The University of Otago has for the first time this year introduced a ''minor'' study area in this subject, and there are early signs it is likely to become a popular study option.
Criminology is being hosted administratively in the university sociology, gender and social work department, which is ''very excited'' to offer the new programme.
This is being taught collaboratively by staff from eight disciplines at Otago: sociology, gender studies, psychology, social anthropology, politics, law, history and media, film and communications.
Among topics in the academic spotlight this year is an examination of alternative justice and restorative justice approaches.
Hugh Campbell, who heads the host department, said 44 students had already enrolled for the ''minor'' this year, despite little pre-publicity about the programme.
Criminology was introduced mainly because of student demand, with more than 300 students taking related papers last year, Prof Campbell said.
This had emerged as ''one of the most popular subjects in the humanities and social sciences'' throughout the world in the past two decades.
There were large criminology programmes at other New Zealand universities, and Otago is one of the last universities in the country to introduce the subject.
A recent university working party found there was student demand and a ''significant pool'' of Otago staff wanted to contribute courses.
Criminology was the subject that examined the social, cultural and psychological dynamics of crime within its wider social context, and inquired if there were alternative ways to ''achieve justice outcomes outside mainstream systems'', organisers said.
Further ''CRIM'' coded papers would be added in the next three years.
