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Bachelor of Forensic Science

Enabling career pathways

Program code

1264

Available at

Nathan

Gold Coast

Mount Gravatt

Logan

South Bank

Online

Offshore

Other

Duration

3 years full-time

Credit points

240

Indicative fee

$41,000.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual fee

Entry requirements

6.5

IELTS (Academic) (more)

CRICOS code

049312B

Commencing in

Trimester 1

Prerequisites

  • NIL

Assumed knowledge

  • Any General or Applied English subject (Units 3 and 4, C)
  • Mathematical Methods (Units 3 and 4, C)

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About this program

Forensic investigators are skilled, dedicated professionals with the ability to keep an open mind and concentrate on hard evidence. In this degree, you will explore science in real life and receive training in handling criminal casework in forensic biology and forensic chemistry.

You will develop in-depth knowledge of new forensic analysis methods and innovations, and gain valuable experience from real casework. You will practisepresenting expert evidence in moot courts. You will learn from academic staff who have been called to work on projects such as the forensic identification of victims of the Asian tsunami and the Bali bombings, and who provide expert evidence in Australian courts.

In your first year, you will take core courses in biology, chemistry, molecular genetics and forensic investigation. In your second and third years, you willfocus on your chosen major and continue to develop your skills in core areas.

Majors

  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Molecular Biology
My attendance during the program

Attendance information

The Bachelor of Forensic Science is offered full-time on-campus at the Nathan campus. You may choose to study approved elective courses at other campuses if or where the program structure allows.

As a full-time student you will generally attend 10-15 hours of scheduled classes per week throughout the trimester. Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week. Some scheduled classes are held off-campus during the evenings - for example, moot court sessions in 3028NSC Forensic Evidence and the Expert Witness are held at the Brisbane Magistrates Court one evening per week over eight weeks.

If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Managing Study Interruptions
Leave of Absence

Taking a leave of absence from this program is permitted, subject to conditions outlined in the Enrolment Procedure.

Work-integrated learning

Work-integrated learning activities integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life. In this program you will engage with forensic scientists and allied professionals from Queensland Health Scientific Services and the Queensland Police Service in several core courses. This will be achieved through their provision of key lectures, and through their participation in problem classes, moot courts and other assessable student presentations to expose you to the core needs of accredited forensic laboratory organisations in terms of service provision and research.

My career opportunities

My career opportunities

You will be prepared to work as a DNA expert, a forensic molecular biologist, forensic chemist or forensic toxicologist and as an acknowledged expert in these or a variety of other roles within the criminal justice system. You will also be able to pursue scientific careers not directly related to forensic organisations, in areas such as molecular biology, analytical chemistry and biomedical science. You may also choose to undertake a fourth-year research honours program, which can lead to a PhD and a career in research. 

Professional recognition

Professional recognition

Professional recognition will vary depending upon your choice of major:

Pathways to further study

Pathways to further study

You may choose to undertake a fourth-year research honours degree, which can lead to a Doctor of Philosophy (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)).

What are the fees?

International students

An International student is one who is not:

  • an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
  • a Pacific Engagement visa holder or
  • a person who has Australian permanent resident status.
Indicative annual tuition fee

The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points (two full-time trimesters).

The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Tuition fees
  • An International student pays tuition fees.
  • Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
  • The tuition fee is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student is enrolled.

Program fees for the Bachelor of Forensic Science (1264)

If the fee rate for your program is not displayed above, please contact Student Connect for assistance.

Changing programs

If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.

Permanent resident status

If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.

The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Fees and Charges Procedure.

If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

Further information