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
- 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.
- Interact with a team of forensic practitioners as you learn from their domestic and international experience across thousands of real forensic cases.
- 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.