one | Introduction
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) has been accrediting the forensic content of full degree courses in forensic science since 2006.
The Educational Accreditation Scheme now covers both BSc and MSc programmes. However, the Society acknowledges that there are many combined undergraduate courses (foundation degree, diploma, BTEC certificate etc.) on offer where forensic science forms a significant but lesser proportion of the overall programme.
The quality of the forensic science delivered in such cases is still important and so the Society has developed a Recognition Scheme to provide an endorsement of this content.
two.1 | Benefits of Recognition
Recognition by the CSFS, as the professional body for forensic practitioners provides an assurance of quality to prospective students and employers. It also provides students with reduced rates at the Society’s conferences qualifying for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points to build up individual professional portfolios. Students on recognised courses may enrol as Student Members of the Society.
two.2 | Additional Benefits
Additional benefits of Recognition include website marketing since all recognised courses and their institutions are listed on our website. Recognised institutions also have access to online resources which may be used in teaching/ education of students. Reduced rates for job vacancy advertisements in connection with teaching posts related to the forensic aspects of the recognised course(s), are also made available.
three | Online Resources
| Each Institute is provided with unique log-in details to access a range of material free of charge |
Free to Recognised Institutions |
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Presentations from conferences and events, including:
- Technical presentations on a variety of forensic science disciplines;
- Case studies from conferences;
- Developments in the forensic profession;
- CPD developments;
- Interpretation, evaluation and reporting of evidence;
- Legal Perspectives & updates
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Material relevant to the forensic arena and Higher Education provision (reports, articles, comments, good practice)
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| Links to relevant sites (e.g. Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement for Forensic Science) |
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three.1 | Website Marketing Opportunities
The CSFS Website:
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Advertises the names of recognised Institutions and their programmes. This provides valuable information for prospective students seeking good quality courses in Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation.
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Provides a web page for each Institution to advertise forensic courses and other relevant material (such as testimonials from ex-students, information on graduate employment, specific research projects being undertaken, links to publications and other developments related to their institutions).
three.2 | Link Persons
Each Institution has the opportunity to nominate a Link Person to:
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Maintain contact with the CSFS, with students and Student Forensic Societies;
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Alert the Institution to any Society developments of specific interest;
four | Student Member Benefits
Benefits available:
- A bi-monthly copy of Science & Justice and a quarterly copy of Interfaces
- Representation of members to the Forensic Science Regulator, Government and other professional bodies
- Access to publications at reduced rates:
- 20% discount on Wiley Books;
- 30% discount on Forensic/Legal Medicine books published by Elsevier;
- 50% discount on New Scientist publication;
- Reduced rates for online access of 5 Forensic Journals published by Elsevier;
- Online access to Science and Justice (back to volume 35, produced in 1995);
- Reduced rates at all Society conferences;
- Affiliation with the California Association of Criminalists (CAC);
- Annual Student Conference;
- Provision of career development pathway within the CSFS.
five | Criteria for Recognition
There are two main criteria, one relating to student contact hours for the forensic-related content and a second relating to the nature of the forensic-related content.
five.1 | Contact hours for forensic-related course content
| Programme |
Student Contact Hours (Guidance) |
| Certificate |
100 |
| Diploma or Foundation Degree |
200 |
| BSc Degree |
300 |
five.2 | The Forensic-related course content should demonstrate:
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A general introduction of forensic science context, principles and practice (the investigative process from crime scene to court);
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A mix of theoretical focus and practical application in forensic science;
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An awareness of the crime scene and evidential material;
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An awareness of a range of analytical techniques and their application in forensic science;
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An introduction to the interpretation, evaluation, recording and presentation of evidence in Court.
six | Course delivery
Providers are expected to deliver a variety of learning opportunities including practical classes as well as formal/informal teaching with formative and summative assessment. Please note that this not limited to on campus courses and can include blended learning and online learning which will also be considered. Online programmes should demonstrate an equivalent number of learning hours. Consideration may be given to practitioners’ prior learning as part of the course design.
seven | Applications for Recognition
Course providers must supply the following:
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A copy of the curriculum with forensic elements highlighted and the numbers of student learning hours allocated against each highlighted element;
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Examples of course work such as essays, portfolios etc.;
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Examples of assessment including examination papers and model answers and a range of scripts;
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Teaching staff CVs;
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Previous student feedback.
eight | Assessment
Following an application, the CSFS will review the documentation submitted and will contact the University/Institution to arrange for an assessor to visit. The visit will be conducted before Recognition can be granted. There will also be subsequent annual renewals with a visit being held again in the third year.
eight.1 |
Examples of non-compliance in the following areas may lead to the award of Recognition being withheld:
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Insufficient coverage of forensic science in the curriculum;
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Insufficient hours of delivery;
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Issues with the assessment of students;
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Teaching staff with insufficient forensic knowledge.
nine | Appeals
If the award of Recognition is withheld and the Institution wishes to lodge an appeal they must do so in writing within fourteen days of having been informed of the decision. The grounds of the appeal must be specified and sent to the Honorary Secretary of the Society.
ten | The Award of Recognition
The award is valid for a period of three years after which renewal is required.
eleven | Cost of Recognition
The initial application fees will include the review of all documentation and requests for further information if necessary, as well as discussion between the Assessors who will document the decision to award or not to award.
Upon successful award of Recognition an annual renewal fee will be charged in Years 2 and 3.
Please contact the Society for current fees.
twelve | Quality Assurance
In addition to the visit following the formal application, and in the third year, the CSFS reserves the right to audit Recognised Courses by calling on Institutions with the minimum of notice to talk with students and staff on the course. Should the course not comply with the original specification as detailed in the original application, Recognition may be withdrawn. Good practice would dictate that links with potential employers would be forged by institutions running Recognised Courses and opportunities for training placements, work experience and potential employment would be considered.