Postgraduate

Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Enhance your skills and knowledge of forensic science with this master's and PhD program.
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Email

Ask UWA

Book an online consultation

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

Ask UWA

Events you may be interested in

Show more events

Careers and further study

Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.

Career Pathways

"Forensic scientists may have a wide variety of responsibilities including identifying illicit drugs; analysing drugs and poisons in human tissue and body fluids; examining and comparing materials such as fibres, paints, cosmetics, oils, fuels, plastics, glass, metals, soils and gunshot residues; and examining human and animal biological material to be compared with victims and suspects using DNA profiling."
View full details

Career Pathways

"Forensic scientists may have a wide variety of responsibilities including identifying illicit drugs; analysing drugs and poisons in human tissue and body fluids; examining and comparing materials such as fibres, paints, cosmetics, oils, fuels, plastics, glass, metals, soils and gunshot residues; and examining human and animal biological material to be compared with victims and suspects using DNA profiling."

Further Study

"Students may choose to pursue further studies in other areas of research related to forensic science."
View full details

Further Study

"Students may choose to pursue further studies in other areas of research related to forensic science."

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.

Domestic Student Fees

There is no current fee information available for this course. Please visit the fee calculator to browse course fees from a previous year, or other courses.

Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

Search Scholarships

Research Training Program

Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are exempt from paying a contribution toward the cost of their research courses if UWA provides them with a Research Training Program place. This exemption applies for up to four years full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research and two years full-time equivalent study for a master's by research. The RTP is a performance-based funding scheme administered by the Federal Department of Education and Training.

Research Training Program

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

International Student Fees

Annual course fee
2025
$46,000.00

Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.

Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.

Fees are subject to annual indexation.

Fee calculator

Scholarships

Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.

Search Scholarships

Research Training Program

Australian and New Zealand citizens and permanent residents are exempt from paying a contribution toward the cost of their research courses if UWA provides them with a Research Training Program place. This exemption applies for up to four years full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research and two years full-time equivalent study for a master's by research. The RTP is a performance-based funding scheme administered by the Federal Department of Education and Training.

Research Training Program

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) had a PhD proposal approved by the Board of the Graduate Research School;
or
(b) an honours degree of at least 2A level or equivalent and have completed the first year of the course leading to the degree of Master of Forensic Science.
View full details

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) had a PhD proposal approved by the Board of the Graduate Research School;
or
(b) an honours degree of at least 2A level or equivalent and have completed the first year of the course leading to the degree of Master of Forensic Science.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

English competency

How to apply

2 students walking 

Ready to join us?

Find out how to apply through our online application portal.

We’ll guide you through the application process including important steps, entry pathways and documents you’ll need.

Apply now

Course details

This degree combines coursework units in a variety of forensic disciplines with a research thesis in an area of your choice.

About the course

The Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy is a multidisciplinary degree that focuses on scientific methods for investigating crime, while also addressing the needs of forensic investigations within allied industries.
View full details

About the course

The Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy is a multidisciplinary degree that focuses on scientific methods for investigating crime, while also addressing the needs of forensic investigations within allied industries.
The suite of units provides an interdisciplinary introduction to many forensic science disciplines including DNA, entomology, anthropology and forensic chemistry. You are given the opportunity to research a particular topic in more detail and gain experience in the criminal justice system and expert evidence in the Expert Testimony unit. In the second year of the course, you'll complete a dissertation on a specific topic of your choice that further develops your research skills.
Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Quick details

Status
  • Available 2014
Locations
Attendance
Delivery
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • For information regarding course contact hours and requirements refer to relevant details in the UWA Handbook.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 00880
CRICOS code
  • 040788E
View full details
Master of Forensic Science and Doctor of Philosophy

Quick details

Status
  • Available 2014
Locations
Attendance
Delivery
Starting dates
  • Semester 1, Semester 2
Weekly contact time
  • For information regarding course contact hours and requirements refer to relevant details in the UWA Handbook.
Level of study
  • Postgraduate
Course Code
  • 00880
CRICOS code
  • 040788E
Full time/part time duration
  • 18 months for the master's component; variable for the PhD.

Course structure

Postgraduate research degrees are identified by an intensive research component. Refer to the Handbooks for information on course rules.

Course structure details