2. Programs and courses
  3. Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (1706)
  4. Overview and fees

Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Developing career potential

Program code

1706

Available at

Nathan

Gold Coast

Mount Gravatt

Logan

South Bank

Online

Offshore

Other

Duration

4 years full-time
8 years part-time

Credit points

320

Indicative fee

$11,500.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual CSP fee

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)

About this program

With this double degree, you'll develop an in-depth knowledge of new forensic analytical methods and innovations as they are applied to biology and chemistry and gain valuable experience and insight from real casework. You'll learn about the trends in crime in Australia and take courses that cover the police, courts and criminal law, forensic psychology and homicide.

You will take your place at the largest school of criminology in Australia where you will learn from industry leaders and academics who bring real and compelling stories of crime to your study.

Industry and expert connections

In your final year, you can complete a professional placement and gain practical justice-related experience. Eligible students have the opportunity to take part in the Criminology Undergraduate Research Internship Program in which you will be mentored one-on-one by criminology experts as you undertake a research project that suits your interests. Internship opportunities are offered on a competitive basis three times a year and usually last four-to-six weeks. It's a priceless opportunity only available through Griffith.

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you'll 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 find employment in policing and security, intelligence, probation and parole, child protection, crime analysis, courts and justice services, crime prevention and regulatory agencies. You may also choose to continue your studies with an honours degree in either forensic science or criminology and criminal justice, which can lead to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Majors

  • Forensic Science
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Molecular Biology

Flexibility

Tailor your timetable - Even if you study full-time on-campus, you may still be able to customise your degree to suit your needs. From a range of tutorial times to online access to lectures and other course material, we're here to help you fit study in with your work and life commitments.

Global mobility

This may be possible through a study abroad opportunity or through Criminology Student Society organised tours with police and corrections.

My attendance during the program

Attendance information

The Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is offered full-time on campus at both the Nathan and Mount Gravatt campuses. Criminology courses are also offered online.

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.

Student Income Support

To be classed as a full-time student, you are required to enrol in a minimum number of credit points each standard study period. The minimum credit points for full-time enrolment in this program is 30 credit points.

Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 are deemed standard study periods. As Trimester 3 is a non-standard study period, continuing students moving from one year to the next will not be required to study during this trimester to be eligible for student income support.

Domestic students who commence in Trimester 3 may be eligible for student income support from the onset of study provided they are enrolled full-time in this study period.

Please refer to the Australian Government website for more details.

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

Key employment sectors*

  • Policing and security
  • Probation and parole
  • Child protection
  • Courts and justice

Potential job outcomes

Professional recognition

Professional recognition

Professional recognition will vary depending upon your choice of major:

What are the fees?

Commonwealth supported students

  • The indicative fee represents the expected average fee for an annual full-time study load (80 credit points). This is based on average study patterns across courses and the Australian Government's broad discipline areas (student contribution bands). A student's actual annual fee may vary in accordance with his or her choice of majors and electives. The Australian Government sets student contribution amounts on an annual basis.
  • Find out more...

Fee-paying undergraduate (domestic) students

These fees are only applicable to domestic students who are not Commonwealth supported including:

  • Full-fee paying domestic students who commenced their program prior to 2009.
  • International students who have been approved to pay domestic tuition fees after obtaining Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency or a permanent humanitarian visa and who have not obtained a Commonwealth supported place.
Tuition fees
  • A fee-paying undergraduate 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.
  • Find out more...

Program fees for the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (1706)

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

FEE-HELP

Eligible undergraduate fee-paying students may defer their tuition fees by taking out a FEE-HELP loan which is part of the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP). Payment of the loan is via the taxation system when income reaches a specified level.

Further information

Additional fee information

Additional costs

Throughout your program you may be required to pay for the following items:

  • expenses associated with laboratory activities including lab coats, eye protection
  • expenses associated with field trips and placements