Program Overview

Master of Forensic Anthropology

About the course

This course enables you to undertake advanced studies in forensic anthropology, while developing an in-depth knowledge of the human skeleton. You'll gain a practical understanding of the scientist’s role within the Australian legal system, and have the opportunity to explore various anthropological techniques using traditional and digital modalities.

Course details

• Duration: 2 years (full-time), 4 years (part-time)
• Location: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1
• Weekly contact time: 8-12 hours
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 72580
• CRICOS code: B

Admission requirements

• (1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
  • (a) a Bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
  • (b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
  • (c) successfully completed prior study in a field relevant to Forensic Anthropology; or
• (2) completed a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Anthropology or Graduate Diploma in Forensic Anthropology at UWA.

Ranking and Selection Process

• Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on the relevant requirements.

English competency

• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and scholarships

• Domestic Student Fees:
  • Annual course fee: $31,500.00 (2025)
  • Full-Fee Paying Place
• International Student Fees:
  • Annual course fee: $50,700.00 (2025)
• Scholarships:
  • Available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Course structure

• Core:
  • Take all units (90 points):
    • FNSC5515 Molecular Osteology (6)
    • FNSC5516 Forensic Odontology and Introductory Osteology (6)
    • FNSC5611 Ethics and Research Methods in Forensic Science (6)
    • FNSC5612 Forensic Anthropology I—Introductory Theory and Method (6)
    • FNSC5614 Forensic Archaeology—Theory and Method (6)
    • FNSC5622 Scientific Expert Testimony (6)
    • FNSC5626 Forensic Anthropology II—Advanced Theory and Method (6)
    • FNSC5627 Forensic Anthropology Professional Project Part 1 (12)
    • FNSC5628 Forensic Anthropology Professional Project Part 2 (12)
    • FNSC5649 Forensic Anthropology Dissertation Part 1 (12)
    • FNSC5650 Forensic Anthropology Dissertation Part 2 (12)
• Option - Group A:
  • Take unit(s) to the value of 6 points:
    • FNSC4497 Bio-Archaeology Fieldschool (6)
    • FNSC5615 Medicolegal Death Investigation (6)

Why study this course

• To achieve necessary knowledge and training towards employment in mainstream forensics
• To gain the ability to prepare and present professional reports for the judiciary
• Learn how specialised forensic practitioners work collaboratively in response to criminal and other activity (e.g. homicide; genocide; DVI; terrorism)

You'll learn to

• specialise in a particular area of interest, gaining practical experience in an independent scientific study through the completion of a project of direct relevance to forensic anthropology
• participate in moot practical excavations focusing on the recovery of forensic evidence of past human activities
• work in a laboratory environment specifically designed to accommodate forensic anthropological requirements for professional practice
• explore the margins of forensic anthropology through an independent literature-based and professional research project

Top skills you'll develop

• Ability to interpret post-mortem modifications to human remains (forensic taphonomy)
• Search and recovery of human remains using forensic archaeological protocols in a variety of depositional contexts (surface; sub-surface)
• Understanding of forensic practice as it relates to judicial requirements in Australia (specifically) and internationally (broadly)
• Ability to prepare and present professional reports for the judiciary
• Ability to analyse physical human remains (skeletal and dental materials)

Articulated courses

• This course is part of an articulated sequence with the:
  • Graduate Certificate in Forensic Anthropology
  • Graduate Diploma in Forensic Anthropology

The Centre for Forensic Anthropology

• The Centre for Forensic Anthropology is committed to the development of a new generation of morphometric tools and standards for application in forensic identification in Western Australia.