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Short courses & CPD
Nursing & Health

Forensic Imaging in Mass Fatalities University Certificate in Postgraduate Professional Development

This award is for radiographers and radiation technologists who wish to advance their forensic imaging skills within the mass fatalities and emergency mortuary setting. You develop a critical understanding of the processes involved following a mass fatalities incident, from investigating the crime scene to recovering the body to the emergency mortuary and ultimate release of the body to relatives.

 

14 weeks

 

Course overview

This award uses innovative teaching methods to develop your knowledge and skills in forensic imaging, specifically in relation to mass fatality events and disaster victim identification (DVI), and supports you in your distance learning experience wherever you are in the world. Ideal for radiographers, radiation technologists and other forensic imaging professionals.

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Course details

What you study

Topics include DVI, roles and processes both within and outside of the emergency mortuary, victim recovery, radiographic imaging, cultural and ethical issues, health and safety issues, government legislation and public enquiry reports informing best practice, and the medico-legal issues pertinent to the emergency mortuary environment. You critically analyse the response to international disasters, and learn about the internationally developed and accepted Interpol guidance on DVI.

This award facilitates you to be adaptable, confident and critical in applying imaging modalities and processes in DVI. It helps you to be articulate and confident of your role in a multidisciplinary team, and adaptable, aspiring and creative in developing your skills in imaging the deceased in the emergency mortuary environment.

How you learn

This course is taught through distance learning and is structured to keep you on track throughout your studies. You never need to attend the University and, apart from scheduled webinars, you can complete the online activities at the times that work best for you.

You have weekly contact with your tutor and peers, using instant messaging or email, for support when you want it.

Topics are delivered at a pace that gives you more time to learn about that area and relate it to your own practice.

Structured activities help you to think about each topic and discuss ideas with your peers: videos, screencasts, quizzes, directed reading, virtual workspace for discussion, and interactive and collaborative work.

You learn through regular webinars where you and your peers join together online at the same time for a teaching session with your tutor or other forensic specialists. Approximately six webinars take place on a weekday evening, usually between 6.30pm - 8.30pm (UK time).

International specialists in the field of forensics facilitate all sessions, demonstrating the multidisciplinary nature of forensic practice in mass fatalities incidents.

How you are assessed

This award is assessed by an online open book exam.

 

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants should be radiographers, radiation technologists or other radiographic/imaging professionals with an appropriate honours degree (2:2 or higher) or equivalent, and who are licensed to undertake medical or post-mortem imaging in their country.

No forensic radiography experience is required. Applications are welcome from newly qualified radiographers/technicians.

International students are expected to demonstrate an IELTS score of 6.5 at the time of applying.

International students should also consider our criteria for admission and direct entry

 

Employability

Career opportunities

The Society of Radiographers advocates that those undertaking forensic imaging examinations must be educated and trained at postgraduate level – this award addresses this. Successful completion of this award enhances your career as a practitioner with specialist imaging skills.

 
 

Part-time

2026-27 entry

Fee for applicants:
£855

  • Length: 14 weeks
  • Start date: September
  • Level: Master's
  • Credits: 20

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Service user and carer involvement

Service users and carers support all aspects of our students' lifecycle from recruitment to graduation.

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