What is the Study of Forensic Sciences?
Forensic Science, also known as Criminalistics, is the study and application of scientific methods and techniques applied to cases (usually criminal) that are under investigation by a court of law. If this is a career that interests you, here’s how to find out where you can study Forensic Science.
Bachelor’s degrees in Forensic Science generally take up to four years to complete when studying in South Africa, but three years if you opt to study in Europe. Here are a few South African institutions you can choose from to study Forensic Science:
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
Within the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Faculty of Health and Wellness, a four-year course known as Medical Laboratory Science is offered. Students will need to select a specialty in their final year of study in which they will practice from one of the following disciplines: Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Pathology, Cytogenetics, Cytopathology, Haematology, Histopathology, Immunohaematology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Virology.
In order to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, students will need to register with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the area of specialization in which they obtain their qualification. Medical Laboratory Scientists can go on to pursue a career in Forensic Science Laboratories by having a Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
University of the Free State (UFS)
The University of the Free State offers a Forensic Science Program to introduce students to the various biological and physical evidence types found at crime scenes. Students will obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Forensic Science at the end of their studies, and within the Department of Forensic Medicine, students can be trained in MMed (Master of Medicine): Specialisation in Forensic Medicine.
Once completing their Bachelor’s Degree, students can choose to head into postgraduate studies in Forensic Science, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Genetics, or Forensic Entomology.
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Criminal and Forensic Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal aims to introduce students to biological, social, and psychological dimensions of criminal behavior and explore the application of these dimensions to an understanding of the diversity of criminal behavior.
The institution offers the Criminal and Forensic Studies Programme for undergraduate and postgraduate training with a strong emphasis on Victimology. Students can further their studies by opting for a postgraduate qualification of a Masters in Criminology and Forensic Studies in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.
University of South Africa (Unisa)
You can also check out Unisa’s Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology qualification. This undergraduate qualification is aimed at students who work in the field of Forensic Investigation, as well as students aspiring to become Forensic Investigators up to the level of middle management.
Students can choose to venture into obtaining a Master of Arts in Forensic Science and Technology after successfully completing their Bachelor’s qualification, an appropriate Postgraduate Diploma, or a 480-credit Bachelor’s degree.