Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology

The Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology trains you to piece together the many facets of crime, from understanding motives to unlocking hidden details in evidence.

Understanding the nature of crime and the motivations behind criminal behaviour is a sought-after skill.

By developing skills in these complementary disciplines, you’ll graduate with more career options and a broader perspective of crime and the justice system.This industry-led combined degree is designed in partnership with the Australian Crime Commission, ensuring your study experience reflects the everyday challenges of your future career.

Practical learning is a key focus within the course.

Hone your skills in our purpose-built crime scene training facility, gain industry experience through work-integrated learning opportunities and learn from international leaders in criminology through overseas study tours.Want to pursue a career in forensic science or the justice system?Our purpose-built crime scene facility lets you apply the theory you learn in the classroom in a simulated crime scene environment.

Search for evidence, conduct forensic analysis and get hands-on training taking an investigation from the crime scene to the courtroom.

To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology, students must attain 32 credit points. Most units (think of units as ‘subjects’) are equal to 1 credit point. So that means in order to gain 32 credit points, you’ll need to study 32 units (AKA ‘subjects’) over your entire degree. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake two trimesters each year.

This combined course comprises 32 credit points of study. Students will undertake 16 credit point in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment and 16 credit points in the Faculty of Arts and Education units. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Forensic Science (S324) and Bachelor of Criminology (A329) must be satisfied.^

Forensic Science requirements (16 cp):

• 10 credit points of core Forensic Science units (plus 1 other core unit shared with Criminology – ACR102);
• Successful completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Successful completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 cp);
• Successful completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point);
• Successful completion of a major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology;
• At least 6 credit points at level 3 (including a minimum of 4 Science units).

Criminology requirements (16 cp):

• Students must complete 16 credit points of study from the Faculty of Arts and Education including;
• At least 12-credit points of ACR coded units, including the compulsory core units of ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302;
• At least 6 credit points at level 3 including ACR301 and ACR302;
• 4 elective units available from within the Bachelor of Arts major sequences. Please refer to A300 Bachelor of Arts for a list of Faculty of Arts and Education units.

^Combined rule: No more than 10-credit points at level 1 including SIT191, SLE111, SLE112, SLE132, SLE133, SLE155, ACR101 and ACR102

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. Click here for more information.

If you are currently studying Year 12 in 2020 or completed Year 12 in 2018 or 2019 and have not attempted higher education or VET study since, your selection is based on the following.

Prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration

Personal statement

If you wish for your professional, work, life or community experience to be considered you are required to complete and submit a personal statement. Learn more about the personal statement.

Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.