ObjectivesThe Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) course, designed for high-achieving students, aims to provide formal training in the skills and techniques essential to modern forensic science, including the examination and presentation of scientific evidence to solve crimes. Normally an overall level of academic performance at 65% or greater in level 3 units within the Bachelor of Forensic Science is required to be eligible to join the honours program.
Entry requirementsNormally students must have an overall level of academic performance at 65% or greater in level 3 units of the Bachelor of Forensic Science or equivalent in order to apply for the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) degree.
Academic titleBachelor of Forensic Science (Honours)
Course descriptionFees and charges
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
Commonwealth supported place (CSP)
A Commonwealth supported place is one for which the university receives some government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute only part of the cost of their course. To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place you must be an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your unit/s of study. All Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa will receive a Student Learning Entitlement (SLE). The SLE entitles a student to the equivalent of 7 years of full time study in a Commonwealth supported place.
* The "indicative annual course fee" cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2009, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2009 can be viewed at http://www.deakin.edu.au/current-students/handbooks2009/search.php.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on "indicative course fees" to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Career opportunities
A Forensic Science degree is a great way for you to start a career in science. In addition to the normal wide range of job opportunities, this degree sharpens your communication skills and opens new doors into fields such as risk analysis, insurance investigation, and, of course, forensic science.
Course rules
To be awarded a Bachelor of Forensic Science, (Honours) students must complete a total of 8 credit points. The course may be completed by full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Course structure
Students must complete the following core units:
Year 1
Trimester 1
SBF415 Advanced Topics in Forensic Science A
SBF416 Honours Research Thesis A
Trimester 2
SBF419 Advanced Topics in Forensic Science B
SBF420 Honours Research Thesis B
Note: All units consist of 2 credit points.
Admission requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to undergraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.
In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Admission requirements - specific
Normally students must have an overall level of academic performance at 65% or greater in level 3 units of the Bachelor ofForensic Science or equivalent in order to apply for the Bachelor of Forensic Science (Honours) degree.
Advanced standing - general
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 Advanced Standing System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
How to apply
Applications for off-campus study must be made directly to the university through the Applicant Portal referring to closing dates for applications as dates for particular courses may vary.
Your faculty may require further information from you when submitting your application. Please refer to the faculty information website for further details.