In this 1.5-year course, you’ll learn specialist forensic disciplines including bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA), fingerprint and impression analysis, pathology and injury interpretation, anthropology and archaeology, forensic DNA and forensic chemistry.
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Selection Rank
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Course Code
- M1255
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Study Mode
- Part or full-time
(Student visa holders must study full-time)
- Part or full-time
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Course Duration
- 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
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.
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Location
- Perth Campus
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Mid-year Intake
- Mid-year start available (Domestic students)
- Mid-year start available (International students)
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Study Area(s)
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.
Entry requirements for
Fees & Scholarships for Domestic StudentsInternational Students
At Murdoch, you pay for the individual units you enrol in, not an overall course fee. The total cost of your course will therefore vary depending on what units you choose. Use our online Course Fee Calculator to estimate the amount you will need to pay.
We understand you may need help financially whilst studying for your qualification. We therefore offer eligible students a wide range of scholarships, prizes and awards across a variety of categories. Find out what scholarships Murdoch has on offer, and whether you’re eligible to apply.
How to apply as a Domestic StudentInternational Student
Apply now to be eligible for a place at Murdoch University. To start studying in Semester 1, you can apply directly to Murdoch using our easy-to-use online application system.
Your Application Checklist
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.