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Deakin University

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Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology

  • Bachelor

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.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
4 years full-time
Course Code
D329, 075455D
ATAR
65.35

About this course

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.

Career pathways

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.

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

Credit for prior study or work

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.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at Deakin University.
86.1%
Overall satisfaction
88.1%
Skill scale
72.6%
Teaching scale
55%
Employed full-time
$52.3k
Average salary