Course Overview:
The BA in Forensic Psychology blends psychology and criminal justice, focusing on understanding criminal behavior, legal systems, and victimology. Students explore psychological theories, research methods, and practical applications in law enforcement, courtrooms, and rehabilitation.

Course Duration:

• 3 Years (6 Semesters)

Average Fees:

• ₹50,000 to ₹2,50,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Exams to Attend:
Admission to BA in Forensic Psychology may be merit-based or entrance exam-based. Common entrance exams include:

• Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)

• Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)

• Christ University Entrance Test (CUET)

• Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET)

Syllabus (Semester-Wise Breakdown)

Semester 1:

1. Introduction to Psychology: Fundamentals of psychology, cognitive processes, and behavior.

2. Basics of Forensic Psychology: Overview of forensic psychology, criminal behavior, and legal processes.

3. Biopsychology: Study of the biological basis of behavior, including the nervous system and hormones.

4. Criminology: Introduction to criminology and the sociology of crime.

5. Research Methods in Psychology: Basics of psychological research, ethics, and methodology.

Semester 2:

1. Psychopathology: Study of psychological disorders, diagnosis, and treatment.

2. Forensic Psychology in Criminal Investigations: Role of psychology in criminal investigations, profiling, and psychological autopsy.

3. Developmental Psychology: Human development across the lifespan.

4. Criminal Law and Legal System: Indian legal system, criminal law, and its intersection with psychology.

5. Social Psychology: Study of social influence, group behavior, and aggression.

Semester 3:

1. Forensic Assessment and Evaluation: Psychological assessment tools used in forensic settings.

2. Juvenile Delinquency and Crime: Psychological aspects of juvenile crime and rehabilitation.

3. Victimology: Study of victims, their psychology, and the impact of crime on them.

4. Forensic Neuropsychology: Study of brain-behavior relationships in the forensic context.

5. Ethics in Forensic Psychology: Professional ethics, confidentiality, and responsibilities in forensic psychology.

Semester 4:

1. Psychology of Violence and Aggression: Understanding the psychological causes of violence and aggression.

2. Counseling and Rehabilitation in Forensic Settings: Techniques for counseling criminals, victims, and others in the justice system.

3. Substance Abuse and Crime: The link between substance abuse and criminal behavior.

4. Forensic Psychiatry: Interface of psychiatry and law, treatment of mentally ill offenders.

5. Forensic Psychological Report Writing: Techniques for preparing forensic reports for legal and clinical purposes.

Semester 5:

1. Cyberpsychology and Crime: Psychological aspects of cybercrime, digital behaviors, and cyber ethics.

2. Police and Investigative Psychology: Understanding police psychology, stress management, and investigation techniques.

3. Family and Domestic Violence: Psychological impact and legal responses to family violence.

4. Courtroom Psychology: Jury behavior, witness psychology, and courtroom dynamics.

5. Fieldwork/Internship: Practical exposure through internships in forensic settings, police departments, or legal institutions.

Semester 6:

1. Advanced Forensic Psychology: Specialized topics, case studies, and latest trends in forensic psychology.

2. Psychological Autopsy: Understanding and evaluating the mental state of individuals before death.

3. Forensic Mental Health: Addressing mental health issues in correctional facilities.

4. Major Project: Comprehensive research project in forensic psychology.

5. Internship/Industrial Training: Practical training in forensic labs, legal institutions, or rehabilitation centers.

Top 10 Institutions in India (Combined Ranking)

1. National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore

2. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

3. Amity University, Noida

4. Christ University, Bangalore

5. Delhi University, New Delhi

6. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

7. Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts, Pune

8. University of Calcutta, Kolkata

9. Panjab University, Chandigarh

10. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala

1. Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram

2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

3. Calicut University, Malappuram

4. Amrita University, Kochi

5. Kannur University, Kannur

6. Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kochi

7. Farook College, Kozhikode

8. Sacred Heart College, Ernakulam

9. St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam

10. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram