Master of Forensic Science

Admissions information

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• Course description arrow_forward_ios

  This course is designed for aspiring leaders in forensic science, offering a blend of advanced practice and professional skill development. Choose this course for its practical focus, case-based learning, and access to world-class simulation labs.

  What sets this course apart is the connection to the UTS Centre for Forensic Science, an opportunity to learn from world leading experts and its alignment with global industry needs. You'll gain hands-on experience, critical thinking skills, and the ability to interpret forensic traces.

  You will learn through practical activities in simulated environments. These include our acclaimed Crime Scene Simulation Labs and other professional laboratories stocked with the latest industry-standard equipment. Teaching methods include interactive practical sessions, case studies, complemented by engaging online content and learning spaces. You will learn through direct experience, guided by leading academics and practitioners, ensuring your education is relevant and applied.

  Enhance your career with a comprehensive understanding of forensic science and specialised areas such as toxicology, biometrics and criminalistics. Alongside your forensic studies you'll develop advanced communication, data analysis and scientific professional skills. This course prepares you for diverse professional settings and offers pathways to further research opportunities.

  Course features

  • Forensic Science subjects: Students complete two core subjects (Foundations of Forensic Science and Forensic Inference and Interpretation) designed to help them develop the practical, interpretive and investigative skills required to thrive in a forensic science career. From there, they can shape their degree by building specialist skills in domains of their choosing, from forensic toxicology and recreational drug analysis to biometrics, chemical criminalistics and more.
  • Professional subjects: Students complete two core subjects common to many UTS postgraduate science degrees (Advanced Communication Skills in Science and Understanding Data and Statistical Design). They can then customise their remaining professional stream credit points with choices in science writing, risk assessment, business and intellectual property, and more, preparing them to master new ways of working in a diversity of professional environments.
  • Research subjects: A research internship elective provides hands-on experience with a real-world forensic science challenge, either within a UTS lab, including the renowned Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, or with external forensic science and criminal justice organisations, among others. Students also gain exposure to the administrative components of scientific research through additional electives in human and animal research ethics, research proposal writing and more.

• Important dates arrow_forward_ios

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes arrow_forward_ios

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration arrow_forward_ios

  The standard course duration is 18 months of full-time study.

  The course may also be completed in part-time mode, typically over three years. Part-time students must be prepared to attend some afternoon or morning classes during each teaching week.

• Admission requirements arrow_forward_ios

  To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  Applicants must have the following:

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in chemical sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, human biology, forensic science, or medical science

  Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

  English language requirements

  IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, writing 6.0 TOEFL iBT: overall 79, writing 21 UTS College AE5: Pass Pearson PTE: overall 58, writing 50 Cambridge C1A/C2P: overall 176, writing 169

• Domestic course fees arrow_forward_ios

  2025 Indicative tuition fees for government-supported domestic students

  This course offers a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). This means the Australian Government contributes to your education costs, and you pay the remaining tuition fees, known as the student contribution. If eligible, you can defer payment through HECS-HELP, or you can choose to pay your fees upfront each session.  

  CSP applications are reviewed continuously by the university and offered based on merit, so we recommend applying early to be considered. Learn more about applying for a CSP, eligibility and key dates.

  2025 Tuition Fees

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee: $9,314
  • Indicative Total tuition fee: $14,093

  Tuition fees are reviewed annually, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year. The total indicative tuition fee includes estimated annual increases over the duration of the course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges). 

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table.

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

  2025 Indicative tuition fees for domestic students

  As a postgraduate student, you'll be responsible for covering your own tuition fees.

  2025 Tuition Fee

  • Indicative first-year tuition fee:  $33,640
  • Indicative total tuition fee:  $51,217

  You can choose to pay your fees upfront per session, or if you’re eligible, you can defer them using a government FEE-HELP loan. This loan helps you cover all or part of your tuition fees. Keep in mind that applications for this loan are specific to each course.

  Additional Costs 

  Your tuition fees do not include:

  • The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
  • Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
  • Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).

  Important Information 

  • Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
  • Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
  • You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 

  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.
 

  Information for Masters by Research students: Government-funded scholarship places available

  As a recipient of the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset Scholarship, you do not have to pay tuition fees for up to the maximum period of candidature. However, even with this scholarship, you should expect ongoing costs that aren’t covered, like travel, training, and professional development. These costs can vary for each person, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Additionally, scholarships are available to help with your living expenses.

  Important details: The RTP Fees Offset Scholarship covers your tuition fees, but please note that it doesn’t include additional costs related to studying or conducting research. Additional fees for domestic students. For more information visit Research student fees.

• Inherent requirements arrow_forward_ios

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

• Recognition of prior learning arrow_forward_ios

  Students enrolled in this course may be eligible for recognition of prior learning of up to 24 credit points if the subjects previously studied are deemed by UTS: Science to be equivalent to those specified for their course.

  To be considered for recognition of prior learning, subjects must normally have been completed no more than five years prior to the commencement of this course.

• Transfer between UTS courses arrow_forward_ios

  Students who complete this course can transfer into the Master of Forensic Science (Extension) (C04392) and receive recognition of prior learning for the completed course.

• Important notes arrow_forward_ios

  Commonwealth Supported Places

  There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available in this course, which are competitive and awarded based on merit. To be considered for a CSP, applicants must:

  • Indicate their interest in a CSP on their application.
  • Apply on time in line with CSP deadlines (it is recommended applicants apply early as applications are assessed progressively).

  Eligible applicants must accept their offer by the lapse date to retain their place. For application deadlines and information, please refer to Postgraduate courses with Commonwealth Supported Places.

  25% Academic Merit Scholarship

  There is a 25% Academic Merit Scholarship available in 2025. Eligible students must commence a Master's or Master (extension) postgraduate course program in the Faculty of Science.

  For more details, refer to the UTS Science Postgraduate Academic Merit Scholarship.