Postgraduate Taught

Advancing Forensic Practice

The PgCert in Advancing Forensic Practice supports the development of advanced forensic practitioners who are registered nurses, midwives, or paramedics working in forensic healthcare settings, including Custody and the Sexual Assault Response Co-ordination Service (SARCS). This innovative course is the first in Scotland to adopt a person-centred, trauma-informed approach to forensic practice. Delivered part-time, it enables practitioners to develop advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the evidence, research, and professional expertise that underpin high-quality forensic care.

The course supports you to critically apply this knowledge to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities, and populations while delivering care that is person-centred, evidence-informed, and trauma-responsive.

You will undertake professional competencies relevant to your area of practice and demonstrate achievement through assessment in clinical practice. Competence is measured against the Advanced Standards for Education and Training in Forensic Practice (ASET) for either Custody or Sexual Assault Examination pathways. Successful completion provides eligibility for the UKAFNP ASET Certificate (UKAFNP, 2026).

Why QMU?

Unique: This is the first postgraduate Advancing Forensic Practice course in Scotland. It is important to note that there are two routes, one for Sexual Offences and one for Custody Healthcare which offer the opportunity to acquire accredited education and internationally recognised competencies in either of these areas.
Contemporary, creative, and interactive learning approaches: The learning environment will foster an ethos of engagement in which students, as our co-learners, can explore and challenge theories, practices, and different sources of knowledge creatively in an atmosphere of high challenge and high support.
Staff expertise and support: The team has the expertise and breadth of experience to ensure the course is grounded in current professional standards and reflects the realities of practice. We also benefit from strong links across the university and a network of external contributors, enhancing the course's authenticity and relevance.
Our reputation: We have a reputation at QMU for innovative curriculum design, supportiveness and responsiveness to learners, and extensive online resources.
Relevance: Our conceptualisation of person-centredness aligns with the WHO Framework for ‘people-centred healthcare’.

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Admissions FAQs How to Apply

Structure and exit awards

This is a PgCert (60 credits) and you will also obtain Advanced Standards for Education and Training in Forensic Practice competencies (Custody) or (Sexual Assault Examination) and eligibility for the UKAFNP ASET Certificate (UKAFNP 2026).

Teaching, learning and assessment

In line with QMU's Student Experience Strategy, we place the student at the centre of the learning process. Our learning and teaching approaches are designed to support independent development within a supportive and inclusive framework.

This student-centred approach recognises the wealth of knowledge and experience that each person brings to the course, and encourages opportunities for shared learning and the development of practice. We also acknowledge the realities of contemporary practice for students working in custody, SARCS, and related settings.

We aim to create learning environments in which all learners feel engaged, valued, and able to participate in humanistic and transformative learning experiences across classroom, online, and practice-based settings.

Teaching hours and attendance

Your attendance requirements at QMU will depend on the module you are studying. There is a mix of online and face-to-face teaching. The course is delivered part time and time commitment for the face-to-face content will be 12 days, and initially this will start online. Attendance on this course will also involve residential workshops.

Class sizes

Class sizes vary.

Teaching staff

You can read more about the teaching staff for this course at the bottom of this page. Please note that teaching staff is subject to change.

You will study the following modules:

Introducing Forensic Science (20 credits): During this module, you will gain knowledge and experience of the assessment structure and nature of forensic interventions utilising fundamental principles of forensic science. This will include components of, and the evidence base for, forensic science interventions, including collection, recording, storage and prevention of contamination of forensic samples, with an appreciation of Locard's Principle of ‘Every contact leaves a trace’.
Professional Legal Skills for Non-Lawyers (20 credits): This module is for healthcare professionals seeking to demonstrate and advance their understanding of, and ability to apply, legal skills as professional and expert witnesses. There will be an exploration of the roles and processes informing the examination of witnesses by Defence and Prosecution counsel. As part of the process, there will be development and attainment of knowledge and skills in the written and oral presentation of evidence in court settings.
Advancing Forensic Clinical Practice (Custody) or (Sexual Assault Examination) (20 credits): The focus of this module is on supporting and facilitating the development of your critical understanding of the underpinning principles, knowledge, skills and competencies relating to advancing forensic practice. The role of leadership and facilitation when advancing trauma-informed person-centred practice will be examined and debated.

To apply for the PgCert Advanced Forensic Practice you will be working in working in areas such as Custody and Sexual Assault Referral Centres and have the support of your manager. This becomes part of your career development.

Entry requirements

To apply, you will be a registered nurse or midwife with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) or a registered paramedic.

Standard entry is normally a degree, and you will need access to a relevant practice learning and work environment, written support from your line manager and access to a preceptor.

International students: You will be required to provide evidence of English language competence at no less than IELTS 6.5 with no individual component score less than 6.0.

Please note we cannot sponsor students who require a student visa to study this course.

Disability/health conditions

If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or learning disability, it should not stand in the way of your studying at QMU. However, if you are not sure whether your disability might be a barrier in your studies or in relation to the professional standards, please contact the disability service who will be able to have a conversation with you about reasonable adjustments and supports available to you.

Applying for this course

For more information on applying, or to apply for this course, please follow the links in the 'Start your application' box at the top right of this page.

Application deadline

TBC

Contact Kristina Mountian or contact Admissions

More information on our forthcoming open events

The delivery of this course is subject to the terms and conditions set out in our 2026/27 Entry - Terms and Conditions (Postgraduate).
The information on this page is correct at the time of posting (October 2026) but is subject to change. In the event that modules change, QMU will seek to use reasonable endeavours to ensure that there is no detrimental impact on students. Please keep an eye on this page for updates.

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