Italy: International Expert Programme in Investigative and Legal Psychology

The International Expert Programme in Investigative and Legal Psychology is a post-graduate course worth 60 ECTS credits organized by UNICRI in collaboration with Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) and the support of the Salesian University Institute of Turin (IUSTO) and the affiliated CRIMELAB.

The overarching aim of the course is to promote knowledge on the interactive dynamics linking the legal and psychological dimensions of criminal justice. The course is indeed specifically designed to equip young professionals and post-graduate students with cross-cutting proficiency in the field of forensic psychology.

The academic curriculum is divided into an introductory e-learning phase (*21 November 2016 - 13 January 2017*), a residential phase (*18 January - 26 May 2017*) and a final research phase (*27 May - 30 September 2017*). The learning methodology and structure are conducive to foster the acquisition of practical and academic research skills. Depending on each participant’s background and interest, the programme is ideal for careers in the legal and forensic sectors as well as further research/PhD studies.

Through the e-learning phase selected candidates will be equipped with a common shared knowledge on the cardinal legal and psychological concepts used in forensic context. During the residential phase participants will engage in in-depth theoretical lectures provided by leading experts and practical exercises such as trial simulations and formal debates related to the following types of crime: child sexual abuse; murder; war crimes. A final research phase will follow during which students will have the possibility to explore a specific topic of interest and apply the knowledge and skills acquired.

Some of the forensic concepts that participants will deepen during the course are:

• Examination and cross-examination techniques;
• Aetiotolgy of criminal conduct;
• Offender profiling;
• Forensic investigation techniques;
• Crime scene investigation;
• Strategic use of evidence during criminal trials;
• Detection of deception;
• Interviewing techniques with adults and minors;
• False confessions;
• Decision-making processes and errors in judicial and forensic contexts;
• The neurobiological basis of offending;
• Behaviour genetics of crime and crime defence;
• Aetiology, assessment, forensic relevance of psychological disorders.

For further information visit the related section on UNICRI website or contact us at iep@unicri.it.

Applicants will need to submit a duly completed application form (in MS Word format only - downloaded here) together with all the documents listed below:

1. Motivation letter. A personal statement explaining why you are interested in this particular programme, and outlining any relevant experience you have. The statement should be written in English and not exceed one page.
2. Scanned copy of passport reproducing only the personal details and photo page(s).
3. Official English certificate if available (see section on entry requirements).
4. A certified copy of the Bachelor's (or higher) degree certificate(s) in its original language issued by the competent University.
5. An official translation of the above certificate(s) into English if the original document(s) is issued in another language. The official translation may be provided either by the relevant University or any other authorized official.
6. A certified copy of the university transcript(s) of records of all the university studies completed or on-going in the original language, issued by the competent University (ies). The official transcript of records must include the following information: full titles of all the courses completed throughout the degree; dates of completion of each course (or at the very least the overall time spent to complete the entire programme); grades obtained; credits awarded; and information on the grading scale.
7. An official translation of the above transcript(s) of records into English if the original document(s) is issued in another language. The official translation may be provided either by the relevant University or any other authorized entity.