Institute of Forensic Studies

Since it was established in 1993, the Institute of Forensic Studies has had to brave several storms; however, not only they did not destroy it, but the Institute actually came out stronger each time. Its dedicated staff - academics and clerical staff alike - have grown together, developing their potential to the benefit of the students and to the field of criminology in Malta.

Now, 12 years on, the Institute has two full-time Maltese Ph.D. (Criminology) holders and a dedicated chairman (an eminent pathologist/academic) at its helm assisted by a very committed secretary, three permanent part-time distinguished academics, experts in their fields (two from the field of law and a forensic psychologist), a host of visiting lecturers, a list of foreign, visiting academics/friends of the Institute, the members of the board of the Institute and a long list of students and ex-students.

All these persons have contributed significantly, and still do, to the achievements of the Institute of Forensic Studies. This proved that true camaraderie is the key to success - a lesson taught by its first director, the never forgotten Dr Joseph Louis Grech.

Criminology is a new field in Malta. Fascination with this subject has increased dramatically; however few are aware that the Institute of Forensic Studies (within the University of Malta) will be offering a full-time course leading to a BA in Criminology in October.

Criminology is the scientific approach to the study of criminal behaviour - the making of laws, the breaking of laws and society's reaction to these processes. Therefore, criminology students learn about biological/sociological/psychological theories of crime; violent and sexual crimes; environmental/white-collar and organised crime; juvenile crime; family violence; drugs and society; media and crime and much more.

Those interested, provided they either are in possession of the general University of Malta entry requirements or are over 23 years of age and have a sound educational and/or vocational background, should apply for the course from July 20. Late applications may also be made; however, tardy applicants pay more!

The Institute is also involved in police training and the training of probation officers. Holders with a first degree in the humanistic area are eligible to the one-year, full-time course leading to the post-graduate Diploma in Probation Services (a diploma offered almost annually). This diploma makes one eligible for the post of probation officer.

On the other hand, the Certificate in Policing course (a one-year, full-time course followed by potential police inspectors) is only offered on commission by the police force and therefore not open to the public.

Besides designing, running and monitoring courses, the Institute also acts as a resource centre of expertise in the forensic field. In fact, whenever necessary, members of the Institute also act as consultants to the authorities. The Institute is also very much involved in the research of several areas however, those closest to its heart are domestic violence (from a criminological perspective), juvenile delinquency, policing (in general), corrections (in general), crime prevention and victims of crime.

The Institute of Forensic Studies is a young member in the family of University institutions and, like most youths, it is dynamic and future-oriented. It strives to excel and its internal audit proves that it is certainly on the right track!

Our appreciation goes to all those who believed in the Institute, wished it well and helped it on. The long list certainly includes the Ministry for Home Affairs (which contributes financially towards the running of the Institute) the University authorities (for their support) and distinguished parliamentarians; however, first on the list is Dr Joseph Louis Grech!

So all those interested in joining our team as a criminology student, should not miss the boat - it leaves on July 20! As with any other BA course offered by the University, at the end of the course you will not find a job waiting for you. However, a degree in Criminology prepares you for a career in which you would have to deal with forensic populations: be it a career in the caring field, or in a special educational institution, or in policing (also private policing) or in corrections.

In fact, its student lists have always comprised people of different ages, coming from different walks of life: police officers, nurses, laboratory technicians, housewives, fire-fighters, business persons, correctional staff, educators, priests and nuns! Variety spices our courses, rendering them favourites with prospective university students. We just hope we will be able to accept most of them!

Additional information may be obtained from the Institute of Forensic Studies (tel. 2340-2042 or e-mail: sandra.scicluna@um.edu.mt or jacqueline.Azzopardi@um.edu mt).