Master of Forensic Science (Extension)

Note

Commonwealth Supported Places

There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available in this course, which are competitive and awarded based on merit. To be considered for a CSP, applicants must:

• Indicate their interest in a CSP on their application.
• Apply on time in line with CSP deadlines (it is recommended applicants apply early as applications are assessed progressively).

Eligible applicants must accept their offer by the lapse date to retain their place. For application deadlines and information, please refer to Postgraduate courses with Commonwealth Supported Places.

25% Academic Merit Scholarship

There is a 25% Academic Merit Scholarship available in 2025. Eligible students must commence a Master's or Master (extension) postgraduate course program in the Faculty of Science.

For more details, refer to the UTS Science Postgraduate Academic Merit Scholarship.

This course is designed for aspiring leaders in forensic science, offering a blend of advanced practice and professional skill development. Choose this course for its practical focus, case-based learning, and access to world-class simulation labs.

What sets this course apart is the connection to the UTS Centre for Forensic Science, an opportunity to learn from work leading experts and its alignment with global industry needs. You'll gain hands-on experience, critical thinking skills, and the ability to interpret forensic traces. As an extension degree, this course includes an additional 24 credit points of electives beyond the standard Master of Forensic Science curriculum and can be completed in two years of full-time study. This allows you to diversify your skillset, expand into other disciplines such as analytical chemical technologies or medical science or undertake a research experience for a session.

You will learn through practical activities in simulated environments. These include our acclaimed Crime Scene Simulation Labs and other professional laboratories stocked with the latest industry-standard equipment. Teaching methods include interactive practical sessions, case studies, complemented by engaging online content and learning spaces. You will learn through direct experience, guided by leading academics and practitioners, ensuring your education is relevant and applied.

Enhance your career with a comprehensive understanding of forensic science and specialised areas such as toxicology, biometrics and criminalistics. Alongside your forensic studies you'll develop advanced communication, data analysis and scientific professional skills. This course prepares you for diverse professional settings and offers pathways to further research opportunities.

Course features

• Forensic Science subjects: Students complete two core subjects (Foundations of Forensic Science and Forensic Inference and Interpretation) designed to help them develop the practical, interpretive and investigative skills required to thrive in a forensic science career. From there, they can shape their degree by building specialist skills in domains of their choosing, from forensic toxicology and recreational drug analysis to biometrics, chemical criminalistics and more.
• Professional subjects: Students complete two core subjects common to many UTS postgraduate science degrees (Advanced Communication Skills in Science and Understanding Data and Statistical Design). They can then customise their remaining professional stream credit points with choices in science writing, risk assessment, business and intellectual property, and more, preparing them to master new ways of working in a diversity of professional environments.
• Research subjects: A research internship elective provides hands-on experience with a real-world forensic science challenge, either within a UTS lab, including the renowned Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, or with external forensic science and criminal justice organisations, among others. Students also gain exposure to the administrative components of scientific research through additional electives in human and animal research ethics, research proposal writing and more.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have the following:

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in chemical sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, human biology, forensic science, or medical science

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.

International students

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.

To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

Applicants must have the following:

• Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in chemical sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, human biology, forensic science, or medical science

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.