Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology

Course summary for local students

Course sub-headings

• Course overview
• Fees and charges
• Career opportunities
• Course rules
• Major sequences
• Course structure
• Entry requirements - general
• Entry requirements - specific
• Credit for prior learning - general
• How to apply

Course overview

Deakin University’s Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology is the only combined course in Victoria which provides the opportunity to study forensic science and criminology as a combined course.

The course has been designed to enable graduates to work both in specialised fields and across professional boundaries. It is contemporary and relevant, with teaching staff who are active researchers in their respective fields. 

You will learn both arts and science traditions, giving you a broad appreciation of the professional, social, economic and cultural contexts of the forensic science and criminology disciplines.

You will have the opportunity to learn the skills and techniques essential to modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence and courtroom skills. The course will also give you practical, professional training to enable you to study critical analysis in the fields of policing, security, corrections, crime prevention and community safety, and various paralegal fields.

In your forensic science studies you can choose to major in Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry. Other areas of study in the course include topics such as forensic analysis and interpretation, the criminal justice system, crime prevention and security, and designing and conducting criminological research.

Graduates may also have the opportunity to go on to further study and enter honours and postgraduate programs.

Students and graduates of this course are eligible to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

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Fees and charges

Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study.

* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2011, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2011 can be viewed from the Unit Search.

Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.

Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.

Career opportunities

As a graduate of this course, you may find employment opportunities as a forensic scientist, criminologist or related role, in both the public and private sector, including areas such as the forensic science industry, science-based industries, teaching, government agencies, state and federal police, ASIO, correctional services, community services, and private security industries.

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Course rules

This combined course comprises 32 credit points of study. Students will undertake 16 credit point in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment and 16 credit points in the Faculty of Arts and Education course-grouped units. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Forensic Science (S324) and Bachelor of Criminology (A329) must be satisfied.

Forensic Science requirements (16 cp):

• At least 16 credit points of Science course-grouped units;
• 10 credit points of core Forensic Science units (plus 2 other core units shared with Criminology – ACR101 and ACR102);
• Successful completion of SLE010 – Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 cp);
• Successful completion of a major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology;
• At least 4 credit points of Science course-grouped units at level 3;
• Up to 6 credit points of Science course-grouped units at level 1; and
• 2 credit points of Science course-grouped electives.

 Criminology requirements (16 cp):

• Students must complete 16 credit points of study from the Faculty of Arts and Education including at least 12 credit points of ACR coded units, including the core units of ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302.

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Major sequences

Forensic Chemistry

Forensic Biology

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Course structure

Bachelor of Forensic Science

Core Units

^Note: Students who have completed Year 12 Chemistry or equivalent may choose to replace SLE133 Chemistry in Our World with an elective unit.

Forensic Biology - Additional core units for major

Forensic Chemistry- Additional core units for major

Bachelor of Criminology units

* ACR212, ACR213 Trimester 1 (alternate years 2014, 2016) and trimester 3 (alternate years 2015, 2017)

** ACR210, ACR211 Trimester 3 (alternate years 2014, 2016) and trimester 1 (alternate years 2015, 2017)

^ SLE010 is a 0-credit-point compulsory unit

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Entry requirements - general

Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.

In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.

For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.

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Entry requirements - specific

Applicants should have successfully completed VCE or equivalent. Refer to the VTAC Guide for the latest pre-requisite information www.vtac.edu.au

Those aged 21 or over on 1 January and who do not hold VCE or equivalent should apply under Alternative Admission. This category is open to those who do not satisfy normal entrance requirements, but can demonstrate relevant work or life experience.

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Credit for prior learning - general

The Faculty may give credit towards a BSc for previous tertiary study and other approved forms of post-secondary study or experience. This previous study need not have led to a complete qualification; for example, a student may be given credit after completing the first year of a course at another institution. All applications for advanced standing must be made initially to the Selection/Enrolment Officer who will advise students of the necessary procedures.

All applications are considered on merit and usually no credit will be given for subjects/courses/units completed more than seven years prior to the request. For the BSc the maximum credit for prior learning that can be granted is 16 credit points. This may include up to 8 credits for non-science studies.

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How to apply

Applications for Trimester 2 and Trimester 3 must be made directly to the University through the Applicant Portal. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the Apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.