A Foundation Degree in forensic road collision investigation
What is it?
A foundation degree or FdSc is a short degree typically taking two years to complete if studied full time and four years if studied part time. The total number of credits required is 240, 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5. If you have completed the UCPD you already have 60 level 4 credits thus holders of a UCPD require a further three years study. The FdSc is designed to be studied part time at the rate of 60 credits per year.
The Foundation Degree in Forensic Road Collision Investigation is awarded by De Montfort University for students who successfully complete the programme, When you enrol you become a student of De Montfort University and are subject to all the rules and regulations of the university. The programme is recognised by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Most of the programme is studied by distance learning however you will need to come to the campus an a number of occasions.
Entry requirements and how to enrol
The entry requirements for the FdSc are DMU's UCPD in forensic road collision investigation or the City & Guilds in Forensic Road Collision Investigation. If entering by this route, students will also need to take Statistics for Collision Investigators. Overseas students with equivalent qualifications will also be considered.
To enrol on the FdSc contact Anna at AiTS who will take you through the enrolment process.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You can also claim RPL if you have already achieved all the learning outcomes associated with an entire module within the last five years. For example if you have attended and successfully completed a Driver and the Environment module as a standalone 'course', you can claim 15 credits. DMU does not allow students to RPL more than 90 credits on the FdSc programme. RPL does not reduce your student fee.
How do I complete the course?
Having fulfilled the entry requirements you will need to complete a further 60 credits at level 4 (typically ENGS1015, ENGS1012 and ENGS1016) and 120 credits at level 5 (typically ENGS2001, ENGS2002, ENGS2003, ENGS2004, ENGS2007, ENGS2015 and ENGS2016). The module order is set by the faculty, details of the modules can be found here.
How much time does it take?
The university assumes that you will study at a part time study rate of 60 credits per academic year. Therefore it will take one year to complete the level 4 modules and a further two years to complete the level 5 modules. There is a time limit to the FdSc which must be completed within 5 years.
How much time you need to devote to your studies depends on whether the subject matter is totally new to you. The Open University say that someone studying 60 credits on a part time basis will need around 16 to 18 hours study a week. The OU provides an excellent guide to study time. Follow the link HERE to discover whether you have the spare capacity and check with your employer as to whether they will help out.
What resources will I need?
You will require a computer with internet access to log onto the virtual Learning Centre.
Maths modules have online tutorials. To participate fully you will need headphones and a mike (avoid web-cam microphones which tend to cause a perpetual speech loop). Tutorials are recorded so you can view them later if you cannot make it to the live class.
You will need Excel, Numbers or similar and Word (handwritten assessments are not allowed at this level). Some modules require more specialist software some of which can be purchased at a reduced student price (Math CAD) and some of which is free-ware. If you require a copy of AiDamage or Digital Analyst this will be supplied on loan and at no cost.
Assessment
With the exception of a number of phase tests at the end of residential sections all the coursework is completed either at home or at work. There are deadlines for coursework which you will need to meet. Make sure you read about them when you start.
What happens if I don't finish the full three years?
If you leave at the end of the first year having successfully completed 60 level 4 credits you will gain a CertHE in forensic road collision investigation. Once you start the second year you need to get to the end!
Cost
Download the price list from the Quick Links to the right.