The International Expert Programme in Investigative and Legal Psychology is a post graduate programme designed for young professionals and graduate students who seek to further their knowledge and develop cross-cutting proficiency in various fields related to forensic psychology.

The academic curriculum of the course is divided into a residential phase that runs from March to June and a final research phase (June - September). In January, before the beginning of the residential phase, students will receive training material to be studied. At the beginning of the residential phase, students will be evaluated (with credits) on their knowledge on the training material received.

The learning methodology and structure are conducive to equip participants with practical skills as well as academic research skills. Depending on each student’s background and interest, the programme is ideal for careers in the legal and forensic sectors as well as further research/PhD studies.

Participants will be taught by the members of the programme’s Faculty which is composed of expert lecturers from internationally recognised academic and research institutions as well as renowned practitioners in the fields of Law, Criminology, Forensic Sciences and Psychology.

The programme results from the collaboration between UNICRI and Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) and the support of the Salesian University Institute of Turin (IUSTO), and the affiliated CRIMELAB.

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) is one of the five training and research institutes of the UN System. It was established in 1965 and is mandated to support countries worldwide in preventing crime and promoting criminal justice. Over the years the Institute has developed a sound expertise in criminological research and training, which is reflected in the organization of several Master degrees and specialized post graduate courses related to the issues that UNICRI addresses.

Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU), Finland, offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programmes and extensive research opportunities to 7000 students. ÅAU has an acknowledged position at the forefront of research in multiple areas such as biosciences, computer science, democracy, human rights, material sciences, process chemistry and psychology.

Since 2006 the Salesian University Institute of Turin (Istituto Universitario Salesiano di Torino Rebaudengo - IUSTO) hosts degrees in Psychology and offers a number of post-graduate courses organized in cooperation with national and international partners. In 2011 IUSTO inaugurated the department of CRIMELAB, which is becoming one of the most important national centres of research and training in forensic psychology, investigative psychology and criminology.

The Scientific Committee gather official representatives of the above mentioned organizations and four eminent experts: Emeritus Professor Antony Beech, University of Birmingham (United Kingdom); Professor Pär Anders Granhag, University of Gothenburg (Sweden); Professor Peter J. van Koppen, Maastricht University (The Netherlands); and Professor Jessica Woodhams, University of Birmingham (United Kingdom).

A group of international candidates will be selected to participate in the programme, enrolled at ÅAU and awarded a Post Graduate Diploma worth 60 ECTS credits upon the successful conclusion of the programme.

Psychology and Law students of ÅAU will have the possibility to read the programme as a minor of up to 60 ECTS credits.

The application process will be open soon.

The cost of the programme is € 8,000, inclusive of € 600 fee for enrollment at Åbo Akademi University (to be paid directly to the University).

Office Contacts

E-mail: [email protected]
Tel.: (+39) 011 6537 157 -- (+39) 011 6537 111
Postal address
IEPILP - UNICRI
Viale Maestri del Lavoro, 10
10127 - Torino ITALY