Master of Forensic Science (Professional Practice)

If you have a degree in science, or a relevant bachelor degree, this course will give you the skills you need to help in criminal investigations.

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 also get to reconstruct crime scenes as you learn to collect, process and interpret biological, chemical and physical evidence giving you the skills to translate theory into practice. Hear how this course element has been a stand-out opportunity for Lilly who thrives with hands-on study experiences.

Our degree has been designed so you'll complete your master's degree in just 18 months with this 1.5 year Master. If you're looking for a more research-intensive course, you can complete a full year of research on top of your coursework and kickstart your progression to PhD studies in just 2 years with our Master of Forensics (Professional Practice and Research).

3 reasons to study a Master of Forensic Science at Murdoch

1. 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.
2. Interact with a team of forensic practitioners as you learn from their domestic and international experience across thousands of real forensic cases.
3. 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 criminalistics, 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.

IELTS: Score: 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

TOEFL: Score: 79+, with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13.

PEARSON: Score: 64+, with no communicative skill below 60.

CAMBRIDGE: Score: 176+, with no skill less than 169.