Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology

The Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology trains you to examine the many facets of crime. Understanding the nature of crime and the motivations behind criminal behaviour is a sought-after skill and is particularly powerful when combined with expertise in modern forensic science. By developing skills in these complementary disciplines, you will graduate with more career options and a broader perspective of crime and the justice system.

This industry-led combined degree is designed in partnership with the Australian Crime Commission, ensuring your study experience reflects the everyday challenges of your future career. Practical learning is a key focus within this degree. You will develop your skills in our purpose-built crime scene training facility, gain industry experience through work-integrated learning opportunities and learn from international leaders in criminology.

Want to pursue a career in forensic science or the justice system?

Led by a team of highly experienced criminology and forensic science experts, the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology gives you a glimpse into the minds of criminals, while training you to confidently examine, interpret and present forensic evidence.

This combined course draws from both the arts and science disciplines. You will develop a broad appreciation of the professional, social, economic and cultural contexts of why crimes are committed and learn how to examine evidence using modern forensic analysis techniques.

In the forensic science stream, choose to specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry. Depending on your major, you'll cover a range of disciplines including:

• toxicology
• analysis of illicit drugs
• DNA analysis
• blood spatter pattern analysis
• analysis of physical evidence
• entomology.

Our purpose-built crime scene facility lets you apply the theory you learn in the classroom in a simulated crime scene environment. Search for evidence, conduct forensic analysis and get hands-on training taking an investigation from the crime scene to the courtroom.

In the criminology stream, you will explore topics that are crucial to the prevention of crime, including cyber security, surveillance, anti-terrorism and policing. Learn about the historical repercussions, technological developments and media representations of crime and the desirable outcomes of criminal justice processes. Get hands-on experience through optional internships, allowing you to bridge theory with practice and gain insight into how the study of criminology applies across different industries and sectors. You can even take your learning overseas and gain a global perspective on how other countries approach criminology.

Our course is designed with input from professional bodies including Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission. This means you will develop the skills in demand by employers and graduate ready to tackle criminal justice issues in fields including:

• anti-corruption agencies
• correctional services
• community services
• crime prevention agencies
• intelligence agencies
• law enforcement
• local, state and federal government
• private security industries
• state and federal police.

• Begin the application process

  We have a network of experienced authorised agents around the world who can help you through the application process. They are trained to provide advice and information on Deakin University and our degrees. Find out if you need to use a Deakin authorised agent to submit your application.

• Check entry requirements

  Entry requirements differ depending on your degree or country of residence. Before starting your application, read through the entry requirements on the course page entry requirement tab.

  Need to improve your English language skills?

  You can enrol at the Deakin University English Language Institute and study a course to improve your English language skills. If you pass, this can help you get into most Deakin degrees. Please note, this page is available in both Indonesian and Vietnamese.

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• Certify supporting documents

  Most documents need to be certified. For example, award certificates, academic transcripts and your identity papers (passport). Documents in languages other than English will also need to be translated. Take the original document and a photocopy to an authorised person (for example, justice of the peace, public notary, member of the police force or Australian lawyer), to sign.

  Be sure to attach all requested supporting documentation, otherwise your application could be delayed. If you get your application in early, this gives us more time to arrange visas and accommodation if you need them.

• Submit your application

  Depending on your nationality and country of residence, you can submit your application directly to Deakin through our online international student application service StudyLink Connect or through a Deakin authorised agent.