Forensic Medicine

The MSc(Med) in Forensic Medicine is by research dissertation only. This can be done on a full-time or part-time basis.

Overview

The general research fields offered at a Master's level in the Division of Forensic Medicine and Pathology are: forensic anthropology, forensic taphonomy, forensic entomology, forensic toxicology, forensic and investigative psychology, and general forensic science.

Masters students may also participate in the Human Decedent Identification Unit in the Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Services Medico-legal Mortuary, by collecting and recording primary and secondary identifiers from active forensic cases to assist in the identification of individuals who have died as a result of unnatural causes.

 

Curriculum

Research only.

Entry Requirements

Any of the following may be admitted as a candidate:

  1. A graduate of the University who has been awarded one of the following degrees: Bachelor of Dental Science; Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy; Bachelor of Pharmacy; Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy; Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours; Bachelor of Science Honours.
  2. A graduate who has been awarded any other qualification, the normal curriculum of which extends over not less than four years’ full-time study, of the University, who, in the opinion of the Senate, is sufficiently qualified to undertake the field of study proposed or research (or both), required for the qualification.
  3. Any other person who has satisfied the Senate, by means of a written or oral test (or both), or by any other mode of assessment to be determined from time to time by the Senate, that s/he is sufficiently qualified to undertake the line of study proposed or research (or both), required for the qualification.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits postgraduate online application guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.