FdSc in forensic road collision investigation (direct route)
Introduction
This page explains the path to a FdSc for new collision investigators who wish to take a direct, rather than staged, approach to the qualification. Unlike the staged approach where you are not guaranteed progression from one level to the next, by enrolling direct, your place is guaranteed. If you are a practicing collision investigator looking to progress via the staged route, follow the link here. Students wishing to take the direct route need to ensure they can meet the entry requirements.
The FdSc has been redesigned to reflect the increasingly statistical and digital nature of modern collision investigation. The programme takes the student from the fundamentals of collision investigation right through to more more advanced techniques,
The FdSc is offered in partnership with De Montfort University (DMU). As an associate college of the university and part of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media, AiTS provide the teaching and DMU provides the quality procedures and make the final award.
Explores a number of advanced collision investigation topics
Live crash testing
Develops your research skills
Introduces new software
The details of the modules can be found here.
The first 60 credits ENGS1003 Collision Fundamentals and ENGS1002 Collision Case Studies look at the collision scene and collision scene recording whilst studying the mechanics of how to reconstruct a straight forward collision. More details on these modules can be found here.
The second 60 credits looks at further collision investigation techniques.
The concept of Driver Perception and Response ENGS1016, is an important feature of nearly all collisions and has implications for the point of actual and possible perception.
The analysis of CCTV for speed is covered in the second here, CCTV and dash cams capture so many collisions these days, the information that can be extracted from the footage is explored in detail, explore more by clicking on the module code ENGS1015.
Collision Investigators need to be able to identify vehicle defects and explain what, if any, effect they would have on the collision vehicle. The forensic vehicle examination module ENGS1017 develops the students knowledge of faults and the way they can be found.
ENGS1013 develops the students maths ready for the higher level courses.
Having accrued 120 level 4 credits you require an additional 120 credits at level 5 to gain the FdSc. There are a total of eight 15 credit modules starting with Further Maths ENGS2001. Advanced Damage Analysis ENGS2004 looks at the way in which speed can be established from the damage caused to a vehicle in a collision. Analysis of Digital Data now comprises of two 15 credit modules, ENGS2015 and Analysis of Digital Data (Onboard Systems) currently under development introduce the use of accelerometers and GPS and the way these devices are used in various vehicle systems from insurance black boxes to airbag units. We also look at digital tachograph data.
In the Motorcycle Collision and Dynamics module ENGS2007 we look at motorcycle dynamics, sliding motorcycles and various methods of establishing speed from damage. In Pedestrian and Pedal Cycle Collisions ENGS2003 we look all aspects of the collision and the various methods of calculating speed from the distance a pedestrian or pedal cycle is projected. Computation and Collision Analysis ENGS2002 looks at other software solutions which can assist the collision investigator, principally Mathcad. Vehicle Dynamics and Tyre Technology ENGS2016 uses PC Crash to explore the effects of tyre and suspension modelling.
Academic route
Two A levels, one of which is in a quantitative subject and five GCSE's at Grade 4. Applications from mature students with a relevant background and interest is encouraged. For such applicants a key factor will be their understanding of Mathematics and Physics. If necessary, an assessment will be made to clarify whether a student's background in the area of Mathematics and Physics is suitable for the course.
Equivalence route
DMU’s UCPD or CertHE in Forensic Road Collision Investigation would allow admission to this programme with advanced standing.
Currently you can only study for the FdSc part time but this will change from from September 2023 when you will have the option to study either part time (60 credits a year) or full time (120 credits a year).
Part time
Part-time study is roughly equivalent to studying at half the rate of a student on a full-time course at university.
You will study 60 credits worth of study a year.
You'll need to find around 16-18 hours to study each week.
Full time
If you want to complete your qualification at the same rate as a student at a traditional university, for example, an Honours degree in three years, you can choose to study full time.
You will study 120 credits worth of study a year.
You'll need to find around 32-36 hours to study each week.
Inevitably, unless your employer has agreed to let you study in work time, the number of hours you will need to study means giving up some of your own time and cutting down on some of your social activities, especially if you are studying full time. The OU provides some excellent advice on how to find time to study and the things you may have to consider moderating. There is an online planner which we strongly recommend you take a look at. Click the link to see more.
You will be asked to explain where your study time will be coming from during your induction.
Delivered using a mix of residential and distance learning. Term starts in September of each year and runs through to July. The first module is Further Maths which is delivered by distance learning.
Digital data, Pedestrian and motorcycles all have residential blocks usually for one week.
All programmes start in September of each year and run through to June/July the following year.
We allow provisional places to be booked by employers. A provisional place is one where you are unable to provide a student name because you have not completed your recruitment process.
To confirm a place simply provide a student name, date of birth and email address. Registration for all programmes closes at midday on the final Friday in July. Any provisional places that have not been confirmed with a name will be lost.
