LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine (PgDFM) 

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine (PgDFM) is a highly specialised qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise in forensic medicine. This course is not intended for fresh entrants but is ideal for medical practitioners, forensic specialists, legal professionals, and other healthcare practitioners who wish to enhance their career prospects, broaden their professional knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Learners will gain advanced insights into forensic pathology, clinical forensic practices, medico-legal investigation, and the ethical, legal, and procedural frameworks essential for high-level forensic practice. The curriculum emphasises the application of knowledge to complex, real-world scenarios, equipping learners with the skills to contribute effectively to investigations, court proceedings, and multidisciplinary forensic teams.

To ensure the highest standard of education, centres delivering this qualification must maintain competent and qualified staff, supported by comprehensive learning resources and materials. This ensures learners receive expert guidance, practical experience, and the academic support necessary to achieve success at this advanced level.

Upon completion, learners will be well-prepared to assume leadership roles within forensic medicine, contribute to critical investigations, and influence best practices in the field. This qualification represents a significant step for professionals committed to excellence, credibility, and career progression in forensic medicine.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine (PgDFM) 

Total Units

6

Total Credits

120

GLH

600

Qualification #

LICQ2200976

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine (PgDFM), applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Requirements: Applicants should hold a recognised undergraduate degree in medicine, forensic science, nursing, or a related health or legal discipline from a reputable institution. Equivalent professional qualifications may also be considered.
  • Experience: Learners are expected to have practical experience in medical, forensic, or legal environments, demonstrating familiarity with professional procedures, patient care, or investigative processes.
  • English Language Proficiency:Learners must demonstrate proficiency in English, including reading, writing, and communication skills. Evidence may be required through IELTS, TOEFL, or previous academic study in English.
  • Commitment to CPD: Learners must be committed to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and demonstrate motivation to integrate advanced forensic knowledge into their professional practice.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners should have access to relevant forensic and medical facilities, academic libraries, and digital learning tools, as well as the ability to participate in practical assignments, case studies, and research activities.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2200976-1

Advanced Forensic Pathology

20

100

LICQ2200976-2

Clinical Forensic Medicine

20

100

LICQ2200976-3

Medico-Legal Investigation

20

100

LICQ2200976-4

Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry

20

100

LICQ2200976-5

Forensic Anthropology and Odontology

20

100

LICQ2200976-6

Research Methods and Professional Practice in Forensic Medicine

20

100

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Unit 1: Advanced Forensic Pathology

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Analyse post-mortem findings to determine cause and manner of death.
  • Evaluate patterns of trauma, injuries, and pathological conditions in forensic cases.
  • Integrate histopathology and toxicology data to support forensic conclusions.
  • Critically appraise forensic pathology literature and apply evidence-based practices.

Unit 2: Clinical Forensic Medicine

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Conduct comprehensive examinations of living victims and suspects in forensic settings.
  • Accurately document injuries and prepare reports suitable for legal proceedings.
  • Apply ethical and legal principles, including informed consent and confidentiality, in forensic practice.
  • Manage sensitive cases, such as sexual assault or abuse, using professional protocols.

Unit 3: Medico-Legal Investigation

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of legal procedures relevant to forensic medicine.
  • Collect, preserve, and interpret forensic evidence while maintaining the chain of custody.
  • Prepare expert witness reports and provide testimony in court with professional authority.
  • Critically evaluate the role of forensic professionals in multidisciplinary investigations.

Unit 4: Forensic Toxicology and Chemistry

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Analyse biological and chemical samples to detect drugs, poisons, and toxic substances.
  • Interpret toxicology results in clinical and legal contexts.
  • Apply laboratory standards, quality assurance, and safety protocols in forensic analysis.
  • Evaluate emerging substances and new analytical techniques in forensic toxicology.

Unit 5: Forensic Anthropology and Odontology

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Identify human remains using skeletal analysis and dental records.
  • Assess age, sex, ancestry, and trauma from skeletal and dental evidence.
  • Apply forensic anthropological and odontology methods in disaster victim identification.
  • Critically appraise international standards and guidelines in human identification.

Unit 6: Research Methods and Professional Practice in Forensic Medicine

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  • Design and conduct advanced research projects in forensic medicine.
  • Critically evaluate scientific literature and apply evidence-based methodologies.
  • Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities in forensic practice.
  • Develop strategies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and reflective practice.

The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine (PgDFM) is designed for experienced professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and career in forensic medicine. This course is ideal for:

  • Medical practitioners and doctors seeking specialised expertise in forensic medicine.
  • Forensic specialists aiming to enhance their skills in post-mortem analysis and medico-legal investigation.
  • Legal and judicial professionals involved in criminal investigations or expert witness roles.
  • Nurses and allied healthcare professionals working in forensic, emergency, or clinical settings.
  • Professionals involved in crime scene investigation, forensic toxicology, or forensic pathology.
  • Researchers and academics aiming to develop advanced knowledge in forensic medicine.
  • Practitioners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and applying international best practices.

This course is specifically tailored for learners who are already established in their careers and are looking to enhance professional credibility, leadership skills, and advanced forensic competencies.

Centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Medicine must meet strict standards to ensure high-quality learning and successful learner outcomes. Requirements include:

  • Qualified and Experienced Staff: All teaching and assessment staff must be highly qualified in forensic medicine, forensic pathology, or related disciplines, with substantial professional and academic experience.
  • Adequate Facilities: Centres must provide access to medical and forensic laboratories, clinical practice environments, and secure facilities for handling sensitive forensic materials.
  • Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres should supply learners with access to textbooks, academic journals, case studies, online resources, and digital learning platforms to support advanced study.
  • Practical Training Opportunities: Learners must have opportunities to engage in practical assignments, simulations, and case-based learning relevant to forensic medicine.
  • Assessment and Evaluation Tools: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, including written assignments, practical evaluations, and research projects, to ensure learners meet the learning outcomes.
  • Ethical and Legal Compliance: All centres must adhere to relevant professional, legal, and ethical standards in forensic practice and education.
  • Support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Centres should facilitate CPD activities, reflective practice, and guidance for learners to apply advanced knowledge in their professional roles.

Meeting these requirements ensures that learners receive world-class instruction, practical experience, and academic support, enabling them to achieve excellence in forensic medicine and advance their professional careers.

Assessment and Verification

All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.

To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.

Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.

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