This multidisciplinary course acquaints students with current developments in basic forensic sciences and particularly those related to criminal investigation.

The course uses the research and teaching of the University to address the public and industry needs of WA and beyond, and is aimed at students who have completed a degree (or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty) in an allied science or other relevant subject area and wish to gain a qualification in forensic science. The course provides a holistic introduction to a variety of forensic science disciplines and is suitable for those who do not necessarily meet the criteria for admission to the Graduate Diploma.

After successful completion of the Graduate Certificate you may apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma, with credit granted for the units already completed.

The lectures for this course are primarily held in the evenings to accommodate students in the workforce. Please contact us for more information.

Course outline

All units have a value of 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science comprises:

Core unit

• FNSC5611 Ethics and Research Methods in Forensic Science

Elective units

plus units to the value of 6, 12 or 18 points from:

• FNSC5612 Forensic Anthropology I - Introductory Theory and Method
• FNSC5613 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
• FNSC5619 Forensic DNA Analysis

and (if required) one or more units from the following (subject to availability each year):

• FNSC5614 Forensic Archaeology - Theory and Method
• FNSC5615 Death Investigations
• FNSC5616 Digital Imaging in Forensic Science
• FNSC5617 Forensics and Information Technology
• FNSC5518 Forensic Science and Policing
• FNSC5520 Criminal Behaviour
• FNSC5626 Forensic Anthropology II - Advanced Theory and Method

Credit for prior learning

If you have completed a similar subject – for example, Forensic DNA Analysis – at another university, providing it was passed as part of an equivalent postgraduate course, you may apply for a credit for that unit. If you completed a similar unit as part of an undergraduate degree, you will not be granted an exemption.

Admission requirements

You will need to have either a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline or qualifications and experience in a relevant field that are considered to be equivalent to the degree specified above.

All applicants are also required to produce a National Criminal Record History Check (no more than 12 months old) and proof of current tetanus protection.

You can also enter the Graduate Certificate as a mature age student through UWA ACCESS. This involves enrolling in two units initially; if you average 70 per cent over the two units, you may then enrol in the full course in the following semester.

English Language Competence

All applicants for UWA coursework programs must demonstrate a minimum level of English Language Competence.

Course enquiries

Administrative Officer, Centre for Forensic Science
Phone: (+61 8) 6488 7286
Email: enq-cfs@uwa.edu.au