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Forensic Facial Identification

MSc

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.

This highly innovative one-year taught Masters course will encompass all fields of facial identification.

Closing date: For entry Sept 2012, apply before 15th Aug 2012 (if you need a visa to study in the UK)

Why
Teaching & Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Fees/Funding
Your Application

Why study Forensic Facial Identification at Dundee?

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.

Here at Dundee, you will be taught by highly specialised tutors from scientific backgrounds together with experienced forensic practitioners.

Staff at the Centre have national and international reputations in forensic anthropology, and several have practical experience of working in conflict zones including Kosovo, Sierra Leone and Iraq. Our staff is regularly contacted for advice and input in identification cases both at home and abroad

What's so good about studying Forensic Facial Identification at Dundee?

You will benefit from the facilities of the Centre for Anatomy & Human Identification (CAHID), including newly-refurbished laboratories, a dedicated library and access to human material in a modern medical science environment.

Who should study this course?

The MSc course provides professional vocational training to underpin your 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.

Related courses

Forensic & Medical Art PG courses

Teaching & Assessment

This course is taught by staff based in the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID), part of the School of Life Sciences.

The MSc will be taught full-time over one year (September to August). It can also be taken on a part-time basis, lasting for 48 months.

How you will be taught

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.

What you will study

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.

How you will be assessed

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

Careers

The programme should also appeal to science graduates interested in the biometric, anthropology, CCTV analysis and facial recognition fields. Possible career options for graduates would include postgraduate researcher, facial identification professional, biometrics operator, forensic surveillance and image analyst.

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.

Fees and Funding

Academic Year	Home/EU	Overseas
2011-12	full time: £3,900 part time: £40 per credit	full time: £12,500 part time: £90 per credit
2012-13	full time: £5,000 part time: £40 per credit	full time: £12,500 part time: £90 per credit
2013-14	to be confirmed	to be confirmed

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.

Living Costs

Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

How to Apply

Apply online via UKPASS

Programme Director

Dr Caroline Wilkinson
School of Life Sciences
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 386324 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 386324 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385893 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385893 (from outside the UK)

Email: c.m.wilkinson@dundee.ac.uk

Admissions Contact

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