Forensic Science Requirements In South Africa

Forensic science, also known as criminalistics, is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, mainly on the criminal side during criminal investigation, as governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure.

Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. While some forensic scientists travel to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, others occupy a laboratory role, performing analysis on objects brought to them by other individuals.

Where to Study Forensic Science

University of Cape Town

M Phil in Biomedical Forensic Science

Admission requirements
(a) an approved degree of BSc (Hons) and have completed Biochemistry, Chemistry,
Microbiology, Biology, Genetics or Physical Anthropology or equivalent at Hons level; or
(b) an approved four year Bachelor Sc; or
(c) holds a qualification deemed by Senate to be equivalent

Wits University

BHSc Honours in Forensic Sciences

Entry Requirements

To be considered for this course you should have at least 60% for each of your 3rd year majors and be enrolled in, or completed, TWO of the following courses:

  • ANAT3002/A (Human Biology III)
  • PHSL3002/A (Applied & Experimental Physiology III)
  • PHSL3006/A (Human Physiology III)
  • ANAT 3011/A (Medical Cell Biology III)
  • HAEM3002/A (Molecular Medicine III)
  • PHAR3004 (Pharmacology III)
  • FAMH3002 (Fundamentals of Health and Disease)
  • CHEM3002A & CHEM3003A (Chemistry IIIA & Chemistry IIIB)
  • CHEM3033A & CHEM3034A (Applied Chemistry IIIA & Applied Chemistry IIIB)
  • MCBG3004 (Biochemistry and Cell Biology)
  • APES3042A (Medical and Applied Entomology III)
  • APES3029A (Palaeontology III)
  • APES3057A (Physiological Entomology III)
  • APES3067A (Experimental Field Biology III)
  • ARCL3002A (Archaeology III)
  • One of the following: PSYC3001A (Abnormal Psychology III / PSYC3013A (Cognitive Neuropsychology III) / PSYC3015A (Health Psychology III) / PSYC3017A Psychotherapeutic Interventions III)  / PSYC3018A (Child and Adolescent Psychology III)

Shortlisted candidates are invited to attend viewings of a forensic autopsy session and an Identification Unit session to gauge their suitability to the forensic mortuary environment.

Students with higher marks, who also show an ability to adapt to a forensic mortuary environment, are given preferential acceptance.

How long does it take to become a forensic scientist in South Africa?

The BHSc(Hons) in Forensic Sciences is a full time 1 year programme and includes a coursework component (FORM4003A) and a research component (FORM4004A). The coursework component consists of five modules that include lectures and practicals: Forensic Medicine. Forensic Anthropology.

How much do forensic scientists earn per month in South Africa?

Depending on your job title and where you work, forensic experts typically earn a good salary. On average, this can range from between R15 000 – R50 000 per month based on your experience.

Which universities offer forensic science in South Africa?

UCT and Pretoria both offer post-graduate degrees that involve forensic anthropology. ‘Investigative forensics’ is what is done by the police units. The South African Police Service employs people to work in their forensic laboratories.