- Entry requirements
- ATAR: 90
more entry options - Study mode
- Part Time Full Time
- Full time duration
- 4
- Murdoch code
- B1425
Course overview
Studying the integrated Bachelor and Master of Forensic Science at Murdoch University not only fast tracks you to a postgraduate qualification but also equips you with the theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience needed for a career in forensic science.
As part of your bachelor's degree, you’ll choose to major in either Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry and Toxicology. The course also offers flexibility, with specified electives in topics such as Crime Science, Digital Photography, Microbiology and Haematology. Together, these subjects provide the strong foundation needed to pursue a career in forensics or relevant biological sciences.
Building on this, the masters’ component expands your knowledge and provides specialist training in areas including crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, impression analysis, firearms and bloodstain pattern analysis. You’ll develop both theoretical expertise and hands-on experience through field trips and the processing of biological and physical evidence at reconstructed crime scenes. This combination ensures you graduate with the skills and confidence to excel in serious crime investigations.
In your final year, you’ll undertake a research project that gives you the opportunity to make a real-world impact by addressing the operational needs of forensic institutions.
3 reasons to study Bachelor of Forensic Science / Master of Forensic Science at Murdoch:
- You will complete this integrated bachelor and master course in just four years, graduating with the skills needed to excel in a forensic science career or to fast-track you into postgraduate research.
- Learn from real forensic scientists how science is applied to solving crime.
- Gain hands-on experience through field trips, where you will apply forensic techniques to reconstructed crime scenes and build the skills you need to confidently transition from university to real-world.
What you’ll learn:
This course provides practical skills in forensic science along with foundational and theoretical knowledge. Depending on your chosen major, you could learn:
- Methods of forensic chemistry, including the processes involved in developing scientific knowledge.
- How cutting-edge DNA techniques are used to detect tiny traces of an offender.
- Identify, analyse and generate solutions to forensic problems by applying scientific knowledge and skills with initiative and well-developed judgement.
- Fingerprint and shoe impression evidence collection and analysis techniques.
- How to deliver courtroom and expert witness testimony.
- Bloodstain pattern analysis and crime scene reconstruction.
Your future career:
You will graduate with skills needed to work in varied sectors such as the police, national security and defence and investigative authorities. Careers could include:
- Forensic Investigator
- Crime Scene Investigator/Officer
- Forensic Biologist
- Forensic Chemist or Forensic toxicologist
- Forensic or Intelligence Analyst
- Forensic Researcher
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Admission requirements
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Murdoch College | Successful completion of one of the following: final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication”Murdoch University Preparation Course (MUPC) - (Accelerated Entry) with minimum average final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication”Foundation Studies Coursewith a minimum average final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication” |
|
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) | No direct entry. |
|
| University study | Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. |
|
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) | No direct entry. |
| Murdoch College |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful completion of one of the following: final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication”Murdoch University Preparation Course (MUPC) - (Accelerated Entry) with minimum average final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication”Foundation Studies Coursewith a minimum average final mark of 78% or higher and a minimum score of 70% in “Introduction to Academic Communication” |
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| University study |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. |
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | 90 |
|
| GCE A Levels | Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
|
Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
No direct entry. |
|
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | Total score of 33 or higher. |
|
| VET course studied at school | No direct entry. |
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | CPS 70 or higher. |
|
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower. |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirement90 |
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementMinimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementTotal score of 33 or higher. |
| VET course studied at school |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementCPS 70 or higher. |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementOverall Position (OP) of 6 or lower. |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 | No direct entry. |
|
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 | No direct entry. |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | No direct entry. |
|
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | No direct entry. |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementNo direct entry. |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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.
Adjustment for Murdoch RISE
Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
Course fees vary depending on the level of study and the year of commencement. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- ATAR results (if available)
- STAT results (if applicable)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- School leavers applying for an Early Offer submit their Year 11 and 12 most recent high school report via TISC
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Recommended documents
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply through TISC
If you're currently in Year 12 or applying for Vet Science, you can apply to Murdoch through TISC.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.