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The Division of Forensic Medicine at Stellenbosch University is part of the Department of Pathology within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Located on the Tygerberg Medical Campus, our primary expertise lies in Forensic Pathology rather than clinical forensic services.

Our core functions include undergraduate and postgraduate training in Forensic Pathology, as well as research contributing to the advancement of the field. Additionally, we conduct medicolegal death investigations on behalf of the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health: Forensic Pathology Service (FPS), performing autopsies and ancillary investigations to determine the cause and circumstances of presumed unnatural deaths.

Through education, research, and forensic practice, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and contributing to the field of Forensic Pathology in South Africa.

Contact us
[email protected]
+27 21 938 4107

Physical address
Clinical Building
Francie van Zijl Drive
Tygerberg, 7505

“Through education, research, and forensic practice, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and contributing to the field of Forensic Pathology in South Africa.”

Undergraduate offering

We provide lectures for MBChB students during the following modules: Dysfunction (MBChB II) and Medical Detective (MBChB III).

Diploma in Forensic Medicine (Dip for Med (SA) Path)

Medical Officers and Registrars must obtain this qualification from the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA) within their first year.

Master’s in Forensic Pathology (MMed Forens Path)

Prospective registrars require an MBChB degree and HPCSA registration in Independent Practice. The four-year programme includes theoretical coursework, histopathology, practical forensic pathology, CMSA exit examinations and a research assignment.