This page explains the path to a FdSc for collision investigators who are taking the staged route and have just completed the CertHE. If you are new to collision investigation and would like to study the direct route, follow the link here.
The FdSc has been redesigned to reflect the increasingly statistical and digital nature of modern collision investigation. The programme introduces the student to new collision investigation techniques and new software programs that can assist in the investigation process.
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.
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 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 Collisions 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, principle Mathcad. Vehicle Dynamics and Tyre Technology ENGS2016 uses PC Crash to explore the effects of tyre and suspension modelling.
Academic route
Two A levels (accruing 72 UCAS Points), one of which is in a quantitative subject and five GCSE's at Grade 4. Note that equivalent qualifications such as BTEC's, IBACS etc are also acceptable. To check your grades for UCAS points and to see the value of equivalent qualifications visit the DMU website here.
Mature students
Applications from mature students who may not necessarily have the academic qualifications listed above but who have a relevant background and/or interests is encouraged by the university. 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 programme. Students taking this route will need to submit a personal statement as part of their application. Advice on completing a personal statement is available from UCAS here.
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, contact facultyoffice@aits.ac.uk. A provisional place is one where you are unable to provide a student name because you have not completed your recruitment process.
As soon as you can confirm your place, download and complete an application form (requires Acrobat or Acrobat reader) for each student together with copies of their certificates and any personal statement if required by the entry requirements and send it to ahowe@aitsuk.com. Registration for all programmes closes at midday on the final Friday in July and all the necessary paperwork must be submitted by this date. Any provisional places that have not been confirmed with a name will be lost.
Student on boarding begins in August.
