Abertay’s BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences programme has been officially recognised by Skills for Justice, the sector skills council and standards setting body for the justice sector, as a Skillsmark recognised provider of forensic science education.
The Abertay course has already been singled out for praise by the Forensic Science Society, becoming one of the first accredited undergraduate course in the country in 2008. The Forensic Science Society commended many aspects of the course, including the close working relationship with Tayside and Fife police forces as well as the Scottish Police Services Authority (SPSA) who carry out forensic science provision within Scotland.
The popularity of forensic science as a study option and careers has sky rocketed thanks largely to television shows such as Crime Scene Investigation and Silent Witness. Accreditation by Skills for Justice confirms that the teaching methods and resources on Abertay’s course are fit for practice and will give graduates the skills and knowledge to perform to high professional standards, avoiding the criticisms that have been levelled at some other university forensic science courses.
Programme Tutor and Lecturer in Forensic Biology Darren Phillips said: “Previously employers have complained that they were not able to rely on the qualifications as an indicator that a graduate could perform in the role. Accreditation means assurance for students, graduates and employers, that these professional bodies have recognised our teaching standards and approved the course.
“Our forensics programme is now in its eighth year and has an excellent reputation and we have many successful graduates who are working with police forces all over the country.
“We are delighted to have received this second accreditation which further strengthens our position as a leading provider of forensic science education.”
Amanda Ryalls, Director of Operations at Skills for Justice said:
“We worked in partnership with the Forensic Science Society to introduce the Forensic Skillsmark quality assurance mark for Forensic Science courses. It assures employers that these courses really prepare students for employment in Forensic Science roles. Forensic Skillsmark provides evidence of excellence, and is the gold standard in learning provision. We therefore congratulate the University of Abertay Dundee on achieving recognition.”
The programme has achieved Stage 1 – ‘Recognition of the Forensic Skillsmark’ and can now move onto the second stage, ‘Endorsement’.
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Notes
The creation of Forensic Skillsmark is a new addition to our Skillsmark accreditation scheme, developed in consultation with employers to help employers identify education and training that meets their needs. It is awarded to learning providers who have gone through a rigorous assessment process to be recognised as providing high quality learning programmers relevant to the needs of employers. After recognition, the next step is to have specific courses endorsed by Skillsmark.