal justice agencies and current issues such as policing, prison management, custodial justice, human rights violations, role of the State, correctional agencies and alternative justice systems.

Programme Objectives

• To train and prepare social work professionals to work in the field of prevention of crime and deviance, criminal justice, juvenile justice, human rights and corrections.
• To help students understand the criminal / juvenile  justice system and its complexities through field placements and internships.  
• To engage students in the generation of knowledge in the field of criminology, corrections, custodial care, crime prevention, human rights and community based rehabilitation through intervention, research and documentation.
• To develop skills to work with marginalized and vulnerable populations within the adult and juvenile justice systems with special emphasis on victims, offenders and their families/ dependents.

Programme Outcomes

• Develop capacity to analyse the structure and functions of both CJS and JJS, including preventive measures, rehabilitative strategies and reintegration processes for individuals and families impacted by crime  and criminalisation.
• Develop skills relevant to their future careers, such as case management, working with groups and communities, research, project management, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills through real-world applications and interactions with justice system professionals.
• Integrate academic/theoretical knowledge with practical experience to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges in the fields of criminology, victimology, corrections and related fields.
• Experience interdisciplinary approaches and collaborations within the justice system, learning how various fields like social work, sociology, gender, human rights and law intersect and contribute to addressing justice-related issues.
• Develop cultural competence and ethical awareness to work effectively with diverse populations and navigate ethical dilemmas in the justice system.

Distribution of Credit Hours:

Semesterwise Courses:

Note:The curriculum structure is tentative and subject to change.

Fee Structure:

*Institute reserves the rights to revise the Fees Structure of programme if necessary.

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