Access to Higher Education - Forensic Science
Hey guys,
basically, i've been looking into doing Forensic Science for AccHE,
and was just wondering how Universities feel about the AccHE courses, and if i'd be able to get onto a Uni course just using this diploma?
The course i've been looking at is at Staffs Uni and is a starter course that has a foundation year first, so it would be 4 years, as i reckon this would be the easiest type of course to get onto.
Thank you in advance for your help.
basically, i've been looking into doing Forensic Science for AccHE,
and was just wondering how Universities feel about the AccHE courses, and if i'd be able to get onto a Uni course just using this diploma?
The course i've been looking at is at Staffs Uni and is a starter course that has a foundation year first, so it would be 4 years, as i reckon this would be the easiest type of course to get onto.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Are you wanting a career as a forensic scientist? If so it would be better to do a chemistry degree or something similar.
If you would like to do the forensic science degree then your best bet would be to contact the relevant person at your intended university and check whether the Access course in question is suitable and what grades you should be aiming for.
If you would like to do the forensic science degree then your best bet would be to contact the relevant person at your intended university and check whether the Access course in question is suitable and what grades you should be aiming for.
(edited 12 years ago)
Yeah, it's the Forensic Science Degree i want to do....
Ok thank you,
hopefully it'll be easier than I am imagining.
Ok thank you,
hopefully it'll be easier than I am imagining.
Best thing to do is directly contact the universities offering the courses you want to study and ask if Access to HE is acceptable and what modules / prerequisite knowledge is required.
Generally speaking Access to HE is similar to a foundation year but gives you a qualification which means you can apply to more than 1 Uni. Foundation years are usually run by a specific uni and if you pass it you automatically go on to their course; may not be as easy to apply elsewhere as the FY may not be widely recognised.
I wouldn't have thought you would need Access to HE AND a FY to get on to the degree. I would have thought that if you pick the correct Access course you would be able to get straight on the 3 year degree. Depending on the university, you may well be able to get on the foundation year without any prior qualification.... the staffs course certainly says they welcome applications from people without any formal qualifications.
Generally speaking Access to HE is similar to a foundation year but gives you a qualification which means you can apply to more than 1 Uni. Foundation years are usually run by a specific uni and if you pass it you automatically go on to their course; may not be as easy to apply elsewhere as the FY may not be widely recognised.
I wouldn't have thought you would need Access to HE AND a FY to get on to the degree. I would have thought that if you pick the correct Access course you would be able to get straight on the 3 year degree. Depending on the university, you may well be able to get on the foundation year without any prior qualification.... the staffs course certainly says they welcome applications from people without any formal qualifications.
(edited 12 years ago)
Would i not look better doing the AccHE course though?
I did think that, but am scared of getting rejected for it.
If i do the AccHE course, at least I have something to show for it.
I did think that, but am scared of getting rejected for it.
If i do the AccHE course, at least I have something to show for it.
Original post by roadrunner_300
Hey guys,
basically, i've been looking into doing Forensic Science for AccHE,
and was just wondering how Universities feel about the AccHE courses, and if i'd be able to get onto a Uni course just using this diploma?
The course i've been looking at is at Staffs Uni and is a starter course that has a foundation year first, so it would be 4 years, as i reckon this would be the easiest type of course to get onto.
Thank you in advance for your help.
basically, i've been looking into doing Forensic Science for AccHE,
and was just wondering how Universities feel about the AccHE courses, and if i'd be able to get onto a Uni course just using this diploma?
The course i've been looking at is at Staffs Uni and is a starter course that has a foundation year first, so it would be 4 years, as i reckon this would be the easiest type of course to get onto.
Thank you in advance for your help.
A Access to He Course in Forensics is more of a science based course roadrunner_300 u will study a mixture of Biology,Chemistry,Physics units at Level 3 and the remainder at Level 2
U really need to find out which Access courses at your local colleges offer rather this type of course or a more science based access course.So you need to do some research.
Also you need to contact the relevant universities and ask them whether they would consider a recognised Access course in Forensics at that University and you should also be aware that a Access course alone might not be sufficient as a entry requirement you might also need GCSEs as well.
Original post by roadrunner_300
Would i not look better doing the AccHE course though?
I did think that, but am scared of getting rejected for it.
If i do the AccHE course, at least I have something to show for it.
I did think that, but am scared of getting rejected for it.
If i do the AccHE course, at least I have something to show for it.
Yes of course. In relation to the foundation year: on one page the site says they consider all applications even without formal qualifications, but on another link (PDF file) it states they would usually expect you to have a level 3 qualification prior to applying. So who knows.
Access to HE in science (as long as it meets what they are looking for, as already explained) would be a good way to show the Uni what you can do. If you have your heart set on going to that particular Uni you could always apply for the 3 year degree and the 4 year degree+foundation. The university could then offer you the course it felt was more suitable.
Right now, you could always apply for the foundation and an Access course..... take up the foundation if you get a chance, if they reject you then nothing is lost because you can still do Access.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by roadrunner_300
Yeah, it's the Forensic Science Degree i want to do....
Ok thank you,
hopefully it'll be easier than I am imagining.
Ok thank you,
hopefully it'll be easier than I am imagining.
You really really need to be sure on this one roadrunner. The national Forensic Science Service is about to be closed. The police labs and private sector will take up the slack but the result will almost certainly be a net loss of jobs in a sector where there aren't that many in the first place. Also, as Mr Powell says, people on TSR who have experience of the field have said that a straight chemistry degree is preferred. So if you do Forensic Science make sure you pick a degree with as much chemistry as possible. Chemistry is also probably more useful if you can't get into Forensics.
Original post by Nitebot
You really really need to be sure on this one roadrunner. The national Forensic Science Service is about to be closed. The police labs and private sector will take up the slack but the result will almost certainly be a net loss of jobs in a sector where there aren't that many in the first place. Also, as Mr Powell says, people on TSR who have experience of the field have said that a straight chemistry degree is preferred. So if you do Forensic Science make sure you pick a degree with as much chemistry as possible. Chemistry is also probably more useful if you can't get into Forensics.
I think the input from Mr Powell is a valid and more general principle. I had the debate with my son when he was applying, as he wanted to do Space Science and technology. I cannot work out what a space scientist is. If there is a major project, say a probe to Mars, then it is made up of specialists in Electronics, Chemists, Physcists, Material Scientists, biologists, mathematicians and computer scientists, all at the top of their game in their field. Even something like rocket propulsion is a multi disciplinary area comprising, physics, engineering, chemistry, fluid dynamics etc etc. A pure subject with ones preferences expressed through the optional modules taken, especially in the third year, and also the 3rd year dissertation is generally a better bet.
However I can see why such courses are attractive, I certainly do not want to do all the biology not associated with comparitive analysis of hominid bones or analysis of pollen or do all the chemistry and physics not associated with Oxygen Isotope ratio analysis. Fortunately there is an element of my chosen area which is a discipline in its own right. I also have the option of doing one module each year from another department, if I decide to specialise in for example bones I will opt to take an appropriate module from the Biology department, if I go the ancient landscape reconstruction route I will do something from the earth science / geography department.
My son did straight Mathematics in the end. Phew......
CSI has a lot to answer for. The characters are composites in the way the characters in The Great Escape are. Single individuals do not do detailed chemical trace analysis one day and test ballistic matching the next and analyise entry wound signature the day after.
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by evening sunrise
I think the input from Mr Powell is a valid and more general principle. I had the debate with my son when he was applying, as he wanted to do Space Science and technology. I cannot work out what a space scientist is.
I agree totally and you make very good points yourself. Having said that I’d love to do a degree titled Space Science and Technology. It sounds so exciting!
But I guess plain old Aerospace/ Aeronautical engineering will leave future employers less confused.Along with these trendy hybrid degrees, there's also the problem with trendy specialist degrees such as psychology, which so many want to do, yet the prospect of having a career in the field is very limited. But it's hard to get into any profession at the moment so I guess we all need to be flexible.
Edit: This article about Forensic Science from Science and Engineering UK may help.
The report details the findings of a research project looking at the forensic science organisations and other science employers and the types of courses and skills that these employers are looking for in their recruitment. Surprisingly they did not rate graduates that had a forensic science degree top. In fact all the employers considered that “a degree in chemistry or some other pure science degree was preferable to a forensic science degree”. So why is this the case? The employment prospects in the forensic area are not large and to succeed graduates need an excellent scientific knowledge base in a pure science, such as chemistry, together with good laboratory techniques, the ability to solve problems and excellent communication and team working skills.
http://www.science-engineering.net/chemistry-forensic-science.htm
(edited 12 years ago)
Thank you for all this information guys,
I think i'm going to follow my heart though, and go for this path.
Quick question though, if i do the Access course, how many subjects can you do? and what would be best for Forensic Science?
I know i want to do Applied Science (obviously) but should i do the other Science one aswell?
and what others?
Thanks.
I think i'm going to follow my heart though, and go for this path.
Quick question though, if i do the Access course, how many subjects can you do? and what would be best for Forensic Science?
I know i want to do Applied Science (obviously) but should i do the other Science one aswell?
and what others?
Thanks.
Original post by roadrunner_300
Thank you for all this information guys,
I think i'm going to follow my heart though, and go for this path.
Quick question though, if i do the Access course, how many subjects can you do? and what would be best for Forensic Science?
I know i want to do Applied Science (obviously) but should i do the other Science one aswell?
and what others?
Thanks.
I think i'm going to follow my heart though, and go for this path.
Quick question though, if i do the Access course, how many subjects can you do? and what would be best for Forensic Science?
I know i want to do Applied Science (obviously) but should i do the other Science one aswell?
and what others?
Thanks.
I know it's different everywhere but I think at my college (Newcastle) there's a limit to do 3 subjects + toolbox (kinda like core studies)
I would suggest picking access to science course which is physical sciences and math.
Good luck.
I've had an e-mail back from Staffs uni and this is the main thing they said...
For entry onto this award we do accept Access to HE courses as long as more than 50% of the content is made up of level 3 biology and/or chemistry. If you are unsure as to whether your chosen course meets these requirements, I would be happy to check it for you. Just email me a link to the college/course or attach a copy of the course content and advise you as to its suitability. If I feel that the content is not sufficient, then it would still be suitable to gain access onto our Forensic Science with a Foundation Year degree instead.
I'm still unsure on what kind of subjects to take,
The main subjects at the college i'm looking at for it are:
English Language (GCSE Equivalence)
· English Literature
· Information Technology (core subject)
· Mathematics (GCSE Equivalence)
· Psychology/Sociology
· Study Skills (core subject)
· Sciences (core subject for some)
· History
· Business Studies
· Forensic Science
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
For entry onto this award we do accept Access to HE courses as long as more than 50% of the content is made up of level 3 biology and/or chemistry. If you are unsure as to whether your chosen course meets these requirements, I would be happy to check it for you. Just email me a link to the college/course or attach a copy of the course content and advise you as to its suitability. If I feel that the content is not sufficient, then it would still be suitable to gain access onto our Forensic Science with a Foundation Year degree instead.
I'm still unsure on what kind of subjects to take,
The main subjects at the college i'm looking at for it are:
English Language (GCSE Equivalence)
· English Literature
· Information Technology (core subject)
· Mathematics (GCSE Equivalence)
· Psychology/Sociology
· Study Skills (core subject)
· Sciences (core subject for some)
· History
· Business Studies
· Forensic Science
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Anybody?
I guess its difficult to answer as it is very specific, forensic science via Access to HE. Weird thing is my subject is group with forensics in terms of JACS3 code. Not sure what qualifications you have already, but I would support BigV and give the degree with foundation a punt, and apply for access in parallel as a fall back position. If you do not get accepted the Uni will not mind you reapplying, many reapply to the same Uni.
Subjects....
Science if it meets the 50% level 3 Bio and Chem.
Maths and English equiv if you do not have them already.
Psychology/Sociology or History (document trail analysis and synthesis) if you cannot make up the rest of level 3 with physics and/or maths.
Subjects....
Science if it meets the 50% level 3 Bio and Chem.
Maths and English equiv if you do not have them already.
Psychology/Sociology or History (document trail analysis and synthesis) if you cannot make up the rest of level 3 with physics and/or maths.
Original post by roadrunner_300
.......
Have you got a link to the college website?
GCSE (level 2) English and Mathematics equivalence are a mandatory part of all Access courses, and for Science pathways some do Science level 2 as well....... study skills (level 3) and some basic IT skills are included in almost all Access courses too.
For the main level 3 credits clearly Business, History, Psychology and Sociology are going to be no good. So it is a case of what level the 'Forensic Science' and Sciences credits are at and what the contents actually are.
So, it appears based on the details you posted and from what the admissions tutor said, that course doesn't look ideal for entry to year one of the degree, but the foundation year may be possible.
I e-mailed the college about it, and they said that the course WILL be sufficient enough for what they're asking for.
The college is www.macclesfield.ac.uk
they're in the QAA list (or whatever it's called)
They said they'd be able to send a copy of the syllabus to the uni's if i need them to if i start there.
So by the sounds of things, i'd just need to do well on the AccHE course i take?.
The college is www.macclesfield.ac.uk
they're in the QAA list (or whatever it's called)
They said they'd be able to send a copy of the syllabus to the uni's if i need them to if i start there.
So by the sounds of things, i'd just need to do well on the AccHE course i take?.
I'm sure I read in one of the broadsheets that FS is a fad course comabout from CSI etc & the like and in reality (in the UK that is) it is a very niche industry with very very few intakes. The govt's Forensic Science Service employs just around 1300 scientists which it finds sufficient to carry out its day to day ops, there are private providers too but the largest has a staff of 500. So unless these FS grads intend to retain as serial killers, there isn't much goin on in the industry. Plus again they mainly recruit pure science students as opposed to FS grads.
just sayin...this is what my bro sourced when he was caught up in this fad
but pls inform me otherwise
just sayin...this is what my bro sourced when he was caught up in this fad
but pls inform me otherwise
I'm not really interested in these facts and figures people keep telling me about....
i'm doing it because i want to, i wouldn't be looking at getting a job for like 4 or 5 years anyway, so things will have changed again by then....
Anywho, Staffs rang the college i'm going to hopefully be going to, and have been told that the course material meets their requirements....so all i'll need to do is do well on the course.
i'm doing it because i want to, i wouldn't be looking at getting a job for like 4 or 5 years anyway, so things will have changed again by then....
Anywho, Staffs rang the college i'm going to hopefully be going to, and have been told that the course material meets their requirements....so all i'll need to do is do well on the course.
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