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Masters in Forensic Science in Australia- Eligibility, Universities and more

Updated on 10 October, 2023

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Seven Australian universities feature in the world’s top 100 universities, making it one of the global pioneers in international education. A Master in Forensic Science in Australia is one of the leading degrees in this niche scientific field. It allows students to practice advanced forensic science while acquiring professional and research skills at high levels. 

 

Popular culture often depicts forensic science as a field that helps solve crimes. However, it is much more complicated and intriguing than that, encompassing biology, physics, psychology, and chemistry. The forensic scientist is responsible for examining crime scenes, collecting evidence, and processing that evidence for helpful information, such as fingerprints and hair follicles. This evidence may help solve crimes, identify suspects, and future legal proceedings.

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Eligibility and How to Apply for Forensic Science in Australia

Following is the eligibility to master forensic science in Australia.

The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree, an equivalent degree, or other evidence of general and professional qualifications demonstrating the potential to pursue graduate studies.

The course is open to students with a bachelor’s, master’s, graduate diploma, and graduate certificate qualification in chemical sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, human biology, forensic science, or medical science.

International students and local applicants with international qualifications must meet any of the following English proficiency for doing a master’s in forensic science in Australia requirements: 

  • Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; 
  • TOEFL: paper-based: 550-583 overall with a TWE of 4.5, 
  • TOEFL internet-based: 79-93 all-around with a writing score of 21;
  • AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a 50-writing score; 
  • C1A/C2P: 176-184 with 169 writing points.

Being eligible for a master’s in forensic science in Australia admission does not guarantee you a place.

International students must enroll full-time and on campus to receive an Australian student visa. Regulations for Australian student visas also require international students to complete their courses within the standard full-time period. Only exceptional circumstances allow students to extend their studies.

Top 5 Universities in Australia for Forensic Science Courses

Listed below are the top universities where one can do a master’s in forensic science in Australia.

University Name Tuition Fees QS World Universities Rankings 2023 Course and Specializations Duration
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) AUD 43,580 137 Masters of Forensic Science

1.5 years full-time or

 

Three years part-time

The University of Western Australia AUD 41,500  90 Master of Forensic Science One Year
Griffith University AUD 36,500  =300 Bachelor of Forensic Science Three Years
Western Sydney University

 

AUD 15,360 

501-510 Bachelor of Forensic Science Three Years for Part-time and One year for six months full-time. (Online Program)
Murdoch University

 

AUD 74,640

561-570 Masters of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research) Two Years (part-time or Full time, both available)

Specializations

A master’s degree in forensic science will specialize the students in the following domains.

  • Forensic
  • Crime
  • Investigative Techniques
  • DNA isolation
  • DNA profiling
  • Forensic ballistics
  • Fingerprints and Impressions
  • Forensic Photography 
  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Forensic Pharmacology
  • Forensic Biology
  • Forensic Physics
  • Forensic Serology
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Photography
  • Dissertation

Scope of Forensic Science

  • There are various career opportunities in forensic science, both in the private and government sectors. 
  • In addition to working in the Police Department, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Intelligence Bureau, graduates with a master’s degree in forensic science also work in state police forces.
  • Forensic Science experts can also earn a living by teaching. One must study the subject in depth to teach about this field in college. 
  • Forensic Science experts are in high demand worldwide. This field could be more popular among students.

Academic Cycle in Forensic Science

Master’s degree in forensic science program involves the application of scientific knowledge to crime investigation over three years (part-time) or one year (full-time). The students can take these courses on-campus or online from top Australian universities. The Forensic Science degree focuses mainly on crime-lab-related careers.

The Forensic Science Syllabus’s essential components are Forensic Pathology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Forensic Medicine, and Odontology. 

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Cost of attendance in Australian Universities

  • The cost of attendance (COA) is the sum of a college’s estimated expenses for one year, such as tuition, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and loan fees. 
  • A student’s school’s cost of attendance determines the number of grants and loans awarded.
  • Masters in forensic science in Australia fees are among the most affordable in the world.
  • The quality of academic education is exceptional, and the qualifications are globally recognized.
  • Smaller cities and suburbs in Australia have lower tuition fees than larger cities like Melbourne and Sydney.

To fully understand the costs of attendance in an Australian university, the students should understand the units they follow.

Units: Masters in forensic science in Australian universities charge students per unit. There are 24 units in a standard academic year (12 units per semester). The term “full-time student” refers to students who take more than nine units a semester.

Cost of Living in Australia for Students

It is always a concern for students before they move to Australia for a university that they will have to pay for living expenses there.

A student’s lifestyle preferences and choices will affect the cost of living. Students’ monthly living expenses, which include food, housing, social activities, utilities, etc., range from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500. Australia’s most expensive cities include Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Accommodation Type Average Monthly Rent
Apartment AUD 750- AUD 1,700
Shared Apartment AUD 850
Homestays AUD 450- AUD 1,200
Residence Halls AUD 440- AUD 1,100

Top Recruiters in Forensic Science Worldwide

Listed below are some of the top recruiters in the forensic science field.

  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.
  • Boeing
  • US Navy
  • US Air Force
  • US Army
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Verizon
  • ExamOne, A quest Diagnostics Company
  • Wells Fargo
  • BNY Mellon
  • Accenture

Career Prospects of Forensic Science

The following table lists some career aspects of the forensic science industry.

Company Name Average Annual Salary
Forensic Scientists INR 3,41,181 
Forensic Analysts INR 5,57,246 
Private Investigator INR 2,69,071 
Forensic Science Technician INR 2,33,446 
Forensic Manager INR 8,50,931

Conclusion

Forensic scientists analyze evidence using scientific techniques to solve crimes. These experts can analyze various evidence, including ballistics, drugs, blood and tissue samples, and poisons. Forensic scientists sometimes work in the field, gathering evidence from crime scenes. In contrast, people who work in the lab will analyze the collected information.

You may be a good candidate for becoming a Forensic Scientist if you are curious, analytical, and passionate about science. And doing a master’s in forensic science in Australia will be an added value to the degree you pursue. Pick a university from the above-stated list and put your ambition into action.

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FAQs

How do forensic investigators work in Australia?

Firstly, field officers visit the crime scene to gather physical evidence related to the crime. As well as documenting the scene, they also record it with photographs and videos: a laboratory officer analyses and tests the evidence collected by a field officer.

In Australia, what do forensic scientists do?

To detect poisons and drugs, they often perform biological analyses. Besides writing reports on their findings, the government may require forensic scientists to testify in court or train police officers to collect evidence from crime scenes.

Among forensic evidence, what is most commonly used?

The fingerprint. The fingerprint is the most common forensic evidence among all types of investigations. Latent, patent and plastic fingerprints are the three types that forensic investigators look for.

Which tool is most important to a forensic investigation?

Forensic sciences depend on microscopy. Since virtually all traces, scientists must analyze the evidence through the following:
Polarised light microscopy
Scanning electron microscopy
X-ray spectroscopy
Infrared microspectroscopy

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Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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