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Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)

Undergraduate degree

Extend your prior learning of forensic science to gain a deeper understanding of your chosen field through research exploration within this honours degree.

Taught by leaders in forensic science research

Top 1% of universities worldwide*

Pathway to masters and PhD programs

Key facts

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Semester 1 2025 close 13 January 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) to broaden 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.

Honours is an optional year of specialised study that allows you to combine 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 to gain invaluable research and life skills that will stay with you throughout your career.

You have worked hard for your undergraduate degree. Why not take the next step with an honours degree that launches your career forward?

You will be guided every step of the way by teachers and research staff who are experts in their respective fields, with international links and broad experience. You’ll be able to leverage Deakin’s industry connections to work alongside professional forensic scientists. Through research, coursework and formal training, you will develop the skills and techniques needed for modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence to inform investigations.

Deakin's research in forensic science is conducted in partnership with government departments, private agencies and leading international scientists, and is funded by national and international grants. This means that work you complete during your honours program may contribute to producing research of global importance.

You’ll have a distinct advantage when applying for roles in forensic research, research science and insurance investigations and be well placed to pursue further study and research training, including masters and PhD programs.

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Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
S401
CRICOS code?
060342C Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours), students must pass 8 credit points, which must include the following:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit point compulsory unit)
  • 6 core units within your chosen specialisation (6 credit points)
  • 2 core units that cover coursework in scientific disciplines (2 credit points).

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

6

Specialisation units

2

Scientific Discipline units

8

Total

Core

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Choose one of the following specialisations:

    Forensic Biology - unit set code SP-S000078

  • Science Professionalism
  • Advanced Topics in Forensic Science
  • Honours Biology Research 1A
  • Honours Biology Research 1B
  • Honours Biology Research 2 (2 credit points)
  • Honours Biology Research 3 (2 credit points)
  • Forensic Chemistry - unit set code SP-S000079

  • Honours Chemistry Research 1A
  • Honours Chemistry Research 1B
  • Honours Chemistry Research 2 (2 credit points)
  • Honours Chemistry Research 3 (2 credit points)
  • Advanced Topics in Chemistry
  • Advanced Topics in Forensic Science
  • Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Semester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Semester 2. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Semester 1 - January

    • Start date: January
    • Available at:
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

      Application closing date: Refer to Key dates section

    Semester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Waurn Ponds (Geelong)

      Application closing date: Refer to Key dates section

    Additional course information

    Projects and Supervision - additional information

    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 2025 Honours projects booklet is available at Honours in Life and Environmental Sciences.

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Participation requirements

    Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

    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

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • completion of a bachelor degree or higher or major in a related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65 in third year units, or where relevant, final year units

    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: a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 (or equivalent)
    • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

    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.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    The estimated fee for this course is not currently available, please contact Student Central for further information.
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose, as each unit has its own cost. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in 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 this 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

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Before you apply you need to identify a project and supervisor to support your application. Take a look through the projects booklet (PDF, 2.0MB) to see if there is an existing project that interests you. Contact the project supervisor to discuss the project and seek their written (e-mail) 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.

    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.

    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.

    Top 1% of universities worldwide*

    #1 university in Victoria for student satisfaction^

    Research alongside the brightest minds in forensic science

    Get personalised support at every step of your degree

    Career outcomes

    Graduate with transferable skills that give you a competitive edge in the job market, including data analysis, critical thinking and problem solving.

    Your in-depth understanding of your chosen discipline, plus your highly advanced research skills, will set you up to succeed in further study and open up employment opportunities in areas such as:

    • forensics
    • insurance investigations
    • risk analysis
    • research science
    • government institutions
    • chemical, biological, food and pharmaceutical industries.

    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).

    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.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Graduates will have advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in one of forensic biology or forensic chemistry.

    Communication

    Communicate effectively the design and outcomes of research using a range of verbal, graphical and written forms customised for diverse audiences.

    Digital literacy

    Utilise a range of digital technologies and information sources to discover, select, analyse, employ, evaluate, critique, and disseminate outcomes from the research project.

    Critical thinking

    Use critical and analytical thinking to identify problems and the design of solutions using established theories, models, constructs and practice.

    Problem solving

    Apply theoretical constructs, advanced skills and critical analysis to demonstrate well developed judgement adaptability and evaluation of solutions to research problems.

    Self-management

    Develop and apply knowledge and skills in creative ways to demonstrate advanced levels of autonomy, initiative and ethical and professional behaviour in research.

    Teamwork

    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.

    Global citizenship

    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.

    *ARWU Rankings 2022
    ^Australian Graduate Survey 2010–2015, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016–2022, Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)