Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research)

If you have a degree in science, or a relevant bachelor's 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. You'll complete a one-year research project within your master's degree, giving you specialist knowledge about a topic, and setting you up for potential progression to further research to a PhD.

If you're looking to complete your Master in just 18 months, we also offer a 1.5 year Master of Forensics (Professional Practice).

3 reasons to study a Master of Forensic Science at Murdoch

1. 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. Our Whitby Falls Farm is where you'll process a simulated large-scale homicide and a clandestine grave incident for evidence.
2. Interact with a team of forensic practitioners as you learn from their domestic and international experience across thousands of real forensic cases.
3. 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.

What you'll learn

• Bloodstain pattern analysis
• Chemical criminalistsics, 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 future 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)

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

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:

1. Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
2. Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

1. Change of name documentation
2. Marriage certificate
3. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
4. 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

1. 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
2. Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
   • GS Form 2
   • Personal Statement (SOP)
   • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
2. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
3. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
4. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
5. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
6. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing