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The Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) provides students with specialised expertise in forensic science. The Testamur Major in Forensic Science covers the entire forensic investigative process from crime scene examination and collection of physical, biological and chemical evidence through to the analysis and interpretation of this evidence and the presentation of evidence in court. The course provides you with skills and a strong foundation in forensic science, which allows you to be employed in a wide range of scientific areas and organisations. The course does not require you to specialise in a specific area of forensic science and you learn all aspects of forensic investigations.
Study options
FULL TIME
3 years
PART TIME
6 years
Start times
Autumn
March
(2024)
Spring
July
(2024)
Available campuses
APPLY NOW FOR 2024
At Western, we care how you do in all aspects of your life. We believe your future is unlimited and together the possibilities are endless.
As the uni named number one in the world two years in a row – 2022 and 2023 for our social, economic and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, apply today to discover your unlimited potential and start at Western in 2024.
Science at Western
Students receive extensive training in the university’s state-of-the-art Crime Scene Investigation Training and Research Facility that permits activities across a range of crime scene simulation scenarios, including break and enters, stolen motor vehicles, robbery and assault, as well as specialist crime scene scenarios such as homicide/deceased investigations, clandestine graves, arson, clandestine laboratories and environmental incidents. Students will also gain experience in a range of specialised crime scene practices such as bloodstain pattern analysis, and the recovery of fingerprints, DNA and physical evidence from crime scene scenarios.
The course is taught in line with current practices in operational forensic agencies and the program has strong links with relevant operational organisations. This is strengthened by teaching staff who have worked in law enforcement agencies and who have real-world experience in conducting casework and presenting evidence in criminal proceedings.
In addition to core science subjects, the degree provides a foundation in many aspects of forensic science, including methods of forensic evidence handling and analysis, crime scene investigation, forensic photography, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic anthropology, environmental forensics, crime and criminal justice, laboratory quality management and complex cases. Students will obtain extensive experience in crime scene examination practices and techniques.
Program structure
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Fees and delivery
Fees: Varies depending on subjects selected. View available subjects in our handbook.
For further information on University fees, please visit Fees and University Costs.
Delivery: On campus
Fees: AUD $30,480*
Delivery: On campus
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Your career
Career opportunities include forensic scientists, forensic biologists, forensic chemists (including drug testing and analysis), crime scene investigators (including specialist roles such a fingerprint recovery, forensic imaging and clandestine laboratories), environmental investigators, specialised forensic science practitioners, such as fingerprint examiners, police officers, drug testers in sport (human and animal), researchers and academics.
The main employers of forensic scientists are State and Federal police services and State and Commonwealth Government Departments, including health, biological and (analytical) chemistry laboratories, border protection, environmental protection authorities, fire brigades, customs and others. Graduates have considerable versatility with a wide skills base that – depending on their choice of electives – can also lead to employment in non-forensic fields such as (analytical) chemistry and microbiology, quality control and quality assurance, biochemistry and molecular biology, scientific research, education and the chemical industry.
Your career
Forensic Scientist
As a Forensic Scientist you'll provide impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. You'll be primarily concerned with searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists plan and carry out experiments, analyse results and data, carry out fieldwork, develop new products or apply new discoveries and teach at universities.
Academia
University Lecturers and Tutors prepare and deliver lectures and conduct tutorials in one or more subjects within a prescribed program of study at a university and conduct research in a particular field of knowledge.
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*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum, unless the total duration of the program is less than 80CP. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
** Lowest Selection Rank
