UKZN Forensic Science Requirements for Admission

The forensic medicine program at the University of KwaZulu Natal is highly prestigious in the country. It equips students with competitive skills and research exposure so they can register for HCSPA specialist.

If you are planning to enroll in the university to specialize in forensic investigation, keep on reading this guide on UKZN Forensic science requirements.

Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice Eligibility Criteria

The University of KwaZulu Nataf offers a two-year postgraduate diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice, which combines forensic science with investigation and equip you with practical skills in the market. If you are planning to apply for this program, here is everything you need to know about this program.

Entrance Requirements

In order to qualify for a postgraduate diploma in Forensic Science, here are some conditions you must fulfill.

• An undergraduate bachelor’s degree authorized by the recognized university.
• Or equivalent qualification approved by the school.
• A one-year advanced diploma with level 7 NQF scores.
• CFE qualifications with equivalent scores as NQF Level 7.
• Any publication and relevant work experience certificates are preferred.
• Do consider that selection is made based on your academic background, relevant work experience, and research. So, given the intense competition, if you are serious about getting in, it is better that you focus on building a profile.

Admission Fee

There is no admission fee to apply for a postgraduate diploma, and if there is, you can waive it by providing a list of financial reasons. As for the subject fee, the average fee is around R4 200 for every 16 credit modules. As for 2024, the postgraduate diploma fee is at least a 10-15% increase in the average fee.

How to Apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science?

To apply for the postgraduate diploma in forensic investigation, you have to provide some documents to the application committee. As of 2024, here is a list of the documents you need to submit.

• A copy of your ID card number authorized by the South African government.
• A copy of your Matriculation certificate, certified by the Matriculation Board.
• A copy of your tertiary certificate, authorized by the relevant board.
• A copy of all other academic certificates and extracurricular certificates.
• A detailed CV (must be made professionally).
• A letter of motivation stating all the reasons why this diploma is your first choice.
• You also need to write a letter stating whether you wish to study for full-time or part-time.

Apart from this, you are required to submit the postgraduate application form. It is available on the university’s official website and can be filled out online. For any admission queries, you can always email [email protected], and you must state all the inquiries in proper order with a specific subject line (as the title of your email).

Short Course in Forensic Investigation Technique

The School of Law at UKZN also offers a diploma course in Forensic Investigation Techniques for anyone who wants to specialize in practical and ethical aspects of forensic science. It helps them gain professional skills relevant to commercial crime, the criminal justice system, and modern investigation techniques. It also covers basic auditing and forensic auditing techniques.

Entrance Requirements

To qualify for this course, here are some requirements you need to fulfill.

• A national senior certificate with at least a Level 4 score.
• The qualification must be authorized by the Matriculation Board.
• You do not need prior learning for this course.

Masters in Forensic Science

Masters of Forensic Medicine is designed for students who want to specialize in the research of forensic science. It is a special training program for forensic pathologists who are planning to focus on medical examinations, diagnosis, and objective conclusions. After completing this master’s, experts can register as HPCSA specialists.

Entrance Requirements

To get enrolled in this program, here is a list of prerequisites you need to fulfill.

• A bachelor/ undergraduate degree in medical science.
• An undergraduate/bachelor’s degree (Honors with Science).
• Professional undergraduate degree authorized by the School of Postgraduate Training in Forensic Medicine.

Ph.D. in Forensic Science

The Doctorate in Forensic Science at UKZN focuses on attracting advanced researchers in the field of forensic science and pathology. The program is divided into two parts, one to explore the research themes and the second for execution. Typically, the doctor of philosophy at UKZN is primarily focused on anthropology and plastination.

Entrance Requirements

The candidates planning to study a PhD in forensic science will qualify under a GR7. To qualify for admission to the doctorate program, here is a brief eligibility criteria.

• A relevant master’s degree in forensic science or equivalent qualification authorized by the school.
• Relevant work experience (at least two years) in a professional setting.
• Certain publications are required for admission to a Ph.D. in forensic science.

Final Thoughts

There are several forensic science programs available at the University of KwaZulu Natal, all of which are designed to cater to the needs of practitioners and researchers. Before diving in, consider that the acceptance rate is low, and you need to build your academic and research background. I hope this guide has helped you in figuring out which program is suitable for your student profile.