Uni wins second major training contract with Libya

The Master’s programmes intends to start in the summer of 2020 and will be run in conjunction with international forensic science company Axiom International

THE University of Huddersfield has joined forces with one of the world’s leading forensic science companies to help ensure that the governance of Libya stays on the path that is leading to stability.

Earlier, the University teamed up with Axiom International – chaired by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir John Stevens – to deliver courses in forensics to 100 students from Libya’s Ministry of the Interior.  The success of that project has now led to a new, expanded collaboration.

From the summer of 2020, a total of 333 Libyans will travel to the University of Huddersfield to undertake 18-month Master’s courses in forensic science, while 30 will study security science.  The students will be divided into six cohorts.

After the programme is completed, it is expected that the expertise and qualifications bestowed by the degree courses will enable Libya’s Ministry of the Interior to become self-sufficient in forensic science.  This is seen as a key element in the stabilisation of the country, which is a major international priority.

The Master’s in security science – undertaken by a smaller group of students – will deliver training in a wide-ranging portfolio of subjects that includes investigative psychology, criminology, forensics and cyber-crime.  The aim is that this will furnish the knowledge and leadership needed for Libya to develop its own capacity in the field.

Graduates from the earlier degree courses, delivered by the University of Huddersfield and Axiom International, came to the UK for study, but received their awards at a special ceremony held at the University of Tripoli.

In readiness for the new programme and before they relocate to the UK, Libyans selected for the course are currently receiving English language training from the British Council.

The University of Huddersfield’s partner, Axiom International, has a long track record for delivering programmes, particularly for international development-aided work, for governments and other clients.  Its Chief Executive is Professor Angela Gallop CBE, one of the UK’s leading forensic scientists.