Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology and Clinical Criminology

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Joint Degree Programme between the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca and the University of Padua.

The Master's Degree in Forensic Psychology and Clinical Criminology qualifies graduates for professional practice as psychologists, in accordance with Italian Law No. 163 of November 8, 2021 and subsequent implementing decrees.

This strongly transdisciplinary programme provides advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in various areas of forensic psychology and clinical criminology, equipping students with specialised methodological expertise.

The programme aims to develop graduates with competencies in:

  1. Psychological Sciences (in-depth knowledge of cognitive psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and clinical psychology);
  2. Legal Studies (fundamentals of civil/criminal law and procedure, particularly regarding forensic psychology applications: family law, damage compensation, child testimony and, criminal responsibility);
  3. Forensic Practice (conducting court-ordered or party-commissioned psychological evaluations in both civil cases (- e.g., parenting competence, psychological damage) - and criminal cases - (e.g., criminal responsibility, witness reliability, child abuse cases);
  4. Criminological and Victimological Studies (skills for victim support work);
  5. Scientific Research (conducting scientific research in forensic psychology).

Graduates will be qualified for positions primarily in judicial settings, including court-appointed expert in civil proceedings, forensic expert in criminal cases, technical consultant for juvenile courts, insurance sector psychological damage assessment, technical consultant in civil preliminary proceedings, driving capacity evaluations, party-appointed expert in civil/criminal litigation.

Additional career paths include serving as a honorary judge in surveillance courts, juvenile court expert or honorary judge, consultant for evaluating defendants' trial competence, psychodiagnostic assessment specialist, expert in psychological evaluation of incarcerated individuals, specialist in anti-violence centres and victim support NGOs, prison system psychological expert (under Article 81), and academic research careers in forensic psychology.

Complete details regarding admission requirements and the full course list are available on the University of Padua website and the degree programme's official website.