two Universities offering such a degree. These are the University of Free State and the University of Cape Town. Such a degree would qualify you for employment at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (part of SAPS) or other private laboratories offering services such as paternity testing.

Besides, What universities are known for forensics?


Best Colleges for Forensic Science

  • George Mason University. Hofstra University. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) Loyola University of Chicago. …
  • Saint Louis University. San Jose State University. Syracuse University. …
  • University of Central Florida. University of Nebraska. University of Texas at Austin.

Keeping this in mind, What requirements are needed to study forensic science in South Africa? In order to set up your career, you will need to complete your matric with preferably high marks in Biology, Science, and Mathematics. The only exception to this rule is for those that wish to complete the National Certificate in Forensic Science with at least 8 years of experience in the field.

What are the requirements to study forensic?


Admission Requirements

  • Grade 12 OR.
  • Equivalent NQF 4 (with Mathematics, Communication and Physical Science) OR.
  • Grade 10 or 11 and 8 years of experience.

Is forensic science a good career in South Africa?

Investigation jobs offer a fascinating and challenging career. If you enjoy finding clues to solve unresolved cases, then forensic investigation work may be a great opportunity to put your problem solving skills to the test. With the high crime rate, forensic investigation jobs in South Africa are in demand.

What major is best for forensic science?

Forensic scientists and forensic science technicians receive ample on-the-job training, and prior to seeking employment, a majority pursue college degrees in forensics, biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and other hard sciences, choosing specialized coursework in pathology, DNA, criminology, firearms, …

What major does forensics fall under?

The bachelor of science in forensic sciences degree falls under the College of Humanities and Sciences. Students can choose from three concentrations: forensic biology, forensic chemistry, or physical evidence. The 120-credit program requires forensic science core classes and concentration-specific courses.

What degree is best for forensic science?

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry will prepare you for a job as a forensic laboratory analyst or a toxicologist. You’ll be able to help police and investigators identify drugs and alcohol in blood samples, analyze drug evidence, and find trace blood evidence.

What subjects do you need for forensic science?

To work as a forensic scientist you’ll usually need either a degree in a scientific subject, such as biological sciences or chemistry, or a degree in forensic science. Degree subjects such as statistics and geology can be useful for entry into specialist areas of forensic science.

What high school subjects are needed for forensic science?

In order to set oneself up for success, aspiring forensic scientists are advised to graduate from high school, ideally with high marks in classes such as biology, chemistry, physiology, statistics, and mathematics.

Can I study forensic without matric?

Forensic Starter Courses. Outsourced Learner Management (Pty) Ltd in partnership with Skills Academy now gives you the opportunity to start with a non-accredited Skills Course. This option is for persons without a Matric/National Senior Certificate/Grade 12!

How can I join forensics after 12th?

To become a Forensics Officer after 12th, you need to pursue BSc Forensic Science which is offered as a 3-year undergraduate program and the applicant is required to have completed 10+2 with Science stream.

Where can a forensic scientist work in South Africa?


How To Become A Forensic Technician In South Africa

  • Forensic science: these individuals aspire to work in the Police Service’s Criminal Record Centres or Forensic Science Services Division. …
  • Forensic biology: these technicians aim to work in either the private or public sector’s laboratories that take on forensic work.

How much do forensic investigators get paid in South Africa?

Forensics Jobs by Salary

Job Title Range Average
Forensic Scientist Range:

R127k – R373k

Average:R295,551
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) Range:R198k – R491k Average:R254,902
Forensic Computer Analyst Range:R109k – R894k Average:R403,000
Forensic Consultant Range:R66k – R596k Average:R285,000

Is there a demand for forensic scientists?

Job Outlook

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,500 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Is forensic science a STEM major?

Because forensic science is the application of science to address matters of law, forensic science is composed of a broad array of academic disciplines that include degrees in the basic sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

What is the highest paying job in forensics?


Top 5 Highest Paying Forensic Science Careers

  1. Forensic Medical Examiner. Perhaps the highest paying position in the field of forensic science is forensic medical examiner. …
  2. Forensic Engineer. …
  3. Forensic Accountant. …
  4. Crime Scene Investigator. …
  5. Crime Laboratory Analyst.

Do forensic scientists get paid well?

Forensic Science Technicians made a median salary of $59,150 in 2019. The best-paid 25 percent made $77,200 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $45,180.

What area of study is forensic science?

Forensic science applies science to both criminal and civil law. Criminal investigators use forensic science to discover how crime scenes unfold. They study evidence, such as fingerprints and DNA to determine causes and uncover the responsible parties.

Is forensic science under criminology?

The forensic science degree may be part of the department of criminal justice or criminology, although students should be expected to take courses in departments related to natural sciences and lab work. … Overall, those pursuing a degree in criminal justice will likely encounter the following areas of study: Sociology.

What degree do you need to be a forensic investigator?

CSI candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the agency to which they are applying. CSIs typically need a bachelor’s degree in either a natural or forensic science, such as chemistry or biology, or in a field such as criminal justice, crime scene technology, or criminology.

What can I do with a degree in forensic science?


Depending on your chosen major, career opportunities in forensic science include:

  • Forensic biologist.
  • Biomedical scientist.
  • Expert witness.
  • Forensic trace evidence specialist.
  • Analytical chemist.
  • Science teacher.
  • Lecturer or academic.
  • Clinical toxicologist.

What grades do you need for forensic science?

Entry requirements

a minimum of 112 points from A levels including a C in Biology or Human Biology (or a minimum of 112 UCAS points from an equivalent Level 3 qualification, eg BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with MMM) English Language and Mathematics GCSEs at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

Is maths required for forensic science?

in Forensic Sciences The basic criterion of eligibility needed to be met for admission to the course is a Higher Secondary (10+2) or equivalent qualification from a recognised educational Board, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and/ or Math as main subjects and a minimum aggregate score of 55%.

What kind of math is used in forensic science?

Trigonometry in Forensic Science

Trigonometry, the study and measurement of triangles, is another common use of math in forensic science. Blood spatter analysts, for example, use trigonometry in their study of how blood from a human injury splatters on a wall or other surface.