A number of universities in the UK currently hold the FSSoc accreditation.This accreditation meets the Forensic Science Society’s component standards which provide a quality endorsement of the courses offered.
However, recent developments have resulted in a collaborative partnership between the Forensic Science Society and Skills for Justice and this has led to a new brand, Forensic Skillsmark, (see link) which is the only accreditation provision currently on offer within the UK for new applications.
Outside of the UK the Society’s own accreditation scheme is still available: more information can be obtained from contacting the Forensic Science Society offices on 01423 506068 or e-mailing accredit@forensic-science-society.org.uk
CRITERIA & STANDARDS
The accreditation process focuses on the three essential elements of a forensic case, crime scene investigation, laboratory analysis and interpretation of the scene / laboratory results. The specific requirements can be consulted via the links below.
Guide for Course Providers
Crime Scene Investigation
Laboratory Analysis
Interpretation, Evaluation and Presentation of Evidence
All three areas will be assessed in general courses (i.e. BSc Forensic Investigation), although it is possible to be accredited for only two elements should the course be more focused (i.e. BSc Forensic Biology may not contain crime scene components). This decision will be made by the Chair of Standards and the assessment team. All courses must meet the standards outlined for Interpretation, evaluation and presentation of evidence.
UNIVERSITY COURSE ACCREDITATION PROCESS
| Making Contact | In the first instance, the university should make contact with the chair of the Standards Committee by email accredit@forensic-science-society.org.uk to briefly discuss the course. Alternatively, you can call the Forensic Science Society offices on +44 (0)1423 506 068 for general information. |
| Pricing | The university is required to prepare an outline of the courses that are being presented for scrutiny and the component standards that are to be assessed. This document will enable the society to determine the resources that will be required for the assessment and provide a pricing statement. |
| Preparing A Matrix | The university will then be required to prepare an in-depth matrix for each course showing how the component standards are met by the course material. The format of this is flexible, but typically consists of a Microsoft Excel document mapping the relevant module codes / titles to teach of the component standards and a copy of each of the module outlines / handbooks to allow for more detailed scrutiny. |
| Assessment Visit | An assessment panel consisting of a chair (professor), one academic and one practitioner will scrutinise the documents, inform the university of other documentation and materials they may wish to consult and then visit the university to assess the resources available. |
| Result Of Assessment | The Chair of Standards will endeavour to communicate the decision of the assessment panel to the university within 2-3 weeks of the assessment visit. |
| Annual Review | The university courses that receive accreditation will be reviewed on an annual basis by an assessor. |
ACCREDITED UNIVERSITIES
Many universities have undergone the accreditation process to date.
List of Accredited Universities
For more information on university course accreditation, contact the Chair of the Standards Committee on accredit@forensic-science-society.org.uk or contact the FSSoc offices .
