About the BMedSc (Honours) programmes:
The BMedSc (Honours) in Biomedical Forensic Science, Forensic Toxicology or Forensic Entomology programmes are interdisciplinary 1-year programmes which are offered on a full-time basis. The programmes consists of a laboratory techniques course, scientific communication course, four theory-based modules and a research project. Please follow the link for more information about the programmes: https://health.uct.ac.za/forensic-medicine/honours-biomedical-forensic-science
Who can apply:
An applicant shall not be admitted as a candidate for the degree programme unless he/she:
(a) holds a BSc degree (or equivalent) majoring in relevant biological, chemical, biomedical or forensic sciences, with completion of mathematics and/or statistics in at least first year; or a MBChB.
(b) an aggregate of at least 65% is obtained for the BSc or MBChB degree
(c) has in any other manner attained a level of competence which in the opinion of Senate is adequate for the purpose of admission as a candidate for the degree.
About the MPhil programme:
The MPhil: Biomedical Forensic Science degree is an interdisciplinary 2-year programme which is offered on a full-time basis. It comprises a total of 8 modules – 4 of them are theory based, 1 is applied and the remaining 3 are research orientated. The minor dissertation component forms one third of the total credit weighting of the programme and takes place in the second year of studies. Please follow the link for more information about the programme and each course: https://health.uct.ac.za/forensic-medicine/mphil-biomedical-forensic-science. This programme takes place mainly face to face, but online delivery is also used for some components. The right is reserved, to, at any time, if circumstances dictate, add to or withdraw any of the courses or curricula on offer.
Who can apply:
An applicant shall not be admitted as a candidate for the degree programme unless he/she:
(a) holds a BSc Hons degree and has completed biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, biology, genetics or physical anthropology or equivalent at honours level;
(b) holds an approved four-year Bachelor of Science degree or an approved postgraduate diploma; or a qualification deemed by Senate to be equivalent; or
(c) has in any other manner attained a level of competence which in the opinion of Senate is adequate for the purpose of admission as a candidate for the degree.
MSc and PhD:
For research-based MSc or PhD degrees in a particular discipline, please contact the academic staff member who heads up that field in our Division:
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Forensic Genetics: A/Prof Laura Heathfield
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Molecular Forensics: A/Prof Laura Heathfield or Dr Shameemah Abrahams
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Forensic Toxicology: Bronwen Davies
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Trauma: Calvin Mole or Dr Shameemah Abrahams
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Forensic Entomology: Dr Calvin Mole
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Biomedical Forensic Science: Supervisor of choice
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Forensic Medicine, Forensic Pathology: A/Prof Laura Heathfield
Also see: https://health.uct.ac.za/forensic-medicine/master-science-medicine and https://health.uct.ac.za/forensic-medicine/doctor-philosophy
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Applications and how to apply:
Applications for the BSc (Med) Hons: Biomedical Forensic Science degree open in April and close on 31 July each year.
Applications for the MPhil: Biomedical Forensic Science degree open in May and close on 30 September each year.
Applications for the MSc (Med) and PhD degrees are open all year.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the UCT website:
• Visit: https://applyonline.uct.ac.za/
• Click on ‘apply online’. A new tab will open in your browser.
• Either create a new account or login using your existing login details.
• Fill in the forms accordingly.
• Select the programme of interest (e.g. Masters; then Health Sciences; then Masters of Philosophy (coursework and dissertation); then Biomedical forensic science (3rd down in dropdown list).
• Attach any supporting documents (if necessary).
• Submit your application once it is complete.
• Retain the email that is sent to you with your automatically generated student number and password. You will need this password to log in.
Students who obtained a degree from a foreign university are responsible for evaluating the South African equivalent of their degree using SAQA (http://www.saqa.org.za/). The certificate must be sent with the application.
Acceptance of students into the MSc (Med) and PhD programmes is at the discretion of the supervisor and is dependant on factors including, but not limited to:
• Previous relevant qualifications (e.g. BSc Hons for application into MSc (Med), or Masters for application into PhD).
• Academic standing of the applicant
• Availability of project funding
• Space in research groups and capacity of supervisor to supervise new students
• Alignment between what the student wishes to research and the research focus of the supervisor and/or research group
Therefore, Interested candidates are encouraged to first find a supervisor and agree on a feasible project before the student formally applies to UCT. Applications are open all year round.
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International students:
International students should visit: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/intlapplicants/chooseuct/why/ and follow the links down the right side of the webpage. Important links to read are:
• International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO)
• New Immigration Regulations
• Pre-Registration Process Overview
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Fees and Funding:
Please consult the Faculty fees handbooks for fees: http://www.students.uct.ac.za/students/fees-funding/fees/handbook
The Division of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology does not supply any funding or financial aid for students - this must be arranged by the students themselves.
For information on fees, visit: http://www.uct.ac.za/students/postgraduates/fees/handbook/
For postgraduate funding opportunities, visit: http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/applications/
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Accommodation:
Accommodation must be arranged by the student.