Frequently Asked Questions

These questions are designed to assist prospective students to assess the content and structure of our Forensic Science courses

Are any of the courses offered online or by correspondence?

No. Due to the 'hands on' nature of Forensics, we are not able to offer couses externally.

Is Forensic Science offered at an Undergraduate level?

No, we do not offer an undergraduate course in Forensics. Currently we only offer a 6 point unit which you may select in the second semester of either the 2nd or 3rd year of your degree at UWA.

What are the entry requirements?

To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Science, you need to have completed a Bachelor of Science or a degree in a relevant discipline.

You can also enter the Graduate Diploma as a mature age student through UWA ACCESS. This involves enrolling in 2 units initially, if you average 70% over the 2 units, you may then enrol in the full course in the following semester.

To be eligible to apply for the Master of Forensic Science, you will need to have completed your Bachelor of Science with Honours. If you have a first class Honours, you are eligible for either the Master by Thesis (50770) or the combined Master/PhD (00880). Students with second class Honours are eligible for enry into the Master by Dissertation (51520).

If you are unsure if your qualifications make you eligible, please contact the Centre for clarification.

What is the total duration of the course?

The Graduate Diploma is a 1 year full time course which can also be completed over 2 years part time.

The Master of Forensic Science (50770) is a 1 year research intensive Master degree if completed on a full time basis.

The first year of the Master is spent doing coursework only, which is exactly the same coursework that is involved in the Grad Dip, so if you start with the Grad Dip, to complete your Master is only a further 1 year. 

How do I apply for the course?

You can find an application form on our website which you can then post to the University.

When submitting your application you must also include a current police clearance certificate (no more than 12 months old, available from your local police station) and proof of having had your tetanus vaccination.

International students must contact the International Centre for an application form - www.international.uwa.edu.au

PhD applicants must have a supervisor and proposed project ready prior to submitting an application. Please email the Centre for further information.

When does the Academic Year start?

We have intakes at the beginning of the year with studies commencing at the end of February as well as mid year intakes, commencing at the end of July.

PhD students can commence at any time during the year.

Do you recognise relevant prior learning? (ie: can I get an exemption for a subject I've already passed at another institution?)

Yes. If you have completed a similar subject, ie: DNA, 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 ie: DNA unit as part of an undergraduate degree, you will not be granted an exemption.

Do you involve forensic services personnel to teach and/or supervise projects?

Yes, we are lucky to be able to work with many of the states top forensic personnel. We have WA police officers who lecture in Ballistics, Fingerprints, Document Examination, Blood Spatter etc

One of the top pathologists from PathWest co-ordinates and lectures a unit.

Many of our lecturers are leaders in their fields of research and considerable experience in forensic casework.

On completion of the course, are students qualified enough to gain employment in the field of Forensics?

The Graduate Diploma, a holistic introduction to the forensic sciences, is designed to lead into the Master of Forensic Science.

Job prospects are limited but this degree will assist in securing technical or laboratory based positions. Moreover, it is an adjunct degree equipping professionally qualified scientists to become involved in forensic science.

The Diploma will also allow police and allied forensic science workers to obtain a formal qualification in forensic science.