Access to the Diploma in Criminalistics & Forensic Psychology is open to all however applicants should be computer literate to ensure maximum benefit from the programme.  Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible as demand for places is likely to be high.  Applications must be received and approved prior to course registration.

The programme will study the principles of investigative endeavour providing students with an understanding of crime and how different disciplines can contribute to crime detection and will use case studies to demonstrate the application of these concepts to crime investigation. 

• Understand and appreciate the fundamentals of the nature of the scientific method. 
•  Acquire an appreciation of the complexities of a crime scene.
• Perform a range of basic skills and experimental procedures.
• Be able to integrate knowledge and skills in the examination, analysis, interpretation of physical evidence.
• Appreciate the role of new technologies and new concepts in forensic science.
• Understand analytical methods and principles and their relevance and application to the investigation and detection of crime.
• Appreciate how different disciplines can contribute to the investigation and reduction of crime and the detection of offenders.

The Diploma in Criminalistics & Forensic Psychology is composed of six units:

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Forensic Science & Forensic Psychology

• Define the basic terms “Forensic”, “Forensic Science”, “Criminalistics”.
• Identify the steps to preserve the scene of a crime.
• Identify methods of collection and storage of physical evidence.
• Analyse and interpret physical evidence.
• Identify the significant role psychology has to play in criminal investigation.
• Identify the link between mental health and criminal behaviour.

Unit 2: The Crime Scene and Behavioural Analysis

• Compile documentation of crime scene conditions e.g Lighting, weather, identification of all relevant physical evidence .
• Summarise the roles of personnel present at the crime scene e.g. team leader, evidence recorder etc.
• Understand the documentation procedures e.g. evidence recovery log and latent print log etc.
• Identify the behavioural and personal characteristics of offenders who commit crimes of rape and homicide, particularly serial offenders. 
• Analyse the clues left behind at crime scenes to determine the type of person responsible for rape and homicide offences. 

Unit 3: Evidence Collection & Analysis

• State the guidelines on collecting physical evidence e.g. flammable liquids, blood stains etc.
• Identify the appropriate procedures for evidence packaging e.g. different containers used for each type of sample.
• Identify the special considerations for accumulation of evidence in sexual assault cases.
• To analyse biological evidence e.g. blood, hair etc.
• To identify subjects at the Scene e.g. Fingerprinting, DNA extraction and profiling etc.
• To distinguish the nature of the implement used.
• Perform a skills demonstration in processing a crime scene.

Unit 4: Evidence and the Law

• Understand the role of the Criminalist.
• Translate the story of evidence to the legal community.
• Distinguish between circumstantial evidence and direct evidence.

Unit 5: Criminalistics

• Understand terrorism and political violence.
• A range of contemporary issues will be explored such as terrorism and communication and the media and terrorist propaganda.
• Identify how to approach an electronic or online crime scene.
• Dynamics of Mobile Phone Forensics.

Unit 6: Presentation & Communication Skills

• The essential skills required to write up research and present findings to academic and professional audiences. 
• How to organise a paper, develop an executive summary, put together references and bibliographies, use online databases, conduct reviews of scientific evidence, and give Powerpoint supported presentations.

The course will be delivered using a variety of methods including lectures and seminars.  Students will have the opportunity in seminars to participate in group discussions.  Seminars will also allow students to work together in teams to problem solve and critically evaluate various methods of criminal and forensic investigation.  Students will be assessed by way of examination, a learner record and a skills demonstration.  The examination will be based on a range of specific learning outcomes and will be 2 hours in duration.  It will comprise 12 short questions and 4 structured questions.  A personal laboratory notebook will be compiled by candidates who will also undertake a skills demonstration on aspects covered in class.

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will receive a Level 5 FETAC Certificate in Forensics.  FETAC (the Further Education and Training Awards Council) is the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland.

Graduates will also receive a Diploma in Criminalistics and Forensic Psychology from Dorset College.