Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science

Note

This course is not offered by direct entry. Admission is via Course Transfer with faculty approval.

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 tailored for individuals eager to deepen their expertise in forensic science through original research. Opt for this programme to enhance your knowledge under the guidance of leading experts and to pave your way towards a UTS PhD.

Distinguished by its blend of practical forensic science with science management and leadership training, the course culminates in a significant research project in your 2nd year. You'll engage with core and elective subjects that cover the full spectrum of forensic science, from crime scene to courtroom, while also honing vital professional skills in your first year.

You will acquire a robust set of skills, including advanced scientific communication, ethical understanding, and project management. The second year is dedicated to research, offering a chance to contribute to the field and potentially transition into the UTS PhD programme.

Through this course, you will become a versatile forensic scientist, skilled in modern practices and technologies, and equipped with strong professional competencies. Your research abilities will be sharpened, ready for application in industry R&D or as a stepping stone to a research career.

This course is designed to expand students' knowledge and practice of forensic science alongside developing science management and leadership capabilities, culminating in a substantial research project in Year 2. The course contains compulsory core and elective practice-focused forensic science subjects across a range of disciplines from the crime scene to the laboratory. Professional subjects covering a range of skills crucial to all professional scientists – such as project and laboratory management, advanced scientific communication, ethics, innovation and science business models – complete Year 1.

Year 2 comprises a substantial research component, giving students an opportunity to undertake original, cutting-edge research. For students with suitable achievement levels, this provides a direct pathway to the UTS PhD program.

Admission requirements

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

This program is available to students who have completed 48 credit points in the Master of Forensic Science (Extension) (C04392) or Master of Forensic Science (C04391) and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement of a credit average or higher and research potential. Admission is via internal course transfer. Prospective students must liaise with their program director to organise a supervisor and project.

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.

This program is available to students who have completed 48 credit points in the Master of Forensic Science (Extension) (C04392) or Master of Forensic Science (C04391) and have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement of a credit average or higher and research potential. Admission is via internal course transfer. Prospective students must liaise with their program director to organise a supervisor and project.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.