#1 Victorian university for course satisfaction
#1 Victorian university for science facilities
#1 Victorian university for teaching quality
Why choose forensic science at Deakin
Deakin's professionally accredited Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) deepens your understanding of a chosen discipline within the field, while building key research and soft skills that enhance your employment options and prepare you for further study. With a strong focus on practical training, you will graduate with the skills needed to confidently examine, interpret and present forensic evidence.
Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to build on the theory and practical skills gained throughout your undergraduate degree. It is an opportunity to develop your expertise in a field you are passionate about and gain invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your career. Deakin is the only university in Australia, and the first university in the Asia-Pacific region, to offer a professionally accredited forensic science degree.
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Unbeatable employability in forensics
Build advanced analytical and research skills for careers in forensic science, investigation and related fields.
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Degrees shaped by employers
Undertake research aligned with contemporary forensic challenges and informed by current industry practice.
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Specialist forensic facilities
Learn in purpose-built laboratories designed for crime scene investigation and forensic analysis.
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Independent research expertise
Complete a substantial research project that develops critical thinking and professional capability.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Graduate with advanced research skills and in-depth expertise in your chosen discipline. Strengthen your critical thinking, data analysis and problem-solving capabilities to gain a competitive edge or pursue further study.
Forensic scientist
Examine and interpret evidence using scientific methods to support criminal investigations. Apply specialised forensic techniques to analyse evidence and communicate scientific findings in investigative and legal contexts.
- $83k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 100,000+
Forensic examinations each year
Research scientist
Conduct scientific experiments and analyse and interpret data. Collaborate with other scientists to advance knowledge in biomedical science and contribute to new approaches to understanding health and disease.
- $118k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 10%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.5/5
Job satisfaction
Professional areas
- Forensic laboratories
- Insurance investigations
- Risk analysis
- Policing
- Government institutions
- Chemical, biological, food and pharmaceutical industries
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 11 January 2027
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)?
The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) is a one-year degree. You will develop your knowledge and expertise in a field you are passionate about, enhancing your employment options or preparing you for further study.
Advanced forensic research and specialisation
Undertake an independent research project
Design and carry out an in-depth forensic investigation under supervision, culminating in a formal research thesis.
Apply advanced forensic techniques
Use specialised analytical, experimental or computational methods to examine complex forensic evidence.
Build professional research capability
Strengthen critical thinking, communication and project management skills for forensic or research careers.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per semester and usually undertake two semesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
You are required to complete all units within one of these specialisations.
In your first trimester you must also complete a 0-credit point unit which is compulsory for all Deakin University degrees.
Forensic Biology - unit set code SP-S000078
Forensic Chemistry - unit set code SP-S000079
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) has been professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS).
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
As part of your application for this course, you will be required to first contact potential supervisors and discuss projects. Once you have met with a supervisor and agreed on a project, you will need to complete an application form and submit this via the Deakin applicant portal.
Information on how to apply, important dates and the 2027 Honours projects booklet is available at Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in one of forensic biology or forensic chemistry. |
| Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences. |
| Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project. |
| Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice. |
| Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems. |
| Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research. |
| Work independently and/or collaboratively within a research team, receiving advice and guidance from supervisor/s that contributes to achieving the outcomes of the Honours project. |
| Apply scientific knowledge and skills with a high level of autonomy, judgement, responsibility and accountability in collaboration with stakeholders to articulate the place and importance of scientific inquiry in the local and global context. |
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- S401
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$9,880
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 11 January 2027
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Before applying, you must identify a project and secure a supervisor. Review the projects booklet on the honours in life and environmental sciences page to find a project that interests you. Once you’ve chosen, contact the project supervisor to discuss it and obtain their written (email) agreement to supervise you.
You may also contact the Honours Campus Coordinator to discuss your own project proposal and identify a potential supervisor.
After you have had a discussion and agreed upon a project, you will need to complete the honours application form and attach to a formal application through the application portal.
Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Honours application form 33.9 KB
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.