Bachelor of Forensic Science
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 00099F
The Bachelor of Forensic Science prepares students for professional and specialist work in the discipline of forensic science. Students build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge in the enabling sciences, complemented by an in-depth understanding of forensic science in the context of their chosen discipline. Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills is a focus of the degree, with graduates in high demand from a diverse range of industries and organisations. This course provides students with a thorough understanding of how forensic science can solve and prevent crime. This is a hands-on course using world-class facilities that are modelled on operational laboratories. Students can choose from four majors: biology, chemistry, crime scene investigation, and digital forensics. The course is well-regarded with strong links to industries such as the federal and state police services, national and international forensic institutions, and government laboratories. Students can combine this course with international studies, creative intelligence and innovation, or law. Career options include positions in the police service, state and federal law enforcement agencies, government and private forensic or drug detection laboratories, customs, quarantine services, environmental protection agencies, pharmaceutical, chemical and analytical industries, DNA testing laboratories, medical diagnostic laboratories, hospitals or corporate multinationals providing forensic, medical or research services, digital forensic laboratories, scene of crime officers. The course aims to produce professional forensic scientists with highly adaptable scientific skills, accompanied by a thorough grounding in theory and practice.
Structure
Students must complete 144 credit points of study made up of 48 credit points of core subjects, a 72-credit-point major choice and 24 credit points of electives. The Digital Forensics major is only offered for Autumn session entry. Students can complete the course over three years, full time. Full-time attendance involves approximately 20-22 hours each week on campus. Students may also be able to complete the course part time, usually at the rate of two subjects a session (a 50 per cent load), taking six years to complete. Part-time students are required to attend some classes in daytime hours.
Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Crime scene investigation
- Digital forensics
Standard entry requirements
- Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level. The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0
- Or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21
- Or AE5: Pass
- Or PTE: 58-64
- Or CAE: 176-184. Assumed knowledge includes: 2-unit mathematics
- Any two units of English
- And any two units of science. HSC Mathematics Extension 1
- Chemistry
- And Physics are recommended.
Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society.
Study pathways
The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) is available to eligible students with an additional one year of full-time study.
Further information
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
