Course overview

Deakin’s Bachelor of Forensic Science exposes you to the full scope of modern forensic science, from simulated crime scenes to courtroom presentations. With a strong focus on practical training, you’ll graduate with the skills needed to confidently examine, interpret and present forensic evidence. You’ll enhance your courtroom skills by building knowledge of the science behind criminal investigations and gain practical experience in our unique crime scene training facility.

Forensic science at Deakin is a comprehensive and flexible degree. You’ll cover a wide range of disciplines including illicit drugs analysis, DNA analysis and more. You can customise your degree to your interests by selecting to specialise in forensic biology or forensic chemistry. You’ll then learn how to apply modern forensic analysis in authentic environments like Deakin’s purpose-built training facilities.

Want to study the only professionally accredited forensic science degree in Australia?

Alongside extensive practical training, you’ll explore a range of disciplines throughout your course, including:

• toxicology
• analysis of illicit drugs
• DNA analysis
• bloodstain pattern analysis
• entomology
• decomposition

Taking your technical skills into the field, you will experience crime scene examination and evidence collection to laboratory analysis, interpretation of results and communication of your findings to investigators, including presenting evidence in a moot court.  

Complement your technical knowledge and be better prepared to present in court by developing a strong understanding of the Australian legal system, including how law is developed, criminal and civil law, and the laws of evidence. 

This course has extensive industry links with local and Australian forensic organisations, and features guest speakers from leaders in the field. Industry connections are leveraged to put you right in the middle of real-world forensic science environments. 

The Bachelor of Forensic Science is professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Deakin is the first university in the Asia-Pacific region and the only university in Australia to offer professionally accredited forensic sciences courses, meaning, you can potentially work anywhere in the world. Enhance your networking opportunities further by applying for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS). 

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science, students must attain 24 credit points, which must include the following:

• Twelve (12) core units (12 credit points);
• A six (6) credit point major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology;
• Six (6) credit points of elective units;
• Completion of STP050 Academic Integrity (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• Completion of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
• No more than 10 credit points at level 1
• At least 6 credit points at level 3 (at least 4 must be SLE coded units).

With careful planning, students may use up to six of their remaining electives on units offered outside the Faculty such as units in Criminology, for example.

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Participation requirements

You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.

Work experience

This course aims to provide students with a holistic experience of their role as forensic analysts. You will have the opportunity to visit a court, a crime scene and participate in a ‘moot court’ which allows students to experience a simulated courtroom environment.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.