Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Program Overview

---

About the course

The Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy is a multidisciplinary degree that focuses on scientific methods for investigating crime, while also addressing the needs of forensic investigations within allied industries.

The suite of units provides an interdisciplinary introduction to many forensic science disciplines including DNA, entomology, anthropology, and forensic chemistry. You are given the opportunity to research a particular topic in more detail and gain experience in the criminal justice system and expert evidence in the Expert Testimony unit. In the second year of the course, you'll complete a dissertation on a specific topic of your choice that further develops your research skills.

Quick details

• Status: Available 2014
• Locations:
• Attendance:
• Delivery:
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: For information regarding course contact hours and requirements refer to relevant details in the UWA Handbook.
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 00880
• CRICOS code: E
• Full time/part time duration: 18 months for the master's component; variable for the PhD.

Course structure

Postgraduate research degrees are identified by an intensive research component. Refer to the Handbooks for information on course rules.

Core

• Take all units (42 points):
  • FNSC5611 Ethics and Research Methods in Forensic Science (6)
  • FNSC5612 Forensic Anthropology I—Introductory Theory and Method (6)
  • FNSC5613 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry (6)
  • FNSC5619 Forensic DNA Analysis (6)
  • FNSC5620 Expert Testimony Part 1 (6)
  • FNSC5623 Advanced Expert Testimony Part 1 (6)
  • FNSC5630 Expert Testimony Part 2 (3)
  • FNSC5633 Advanced Expert Testimony Part 2 (3)

Option

• Take unit(s) to the value of 24 points:
  • FNSC5518 Forensic Science and Policing (6)
  • FNSC5520 Criminal Behaviour (6)
  • FNSC5614 Forensic Archaeology—Theory and Method (6)
  • FNSC5615 Medicolegal Death Investigation (6)
  • FNSC5616 Digital Imaging in Forensic Science (6)
  • FNSC5617 Forensics and Information Technology (6)
  • FNSC5618 Special Topic in Forensic Science (6)
  • FNSC5626 Forensic Anthropology II—Advanced Theory and Method (6)

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—

• had a PhD proposal approved by the Board of the Graduate Research School;
• an honours degree of at least 2A level or equivalent and have completed the first year of the course leading to the degree of Master of Forensic Science.

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

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

Fees and scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

Research Training Program

Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens are offered a Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship which offsets the requirement to pay a contribution toward the cost of their research courses if UWA provides them with a Research Training Program (RTP) place.

This Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship is applied for up a maximum of four years full-time equivalent study for the Doctor of Philosophy. The RTP is a performance-based funding scheme administered by the Australian Government Department of Education.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks, and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

International Student Fees

Annual course fee

2025

$46,000.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

Research Training Program

Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens are offered a Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship which offsets the requirement to pay a contribution toward the cost of their research courses if UWA provides them with a Research Training Program (RTP) place.

This Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship is applied for up a maximum of four years full-time equivalent study for the Doctor of Philosophy. The RTP is a performance-based funding scheme administered by the Australian Government Department of Education.

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks, and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Careers and further study

Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.

Career Pathways

"Forensic scientists may have a wide variety of responsibilities including identifying illicit drugs; analysing drugs and poisons in human tissue and body fluids; examining and comparing materials such as fibres, paints, cosmetics, oils, fuels, plastics, glass, metals, soils, and gunshot residues; and examining human and animal biological material to be compared with victims and suspects using DNA profiling."

Further Study

"Students may choose to pursue further studies in other areas of research related to forensic science."