Master in Veterinary Forensic Sciences

The second-level Master in Veterinary Forensic Sciences is offered by the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production of the University of Naples Federico II and lasts one year. It covers the investigation methods applied at the crime scene and in the laboratory, the analysis of biological evidence and the presentation of evidence in court, integrating law, veterinary medicine and forensic sciences. Forensic sciences applied to animals are a specialist field, growing with the attention to animal protection and to combating crimes against animals. The master joins veterinary medicine with law and forensic sciences, in a programme that follows the investigation from the crime scene to the presentation of evidence.

The course takes place in person in Naples. The cost indicated is €2,000. The page does not report credits, calendar or internship. The language is not declared and Italian is presumed. The methods covered concern both fieldwork and laboratory activity, including the analysis of biological evidence. The topic of presenting evidence in court is particularly important, because professionals must be able to draft reports and defend their conclusions before judges. Internships and the organisation of lessons are not stated.

The aim is to develop advanced skills in the investigation of crimes against animals and to train figures supporting the judiciary and the judicial police. The career opportunities are technical consultant, court expert and specialist at public and private bodies working in animal protection. The master is aimed at master's graduates and professionals registered with their respective Orders who want to specialise. The figures trained are technical consultants and court experts, as well as specialists at public and private bodies engaged in animal protection. The cost of €2,000 must be weighed against the one-year length of the programme. Before applying it is advisable to compare this information with that published on the university's official website, which may be more up to date than the page. It is also advisable to contact the department's teaching office to clarify any doubts about attendance, lesson calendar, assessment methods and organisation of the final exam. Those who work should carefully assess the commitment required, in terms of weekly hours and attendance, to understand whether the programme is compatible with other professional or personal commitments. It may also be useful to ask whether information sessions or orientation days are held, in which lecturers present the course and answer candidates' questions. Finally, it is advisable to check the application deadlines and the documents to attach, because enrolment deadlines may be short and vary from one academic year to the next.