Master of Forensic Science

Master forensic science theory, practice and research skills

With a Master of Forensic Science, you'll be ready to shape a meaningful career where you'll apply advanced forensic science practice to analyse and interpret forensic traces. Blending research-informed theory and practical case-based learning with a focus on the trace, you'll hone the technical and professional skills you'll need for your future career.

Studying at UTS means you'll be completing one of Australia's foremost qualifications in this highly specialised discipline, gaining hands-on experience at our world-class facilities designed to mimic the professional environment. Build on your prior studies with a postgraduate degree in forensic science and start shaping your career as a future leader in forensic science.

Part of the Faculty of Science.

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Master of Forensic Science

CODE

UTS: C04391 (version 1)

CRICOS: 098061K

DURATION

1.5 years full time
3 years part time

INTAKE

Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
Autumn Session 2026
Spring Session 2026

View important dates

COURSE FEES

Indicative total tuition fee for government-supported domestic students
$14,092.08

Indicative total tuition fee for domestic students
$51,216.90

LOCATION

City campus

What you’ll study

The Master of Forensic Science program is designed to be completed in 18 months full-time or three years part-time. During your degree, you'll undertake a range of core forensic science subjects, beginning with a transversal view of the utility and interpretation of forensic traces. You’ll then study specialist skills in fields including chemical criminalistics, biometrics and forensic toxicology.

You'll also complete 24 credit points of professional science stream subjects, building vital career-ready abilities in communication, statistics and data. Your final semester capstone project will see you work collaboratively to develop, manage and complete an industry-relevant research project.

Subjects at a glance

Core subjects

Subject Code	Subject Name
65019	Foundations of Forensic Science
65009	Forensic Inference and Interpretation
65006	Advanced Chemical Criminalistics
65007	Biometrics and Identification Sciences
65010	Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
65035	Forensic Science Capstone Project
68109	Advanced Communication Skills in Science
60117	Understanding Data and Statistical Design

See all subjects and majors in the UTS Handbook

Typical course program

The program outline below shows an example program for the Master of Forensic Science based on a full-time study load. Please note that your exact program may differ depending on your circumstances, such as your commencement date, subject selections and recognition of prior learning.

6

Forensic Science subjects
5 - 8

Professional stream subjects

First year

You’ll begin your learning by completing foundational subjects in both your Forensic Science and Professional Science Streams. You'll learn how to analyse and interpret forensic traces and communicate your findings to a non-scientific audience.
Second year

Through further scenario-based learning, you’ll expand your skills to become a well-rounded professional forensic scientist. In your final semester, you’ll apply your specialised knowledge to collaboratively design and complete a research project to address a problem in forensic science.

First year

You’ll begin your learning by completing foundational subjects in both your Forensic Science and Professional Science Streams. You'll learn how to analyse and interpret forensic traces and communicate your findings to a non-scientific audience.

Second year

Through further scenario-based learning, you’ll expand your skills to become a well-rounded professional forensic scientist. In your final semester, you’ll apply your specialised knowledge to collaboratively design and complete a research project to address a problem in forensic science.

See typical course program in the UTS Handbook

Course highlights

This postgraduate degree is designed to develop your skills in Forensic Science in preparation for senior and leadership roles. This degree is designed to provide you with a complete professional toolkit encompassing science communication, forensic investigation, applied chemistry and more.

Admissions information

This course is designed for aspiring leaders in forensic science, offering a blend of advanced practice and professional skill development. Choose this course for its practical focus, case-based learning, and access to world-class simulation labs.

What sets this course apart is the connection to the UTS Centre for Forensic Science, an opportunity to learn from world leading experts and its alignment with global industry needs. You'll gain hands-on experience, critical thinking skills, and the ability to interpret forensic traces.

You will learn through practical activities in simulated environments. These include our acclaimed Crime Scene Simulation Labs and other professional laboratories stocked with the latest industry-standard equipment. Teaching methods include interactive practical sessions, case studies, complemented by engaging online content and learning spaces. You will learn through direct experience, guided by leading academics and practitioners, ensuring your education is relevant and applied.

Enhance your career with a comprehensive understanding of forensic science and specialised areas such as toxicology, biometrics and criminalistics. Alongside your forensic studies you'll develop advanced communication, data analysis and scientific professional skills. This course prepares you for diverse professional settings and offers pathways to further research opportunities.
Course features
- Forensic Science subjects: Students complete two core subjects (Foundations of Forensic Science and Forensic Inference and Interpretation) designed to help them develop the practical, interpretive and investigative skills required to thrive in a forensic science career. From there, they can shape their degree by building specialist skills in domains of their choosing, from forensic toxicology and recreational drug analysis to biometrics, chemical criminalistics and more.
- Professional subjects: Students complete two core subjects common to many UTS postgraduate science degrees (Advanced Communication Skills in Science and Understanding Data and Statistical Design). They can then customise their remaining professional stream credit points with choices in science writing, risk assessment, business and intellectual property, and more, preparing them to master new ways of working in a diversity of professional environments.
- Research subjects: A research internship elective provides hands-on experience with a real-world forensic science challenge, either within a UTS lab, including the renowned Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research, or with external forensic science and criminal justice organisations, among others. Students also gain exposure to the administrative components of scientific research through additional electives in human and animal research ethics, research proposal writing and more.
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have the following:
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, in chemical sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, human biology, forensic science, or medical science
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
2025 Indicative tuition fees for government-supported domestic students

This course offers a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). This means the Australian Government contributes to your education costs, and you pay the remaining tuition fees, known as the student contribution. If eligible, you can defer payment through HECS-HELP, or you can choose to pay your fees upfront each session.

CSP applications are reviewed continuously by the university and offered based on merit, so we recommend applying early to be considered. Learn more about applying for a CSP, eligibility and key dates.

2025 Tuition Fees
- Indicative first-year tuition fee: $9,314.00
- Indicative Total tuition fee: $14,092.08
Tuition fees are reviewed annually, with any new rates effective from the beginning of each calendar year. The total indicative tuition fee includes estimated annual increases over the duration of the course.

Additional Costs

Your tuition fees do not include:
- The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which supports student services and activities. If eligible, you can defer this fee using SA-HELP.
- Textbooks, materials, and other course-related costs.
- Any applicable payment processing fees (e.g., credit card surcharges).
Important Information
- Fees are shown in Australian Dollars (AUD).
- The indicative tuition fees above are based on full-time study (1 year = 48 credit points).
- Your actual fees depend on the year you enrol, your study load and the subjects you choose. Some subjects fall into different student contribution bands.
- You can calculate your student contribution based on the amounts listed in the student contribution table.
Alumni Advantage Program

As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program.

If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.

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Entry schemes and pathways

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Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

At UTS, we understand the dedication it takes to reach your current position – forging a path through prior study, work, and diverse learning experiences.

Jumbunna Admissions Program

If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.

UTS College

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Changing from another postgraduate course

You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.

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Careers

Your future career

As a graduate of the UTS Master of Forensic Science, you'll have the skillset to adapt and succeed in the evolving forensic science workplace. You'll possess specialised knowledge in forensic science and highly sought after professional communication and scientific skills.

With this in-demand expertise, you'll be ready for a rewarding career in a range of forensics settings, including with state and federal forensics agencies, scientific organisations such as CSIRO and ANSTO, government security agencies or private forensic service providers.

Career options

Where you’ll study

Our world-class facilities support your future-focused learning and high-impact research. They enable effective partnerships with industry and provide services to our community.

See more facilities

Female and male students in white lab coats working on science demonstration in UTS Super Lab. — Conduct breakthrough research in the Super Lab.

UTS Central, Building 2, CB02, Tower, Building 1, CB01, Building 10 at day. — Our campus is a base for your academic, professional and social life.

UTS library Reading room. — Find your perfect study spot and enjoy the quiet away from the campus bustle.

Why UTS?

Why study Science and Mathematics at UTS

With a science and maths degree at UTS, you'll learn how to answer the big questions of tomorrow and make a positive social impact. We offer practical, relevant and innovative programs that enable you to work across multiple fields.

Study in world-class facilities, including Australia's first Super Lab, and look for trace in our forensic crime scene labs or explore speciality maths, computing, and quantum physics facilities stocked with the latest industry equipment.