Forensic Sciences (Honours) University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Overview

Key Features

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in the field of Forensic Sciences (Honours) offered at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg onsists of two parts:

• Part 1 (FORM4003A) comprises the coursework component, which entails 5 modules.

• Part 2 (FORM4004A) comprises a research methodology module, which includes a research project.

Career Opportunities

The BHSc(Hons) in Forensic Science does not train students to become forensic pathologists. The only way to become a forensic pathologist is to qualify as a medical doctor and then specialize in forensic pathology.

This Honours program is to train students to become forensic scientists. Past students have gone on to be employed as forensic scientists in the Forensic Pathology Services and the South African Police Services Forensic Laboratories in a number of units such as the Biology Unit, Chemistry Unit, Victim Identification Centre, and Investigative Psychology Unit.

Others have gone on to work internationally as forensic specialists for humanitarian organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross in regions of conflict. Others have adapted their forensic skills to work at the National Institute of Occupational Health and other fields including risk management, fire investigation, and academic research. It must be stressed that the field of Forensic Science within South Africa is still developing. This does serve as a disadvantage to you the student as you will be entering a developing field and not an established one. However, the advantage puts you at the forefront of development within our country and the potential is immense.