Degree type: DipHE
UCAS Code: F411 DipHE/FS
Duration: 2 years (full-time)
How to Apply
Please note that no admission to this course is available in September 2012.
Why choose this course?
The DipHE Forensic Studies course shadows the BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences degree very closely and it is intended that successful DipHE students will join the degree course. The key difference between the DipHE and the first two years of the degree course is that the DipHE students receive additional, targeted study support in order to prepare them for degree-level studies.
The DipHE course encourages the development of study skills, written, graphical and verbal communication, effective use of information technology, as well as subject-specific study. Students choosing not to transfer into the degree courses may leave with a DipHE.
In year 1 the basics of forensics and the science behind it (biology & chemisty) are studied, alongside laboratory techniques and skills.
Year 2 builds upon the basics of the science behind forensics alongside crime scene work with the addition of law and statistics relevant to forensic science
How you learn
You will study four modules each semester. In some modules lectures and tutorials will be used to present information and allow you to develop your ideas.
Other modules will integrate the delivery of new material with laboratory work so you can immediately try things out and explore these ideas. In all cases there will be supporting information available online so that you can continue to study topics outside class hours.
How you are assessed
Modules will be assessed using a range of assignments, class tests and examinations scheduled at various times during the teaching semesters. These are designed to focus on key issues and to provide you with feedback on your progress. So there is considerable flexibility, and students may demonstrate their success in a variety of ways.
Higher BC; A Level DD; ILC (H) BC; UCAS Tariff 120 points*
*See UCAS Tariff Guidance below
Essential subjects: an appropriate science (e.g. Chemistry or Biology)
This programme is normally restricted to applicants with existing post-school academic qualifications. Each applicant will be assessed on his or her individual merit and previous employment profile.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications and experience will be considered on an individual basis.
UCAS Tariff Guidance
Although there is no limit to the number of points that you can accumulate, for entry to Abertay you must have qualifications at an appropriate level (SCQF 6/NQF 3); you cannot count the same or similar qualifications twice; Standard Grades, Intermediate 2s, GCSEs and key/core skills cannot be counted; and D grades at SQA Higher and Advanced Higher are not counted.
Applicants who have taken either SQA Highers or A Levels must offer at least three Highers or two A Levels for degree entry (or two Highers or one A Level for DipHE entry). If you have studied a subject at two different levels, the most advanced will be taken into consideration; e.g. if you studied both Higher Biology and Advanced Higher Biology, then only the Advanced Higher will be counted.
Overseas/EU
All applicants are required to provide certified proof of competence in English Language and the University's minimum requirements are listed here
Mature
Applications from mature students are assessed on the same criteria used for school leavers, e.g. SQA Highers or GCE A Levels, where relevant school leaving qualifications exist. For those without standard entry qualifications, consideration is given to experience gained as well as professional qualifications and other forms of learning that could provide evidence of ability to benefit from a particular course.
The successful completion of approved access courses (such as those offered by Dundee College in association with the universities of Abertay, Dundee and St Andrews) provides significant evidence of ability to benefit from study at Abertay.
For further advice please use our Ask a Question section.
Your future
Most students successfully completing the Diploma of Higher Education transfer onto the degree as there is a wider range of employment opportunities for graduates. Our diploma course has been designed with this in mind, and on successful completion of the DipHE programme, students may enter year three of the BSc (Hons) Forensic Science that they have shadowed over the preceding two years.
Alternatively, it is also possible to exit with your diploma and to find employment.
Specialist facilities
The University library is home to the Tayside Faculty of Procurators & Solicitors Law Library. This gives you the opportunity to gain access to the same case reports and learning facilities which the local legal fraternity and police use. The University also works closely with Tayside Police's Forensic Sciences Laboratories that are located adjacent to the University.
A range of well equipped, modern laboratories are the main focus of specialist facilities at Abertay for use by Forensic Science students. In addition the Scottish Informatics Mathematics Biology & Statistics (SIMBIOS) research facility at Abertay provides you with access to top class researchers working in the exciting field of biology and computing.
