º£½ÇÖ±²¥

A skilful endorsement for the University

We are the first UK university to be awarded the Skillsmark quality endorsement for a Crime Scene Science degree. 

Skillsmark is an education and training quality mark for the Justice Sector. Not only have we achieved Skillsmark recognition for the BSc (Hons) Crime Scene Science, we have also been awarded it for the following four courses:

• Police Studies Foundation Degree (in partnership with Cleveland Police)
• Professional Policing Foundation Degree (in partnership with West Mercia Constabulary in the Midlands)
• Advanced Clinical Practice (Forensic Radiography) Postgraduate Diploma/Master of Science
• Forensic Radiography Postgraduate Certificate.

The endorsement was awarded following an intensive visit to the University by the Skillsmark assessment team in May.  They reviewed the five programmes in detail, spoke to employers who have links with the courses, such as Cleveland Police, and also interviewed appropriate students. 

External and independent accreditation Brian Rankin, Head of the University’s Centre for Forensic Investigation and President of the Forensic Science Society co-ordinated the assessment.  He said: ‘The Skillsmark assessors, during their visit, gained a good understanding of the student experience and the value of the programmes to a potential employer.  Future students will know their courses have an external and independent accreditation.  This will give them an extra confidence that their education has an employer focus, equipping them better as graduates.’

A reflection of our commitment The programmes will have the endorsement until 2016.  Brian added: ‘The University of º£½ÇÖ±²¥ is very aware of the government’s agenda of engaging with employers. The Skillsmark endorsement is a reflection of our commitment.’

Professor Cliff Allan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) said: ‘I am delighted that the University has received this endorsement. Our engagement with employers is central to our work and Skillsmark status is yet another indicator of our success.’

---