Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Program code
1706
Available at
Nathan
Gold Coast
Mount Gravatt
Logan
South Bank
Online
Offshore
Other
Duration
4 years full-time
Credit points
320
Indicative fee
$38,500.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual fee
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.
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.
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 AbsenceTaking 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
Key employment sectors*
- Policing and security
- Probation and parole
- Child protection
- Courts and justice
Potential job outcomes
- Forensic scientist
- Criminal investigator
- Child protection officer
- Police detective
- Criminologist
*Source: Australian Government Job Outlook
Professional recognition
Professional recognition will vary depending upon your choice of major:
- Forensic Chemistry: The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) recognise graduates of this award.
- Forensic Molecular Biology: The Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) recognise graduates of this award.
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/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (1706)
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
- Fees and Charges Procedure
- 3.6 - Fees for International Students
- 3.9 - Administrative and Miscellaneous Charges
- Cost of studying in Australia
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