Villa College’s Faculty of Shariah and Law has introduced the Bachelor of Criminal Justice, an entirely new degree programme in the field of criminal justice. The three-year programme is designed to prepare students for a range of careers in the field, and applications are now open for the January 2027 intake.

Speaking about the launch, Vice Rector of Villa College, Associate Professor Dr Ali Najeeb, said: “The criminal justice system plays a vital role in building a safe and just society. For that system to work as it should, it needs knowledgeable, skilled professionals who respect human rights. Introducing the Bachelor of Criminal Justice is an important step by Villa College to train such professionals in the Maldives. I invite everyone with an interest in this field to apply for the programme.”

The programme combines theory with practical skills in subjects such as Criminal Law, Criminology, Forensic Science and Digital Forensics, and students will build skills in investigation, evidence collection and problem-solving. They will also take modules including Criminal Procedure, Law of Evidence, Police Administration and Management, Victimology and Crime Prevention Strategies.

Particular attention is given to human rights and ethical standards, through modules such as Human Rights and Criminal Justice and Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility. Through modules including Youth and Delinquency, Substance Abuse and Criminal Justice, Corrections and Rehabilitation, and Gender and Crime, students will also examine issues that directly affect society.

Through classroom teaching, practical experience and community activities, students will learn how the criminal justice system works. After completing 70 per cent of the programme’s credits, they can choose between a capstone project and an internship. To prepare them for the new challenges emerging in the field, students will also be taught sustainability, artificial intelligence and data analytics. The programme also prepares students for policy development and advocacy work related to criminal justice reform.

In line with the programme’s focus on community engagement, students will also have the opportunity to take part in Street Law, an experiential learning initiative that raises legal awareness in schools and the wider community. In the programme’s final semester, the Graduate Impact Semester will allow students to carry out work that brings practical benefits to the community.

Graduates will be able to serve in law enforcement agencies, legal institutions and community organisations, helping to ensure public safety and security. Possible employers include the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Integrity Commission, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives, the Child and Family Protection Service, the Ministry of Health, Family and Welfare, the Maldives Police Service and the Maldives Correctional Service.

Dean of the Faculty of Shariah and Law, Uza. Asna Ahmed, said: “Alongside criminal law and criminology, the programme will give students practical skills in investigation and problem-solving. Areas such as digital forensics and data analytics have been included to prepare students for today’s challenges. This is a valuable opportunity for those already serving in the criminal justice field to further develop their capabilities, and for those who want to build a career in the field to prepare for it.”

The programme is offered through e-learning and face-to-face delivery. Under general entry, applicants need two passes at GCE A Level (grade E or above) or HSC (grade C or above), a Level 4 qualification in a related field, or a completed Level 4 foundation programme approved for entry to this programme. Applicants aged 20 or above may also be admitted through alternative entry if they have completed a University Preparation Programme approved by the Maldives Qualifications Authority, together with either secondary education and two years of work experience in a related field, or a Level 4 qualification in an unrelated field.

Applications for the January 2027 intake close on 26 December 2026. For more information, visit www.villacollege.edu.mv, call 3303200 or email info@villacollege.edu.mv.