Forensic Science (Professional Practice)

Course Description

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 Murdoch

• Learn 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 skills

Build 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 career

You’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 recognition

You could also find work in pathology laboratories (such as toxicology, molecular diagnostics or paternity testing) or set up your own private consultancy.

• Location

  • Perth Campus

• Mid-year Intake

  • Mid-year start available (Domestic students)
  • Mid-year start available (International students)

• Study Area(s)

  • Science

Course Structure

Each course has a number of credit points that must be completed for you to graduate. Find out what’s required to meet the credit points for this course.

See Course Structure

Fees & Scholarships for Domestic StudentsInternational Students