Get hands-on in Deakin’s crime scene training facility
Professionally accredited forensic science component
Join the largest criminology student cohort in Victoria
Key facts
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
The Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology trains you to examine the many facets of crime. Understanding the nature of crime and the motivations behind criminal behaviour is a sought-after skill and is particularly powerful when combined with expertise in modern forensic science. By developing skills in these complementary disciplines, you will graduate with more career options and a broader perspective of crime and the justice system.
This industry-led combined degree is designed in partnership with the Australian Crime Commission, ensuring your study experience reflects the everyday challenges of your future career. Practical learning is a key focus within this degree. You will develop your skills in our purpose-built crime scene training facility, gain industry experience through work-integrated learning opportunities and learn from international leaders in criminology.
Want to pursue a career in forensic science or the justice system?
Led by a team of highly experienced criminology and forensic science experts, the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology gives you a glimpse into the minds of criminals, while training you to confidently examine, interpret and present forensic evidence.
This combined course draws from both the arts and science disciplines. You will develop a broad appreciation of the professional, social, economic and cultural contexts of why crimes are committed and learn how to examine evidence using modern forensic analysis techniques.
In the forensic science stream, choose to specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry. Depending on your major, you'll cover a range of disciplines including:
- toxicology
- analysis of illicit drugs
- DNA analysis
- blood spatter pattern analysis
- entomology
Our purpose-built crime scene facility lets you apply the theory you learn in the classroom in a simulated crime scene environment. Search for evidence, conduct forensic analysis and get hands-on training taking an investigation from the crime scene to the courtroom.
In the criminology stream, you will explore topics that are crucial to the prevention of crime, including cyber security, surveillance, anti-terrorism and policing. Learn about the historical repercussions, technological developments and media representations of crime and the desirable outcomes of criminal justice processes. Get hands-on experience through optional internships, allowing you to bridge theory with practice and gain insight into how the study of criminology applies across different industries and sectors. You can even take your learning overseas and gain a global perspective on how other countries approach criminology.
Our course is designed with input from professional bodies including Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission. This means you will develop the skills in demand by employers and graduate ready to tackle criminal justice issues in fields including:
- anti-corruption agencies
- correctional services
- community services
- crime prevention agencies
- intelligence agencies
- law enforcement
- local, state and federal government
- private security industries
- state and federal police.
Course information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Forensic Science / Bachelor of Criminology
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400315561 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
- Deakin code
- D329
- CRICOS code?
- 075455D Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology, students must attain 32 credit points.
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 units. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Forensic Science (S324) and Bachelor of Criminology (A329) must be satisfied.^
Forensic Science requirements (16 cp):
- ten (10) credit points of core Forensic Science units (plus 1 other core unit shared with Criminology – ACR102)
- a six (6) credit point major sequence in either Forensic Chemistry or Forensic Biology
- DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit point compulsory unit)
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0-credit point unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point unit)
- at least 6 credit points at level 3 (including a minimum of 4 Science units).
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 Criminology units, including the compulsory core units of ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302
- at least 6 credit points at level 3 including ACR301 and ACR302
- 4 course elective units available from within the Bachelor of Arts major sequences. Please refer to A310 Bachelor of Arts for a list of Faculty of Arts and Education units.
^Combined rule: No more than 10-credit points at level 1 including SIT191, SLE111, SLE112, SLE132, SLE133, SLE155, ACR101 and ACR102
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
16
Bachelor of Forensic science units
16
Bachelor of Criminology units
32
Total
Forensic Science Core Units
Students must complete a major sequence in either Forensic Biology or Forensic Chemistry on top of the core unit requirements.
# Must have successfully completed STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
Criminology Core Units
Plus at least six credit points from the list below:
Electives
Select from a range of elective units offered across many courses. In some cases you may even be able to choose elective units from a completely different discipline area (subject to meeting unit requirements).
It is important to note that some elective units may include compulsory placement, study tours, work-based training or collaborative research training arrangements.
Major sequences
Bachelor of Forensic Science major sequences
Refer to the details of each major sequence for availability.
*Enrolment in a Trimester 3 study period is compulsory
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
You may be required to complete units in Trimester 3 depending on your chosen major. Please refer to the Handbook for unit offering patterns.
Elective units may be selected that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
This course aims to provide students with a holistic experience of their role as forensic analysts. You will have the opportunity to visit a court, a crime scene and participate in a ‘moot court’ which allows students to experience a simulated courtroom environment.
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Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you’re currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 20 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and have not undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 25 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 20 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 30 in any English, Legal Studies, any Mathematics or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 10 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
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 Recognition of prior learning that can be granted is 16 credit points. This may include up to 8 credits for non-science studies.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.
Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
This combined course gives you a competitive edge in the fields of criminology, forensic science and forensic criminology. Your strong understanding of both the criminal justice system and forensic science prepares you to thrive in a variety of roles including:
- forensic scientist
- research scientist
- insurance investigator
- crime prevention officer
- cyber security specialist
- intelligence analyst
- risk assessment officer
- state and federal policing.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Forensic Science has been professionally accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Students of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC).
The Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology (Chemistry major) has been professionally accredited by the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI). Graduates of this course are encouraged to apply for membership of the respective local branch of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.
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Footnotes
*Year on year, our undergraduate students are the most-satisfied students of all Victorian universities. Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2019 (GOS), Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).