Requirements To Study Forensic Pathology In South Africa

What Is Forensic Pathology

Forensic pathology is pathology that focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. A post mortem is performed by a medical examiner, usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions.

Entry Requirements To Study Forensic Pathology In South Africa

Qualification: BHSc(Honours)

FacultyHealth Sciences

Duration: 1 year

SchoolPathology

Study mode: Full-time

The BHSc Honours in Forensic Sciences is offered by the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. The training of Honours students is conducted at the Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) Medico-Legal Mortuary in Braamfontein, where medico-legal autopsies are also performed.

Honours students gain foundational knowledge and skills to assist with the medico- legal investigations surrounding unnatural deaths in South Africa. Students who pursue this postgraduate Honours degree would qualify as forensic scientists.

Should students wish to become forensic pathologists, a MBBCh degree is required, thereafter a 4 year registrar training programme in Forensic Pathology needs to be successfully completed.

Schools Offering Forensic Pathology In South Africa

University of pretoria

University of Cape Town

University of Western Cape

What qualifications do you need to be a forensic pathologist in South Africa ?

If you want to be a Forensic Pathologist, you have to start your training in general histopathology, and then specialise after a minimum of about 2 years. So, that is about 12 years in total until you become a consultant pathologist, although you will be (well) paid for the last 7 years of that.

What bachelor degree do you need to be a forensic pathologist in South Africa ?

Because there are no bachelor’s degree programs in forensic pathology in the SA, you should choose an undergraduate major in biology, chemistry or a related science field. You might also consider enrolling in a pre-medicine program.

How many years does it take to be a forensic pathologist in South Africa ?

It takes at least 13 years of training and education to become a forensic pathologist. That includes a four-year undergraduate degree, four-year medical school, four-year residency and one-year fellowship.

Do you need maths for forensic pathology in South Africa ?

Math Requirements

Taking multiple math courses is a standard part to any curriculum in forensic pathology. Mathematics and quantitative reasoning also compose subject areas of general math education requirements for earning a degree in forensic pathology.

How much does a pathologist make in South Africa?

An early career Pathologist (Medical) with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R543,000 based on 6 salaries. A mid-career Pathologist (Medical) with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R1,248,000 based on 6 salaries

How much does a forensic investigator earn in South Africa?

Forensics Jobs by Salary

Job TitleRangeAverage
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)Range:R198k – R491kAverage:R254,902
Forensic Computer AnalystRange:R13k – R883kAverage:R342,857
Forensic ConsultantRange:R20k – R592kAverage:R270,000
CriminologistRange:R36k – R228kAverage:R131,200

How much money does a forensic pathologist make in South Africa?

An early career Forensic Pathologist with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R259,000 based on 11 salaries. A mid-career Forensic Pathologist with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R340,000 based on 6 salaries.