C04393v1 Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science
University of Technology Sydney
About
The Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science provides students with a unique opportunity to undertake original research and gain in-depth knowledge in their chosen area of forensic science.
Students have access to staff that are leading researchers and experts in their field.
Undertaking this course allows students to explore their research potential and develop research skills.
It is designed to provide a scholarship pathway to the PhD program.This course is designed to expand students' knowledge and practice of forensic science alongside developing science management and leadership capabilities, culminating in a substantial research project in Year 2.
The course contains compulsory core and elective practice-focused forensic science subjects across a range of disciplines from the crime scene to the laboratory.
Professional subjects covering a range of skills crucial to all professional scientists – such as project and laboratory management, advanced scientific communication, ethics, innovation and science business models – complete Year 1.Year 2 comprises a substantial research component, giving students an opportunity to undertake original, cutting-edge research.
For students with suitable achievement levels, this provides a direct pathway to a PhD, and carries points that can be used in the scholarship application process.
Structure
The course requires 96 credit points of study, comprising 24 credit points of professional stream subjects, a 24 credit points of core subjects, and a 48-credit-point intensive research component.
The intensive research component of the course is a research project that extends over the final year and normally takes the form of an experimental, analytical or theoretical investigation. Candidates may also be required to undertake one or more critical reviews of the literature in designated areas and to attend classes or workshops devoted to advanced coursework. The results of the project are presented in an oral seminar and in a written thesis, both of which are formally assessed.
Course completion requirements
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| STM91292 Core subjects (Forensic Science) | 24cp |
| STM91284 Professional stream (Science PG) | 24cp |
| STM91296 Forensic Science Thesis | 48cp |
| Total | 96cp |
Course program
The following examples show typical full-time programs for students commencing in Autumn or Spring sessions.
Autumn commencing, full time
Year 1
Autumn session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 68109 Advanced Communication Skills in Science | 6cp |
| 65019 Foundations of Forensic Science | 8cp |
| Select 10 credit points from the following: | 10cp |
| 60107 Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation | |
| 60105 Ethics in Human Research | |
| 60102 Ethics in Animal Research | |
| 60116 Risk Assessment and Management for Science | |
| 60119 Science Business Models and Intellectual Property | |
Spring session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 65009 Forensic Inference and Interpretation | 8cp |
| 60117 Understanding Data and Statistical Design | 6cp |
| Select 2 credit points from the following: | 2cp |
| 60106 Research Proposal Writing | |
| 60109 Professional Science Document Writing | |
| 60116 Risk Assessment and Management for Science | |
| Select 8 credit points from the following: | 8cp |
| 65006 Advanced Chemical Criminalistics | |
| 65007 Biometrics and Identification Sciences | |
| 65015 Forensic Science Research Internship Project A | |
Year 2
Autumn session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 60122 Forensic Science Thesis 1 | 24cp |
Spring session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 60123 Forensic Science Thesis 2 | 24cp |
Spring commencing, full time
Year 1
Spring session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 68109 Advanced Communication Skills in Science | 6cp |
| 65019 Foundations of Forensic Science | 8cp |
| 65009 Forensic Inference and Interpretation | 8cp |
| Select 2 credit points from the following: | 2cp |
| 60106 Research Proposal Writing | |
| 60109 Professional Science Document Writing | |
| 60116 Risk Assessment and Management for Science | |
Year 2
Autumn session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 60117 Understanding Data and Statistical Design | 6cp |
| Select 10 credit points from the following: | 10cp |
| 60107 Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Commercialisation | |
| 60105 Ethics in Human Research | |
| 60102 Ethics in Animal Research | |
| 60116 Risk Assessment and Management for Science | |
| 60119 Science Business Models and Intellectual Property | |
| Select 8 credit points from the following: | 8cp |
| 65008 Crime Scene Investigation and Management | |
| 65010 Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis | |
| 65015 Forensic Science Research Internship Project A | |
Spring session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 60122 Forensic Science Thesis 1 | 24cp |
Year 3
Autumn session
| course | credit |
|---|---|
| 60123 Forensic Science Thesis 2 | 24cp |
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies.
This program is normally available to students who have commenced in the Master of Forensic Science (Extension) (C04392) or Master of Forensic Science (C04391), and demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and research potential. Admission is via internal course transfer. Prospective students must liaise with their program director to organise a supervisor and project.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64; or CAE: 176-184.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International students
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
Institution
