Criminology Schools and Programs in Malaysia

Criminology Studies in Malaysia

Are you a Criminology major who has always dreamed of studying abroad?  Have you considered the beautiful country of Malaysia as a potential study abroad locale?  The study abroad programs currently available in Malaysia offer students the opportunity to earn credits towards their degree while also enjoying all the cultural highlights the country has to offer.  With so much to do and see in Malaysia, students will never be at a loss in terms of how to fill their free time. From the museums and restaurants in the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, to the exotic beaches of the islands, to the multitude of water and outdoor based activities, Malaysia offers something exciting for people of all interests.
 
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia, consisting of thirteen states and three federal territories.  The country, which has a total geographic area of just under 127,500 square miles (329,847 sq. km), is made up of two similarly sized regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, which are separated by the South China Sea.  The country shares land borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, and maritime borders with Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines.

As of the latest census, Malaysia had a population of just over 28 million inhabitants, 22.5 million of which live in Peninsular Malaysia. The country is extremely multiethnic and multicultural, which plays a large role in its politics and society. The Constitution of Malaysia declares Islam as the state religion, although freedom of religion is protected and observed.  The government system of Malaysia is closely modeled on the Westminster parliamentary system and the legal system is based on common law. The head of state is the king, known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He is an elected monarch chosen from the hereditary rulers of the nine Malay states every five years. The head of government is the Prime Minister.

The capital city of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur—a city of 1.5 million people that features an exciting blend of past, present and future. The city boasts an international culinary scene, hip nightlife, and serves as a popular meeting place for students from around the world.

Criminology Education in Malaysia
 
In Malaysia, Criminology is becoming a very popular course of study among students, and as such, it is offered by many of the country’s major colleges and universities at both the undergraduate and graduate level.  Undergraduate programs, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, generally span four years in duration for full-time students, while graduate programs, leading to a Master’s degree, can span anywhere from one to two years depending on the institution.
Criminology courses are most often found within criminal justice degree programs. Students who graduate from criminology or criminal justice degree programs may go on to become counselors, drug enforcement officials, investigative agents or probation officers. Here are just a few examples of the types of courses students may encounter while earning a Criminology degree, along with a brief description of each course.

Introductory Criminology Courses

Criminology is the study of crime, the typical behavioral patterns of criminals and the law. Introductory criminology courses are usually taken towards the beginning of the degree program, as they helps students prepare for the more advanced courses that will follow. These types of courses cover some of the most fundamental criminology theories, patterns, principles and behaviors, giving students an appreciation for the socioeconomic and socio-cultural influences that affect crime and criminal behavior.  Major topics in this course may also include elements such as crime prevention, law enforcement, criminal justice systems and crime victimology.

Juvenile Crime and Justice

Courses in juvenile crime and justice are usually taken as elective courses by those who wish to focus their studies and their career on crime and youth.  These courses help students gain a better understanding of crime as it relates to children and teenagers.  General topics in these juvenile delinquency courses include crime prevention, treatments and patterns of criminal behavior.  Much time is also spent studying the juvenile justice system and the many ways it differs from the adult system.

Criminal Justice Courses

Criminal justice courses focus on criminal penalties. Students study court systems, correctional institutes, laws, judicial procedures and measurements of crime severity. These classes also typically include some form of practical training, usually in the form of drills, class projects and/or supervised visits to criminal justice agencies. Students learn about criminal justice through the eyes of the various agencies enforcing crime, including police and sheriff departments, probation/parole and the courts.

Law and Sociology Courses

Law and Sociology courses cover basic laws and crime levels from a sociological perspective.  Criminals' mental history, treatment capability or age can all be factors in how they are treated within the legal system. This course provides information about selecting juries, assessing a defendant's sanity, testimony from eyewitnesses and self-representation. Time is also spent on general sociology theories and the social forces that influence American law.

Why Study Abroad in Malaysia
 
Studying in Malaysia can be the academic and cultural experience of a lifetime; the chance to study crime and criminal behavior from an Eastern perspective, while learning to appreciate the customs, tradition and language of the Malaysian people.  When not busy with their studies, students will have ample time to visit some of Malaysia’s most popular sites and attractions, including:
 
Cameron Highlands
 
Developed by the British in the 1920s, the Cameron Highlands is one of Malaysia’s most extensive hill stations.  The region, which is renowned for its scenic trails lined with local flora, has a population of roughly 35,000, made up of ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indians and several other ethnic groups.   Walking along the trails of the Cameron Highlands, visitors will be treated to a number of breathtaking sites, ranging from wooded forests to majestic waterfalls to peaceful lagoons.  Apart from these fun and interesting walks through the jungle landscapes, there is also a beautiful sanctuary that is known for its tea plantations, with guided tours available by appointment.
 
Georgetown
 
Named after Britain’s King George III, Georgetown is located on the northeast corner of Penang Island, with most of its population being of Chinese origin. Due to strict local government controls, Georgetown has retained over the years many of its colonial-era shop-houses, where visitors can get a firsthand look at what life must have been like during the 18^th and 19^th centuries.  The town boasts one of the most unique architectural and cultural cityscapes in the Southeast Asian region.  Come nightfall, Georgetown truly springs to life, as local workers and visitors make their way to the nearby street hawkers to have their meals and drinks.
 
Taman Negara
 
Taman Negara, which translates literally to “National Park” in Malay, is one of the oldest tropical rain forests in the world. This scenic wilderness area features massive trees, waterfalls, jungle treks and the world’s longest canopy walkways. Several trails enable tourists to explore the forest without a guide. However, the guided tours of Taman Negara offer some of the best opportunities to come across the park’s most endangered species, such as the Asian elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos.  More common sites along the trails are local bird species, small deer, lizards and perhaps even a snake or two, some of which can grow to six feet or longer.