Forensic Facial Identification

Snapshot

Overview

Forensic facial identification includes the recognition of victims of crime, missing persons or human remains, and may facilitate the identification, apprehension or conviction of criminals.

Aims of the Programme

The ability to establish identity is pertinent not only to medico-legal investigations concerning the deceased or missing, but also in the verification of the living. Facial recognition is one of the oldest methods of identification and with recent technological advances there are increased opportunities, applications and social impact for this field.

This highly innovative one-year taught Masters course will encompass all fields of facial identification, employing highly specialised tutors from scientific backgrounds alongside experienced forensic practitioners. Students will benefit from the newly-refurbished laboratories, a dedicated library and access to human material in a modern medical science environment.

The MSc course provides professional vocational training to underpin first degree, before entering employment at the leading edge of the forensic disciplines. The programme should also appeal to science graduates interested in the biometric, anthropology, CCTV analysis and facial recognition fields.

Programme Content

Students will share joint modules with the MSc Forensic Art students with different examination and assessment processes. Students may carry out their semester three Dissertation module either at the University or from a working environment or placement.

The course is delivered using traditional methods including lectures, practical studio sessions and small group discussions with an encouragement into debate and theoretical solutions to current problems.

Semester 1 (60 credits)

• Anatomy - Head and Neck
• Computer Face Models
• Research Methods
• Facial Analysis and Imaging

Semester 2 (60 credits)

• Medico-legal Ethics
• Identification of the Dead
• Identification of the Living

Semester 3 (60 credits) - dissertation resulting from a research project undertaken either at the University or as a placement.

On successful completion of Semesters 1 and 2 there is an exit award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Art.

Methods of Assessment

Methods of assessment include written examinations, spot tests, practical assessments, presentation and communication assessments and image portfolio assessment.

Entry Requirements

First or upper second class honours degree in a related medical or forensic science. Relevant professional experience will be taken into account if you have no graduate qualifications.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 6.5 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Sources of Funding

Information about the College of Life Sciences, School of Learning & Teaching scholarships can be found on the College of Life Sciences, School of Learning & Teaching scholarships webpage.

Other sources of funding for postgraduate students can be found on our Scholarships webpage.

Contact

Programme Director	Admissions Contact
Prof Caroline Wilkinson School of Life Sciences University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 386 324 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 386 324 (from outside the UK) Fax: 01382 385 893 (from the UK) Fax: +44 1382 385 893 (from outside the UK) Email: c.m.wilkinson@dundee.ac.uk	Postgraduate Admissions Admissions and Student Recruitment University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland Telephone: 01382 384 384 (from the UK) Telephone: +44 1382 384 384 (from outside the UK) Fax: 01382 385 500 (from the UK) Fax: +44 1382 385 500 (from outside the UK) Email: postgrad-admissions@dundee.ac.uk