Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice)

If you have a degree in science, or a relevant bachelor degree, this course will give you the skills you need to help in criminal investigations.Reconstruct crime scenes as you learn to collect, process and interpret biological, chemical and physical evidence.Build your expertise in specimen preparation, sources of contamination, quality assurance, statistical interpretation and the admissibility of evidence as you learn to prepare and deliver courtroom testimony.7 reasons to study a Master of Forensic Science at MurdochLearn to apply real forensic techniques through experiencing multiple crime scene rooms on and off campus.

The crime scenes are equipped for different crime scenarios and bloodstain pattern interpretation.

Get valuable field experience at our Murdoch University Whitby Falls Farm, where you’ll process a simulated large-scale homicide and a clandestine grave incident for evidence.

Take advantage of our strong links with industry including the Western Australia Police, Australian Federal Police, PathWest (Forensic Biology), ChemCentre (Forensic Division), Defence Science and Technology Group, Sexual Assault Resource Centre (SARC), Western Diagnostic Pathology (forensic toxicology) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Interact with a team of forensic practitioners as you learn from their domestic and international experience across thousands of real forensic cases.

Attend guest lectures and have your projects co-supervised by representatives from Australian law enforcement, scientists from forensic biology and chemistry laboratories and forensic medical practitioners.

Complete your master's degree in just 18 months with this 1.5 year Master.

Looking for a more research-intensive course?

Complete a full year of research on top of your coursework and kickstart your progression to PhD studies in just 2 years with our Master of Forensics (Professional Practice and Research).Develop your skillsBuild essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals.

Topics you’ll cover include:bloodstain pattern analysis chemical criminalistics, including forensic toxicology, trace analysis, illicit drug identification and HAZMAT scenes digital, cyber and emerging forensic disciplines forensic anthropology and archaeology and clandestine grave examination fingerprint and impression evidence collection and analysis expert witness and courtroom skills.Your careerYou’ll graduate with the specialised skills you need to work with the police, national security and defence or other investigative authorities.Careers could include:Crime Scene or Forensic Investigator Forensic Biologist Forensic Chemist for Police, Fire and Emergency services Forensic Analyst Forensic Researcher (universities or government organisations).Professional recognitionYou could also find work in pathology laboratories (such as toxicology, molecular diagnostics or paternity testing) or set up your own private consultancy.

Course Core 36 credit points

Required Units 24 credit points

Specified Elective Units 12 credit points

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

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This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.