Bachelor of Forensic Science

As the first forensic science degree in Australia, the world-class UTS Bachelor of Forensic Science is recognised for producing future leaders in this compelling field of practice. More than just a theoretical science degree, this course delivers a comprehensive learning experience at the intersection of STEM, information technology, law, criminology and social impact coupled with specialist expertise in a choice of four in-demand forensic science disciplines: biology, chemistry, crime scene investigation, and digital forensic science.

The course integrates core scientific or information technology subjects with specialist forensic science subjects. In every major, you'll complete core forensic science subjects that prepare you to engage with crime scene, laboratory, courtroom and intelligence processes. Within your major you'll gain technical skills, workplace readiness, and deep expertise in your chosen major, whether it's analysing biological traces, chemical substances, crime scenes, or digital data.

You'll learn through a mix of theoretical study and practical application, using state-of-the-art facilities like the Superlab, specialist forensic facilities and Crime Scene Simulation Labs. Teaching is led by renowned academics and industry experts from the Centre for Forensic Science, ensuring your education is current and industry-relevant.

By the end of the course, you'll have a comprehensive skill set, ready to tackle real-world forensic challenges and contribute to the evolution of the forensic science profession

Course features

• Students complete a series of common core subjects that underpin all undergraduate UTS Science degrees. Data, Design and Decisions and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are designed to equip students with a toolkit of technical and workplace skills, preparing them to thrive both at and after uni.
• Choice of major:
• In every major, students complete core forensic science subjects that prepare them to engage with crime scene, laboratory, courtroom and intelligence processes. Students then build specialist skills with a major in one of the following four disciplines:
  • Biology: The Biology major is focused on biological traces – blood, saliva, hair, bones, insects and animal/human remains – and what they reveal about the crime scenes at which they’re found. Learning includes everything from human anatomy and molecular biology to genetics, DNA profiling and biological criminalistics, among others, and students gain broad expertise that sits at the intersection of scientific theory and forensic practice. They also learn a range of techniques and methodologies to analyse and process biological traces, preparing them to deliver meaningful insights within and beyond the criminal investigation process.
  • Chemistry: This major combines scientific theory with hands-on forensic science application. With subjects spanning organic and analytical chemistry, forensic toxicology and chemical criminalistics, students learn to analyse and process chemical and non-biological traces found at crime scenes using a range of analytical and chemical techniques.
  • Crime Scene Investigation: This major prepares students to access and examine crime scenes and collect, record and analyse traces such as fingermarks, blood stain patterns, and shoe and tyre impressions. Curriculum combines specialist subjects in advanced forensic imaging and homicide/human remains investigation, among others, with theoretical learning in chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy, cell biology and more. Students learn to use contemporary CSI technologies, apply theory to practice in UTS’s crime scene simulation facilities, and emerge ready to pursue a career in the criminal justice sector and beyond.
  • Digital Forensic Science: As the world moves increasingly online, digital crimes like identity and financial theft, cyberattacks, fraud and extortion are on the rise – which means that skilled digital forensic specialists are more in demand than ever. The first of its kind in Australia, this major prepares students to collect, analyse and report data and digital information related to cyber-crime. Learning combines the study of hands-on forensic science with specialist subjects in cryptography, programming, web systems and data analytics, among others. Students learn to identify and make sense of digital traces in common online environments like social media and online banking and gain the skills to recover stolen or damaged data that could provide crucial insights into criminal activity.
• Research subject: In the final year of study, students produce an original piece of research that responds to a real-world forensic science challenge. This subject equips students with practical research skills that are highly regarded by industry and can also provide a launching pad into an honours or master’s degree.
• Free electives: Students can customise the degree to suit their personal or career aspirations. They can enrol in an international exchange, pursue a professional internship, or tailor their studies with a choice of subjects from any UTS faculty.

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: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

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.