Seven Australian universities feature in the world’s top 100 universities, making it one of the global pioneers in international education. A Master in Forensic Science in Australia is one of the leading degrees in this niche scientific field. It allows students to practice advanced forensic science while acquiring professional and research skills at high levels.
Popular culture often depicts forensic science as a field that helps solve crimes. However, it is much more complicated and intriguing than that, encompassing biology, physics, psychology, and chemistry. The forensic scientist is responsible for examining crime scenes, collecting evidence, and processing that evidence for helpful information, such as fingerprints and hair follicles. This evidence may help solve crimes, identify suspects, and future legal proceedings.
Eligibility and How to Apply for Forensic Science in Australia
Following is the eligibility to master forensic science in Australia.
The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree, an equivalent degree, or other evidence of general and professional qualifications demonstrating the potential to pursue graduate studies.
The course is open to students with a bachelor’s, master’s, graduate diploma, and graduate certificate qualification in chemical sciences, biochemistry and cell biology, human biology, forensic science, or medical science.
International students and local applicants with international qualifications must meet any of the following English proficiency for doing a master’s in forensic science in Australia requirements:
Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0;
TOEFL: paper-based: 550-583 overall with a TWE of 4.5,
TOEFL internet-based: 79-93 all-around with a writing score of 21;
Being eligible for a master’s in forensic science in Australia admission does not guarantee you a place.
International students must enroll full-time and on campus to receive an Australian student visa. Regulations for Australian student visas also require international students to complete their courses within the standard full-time period. Only exceptional circumstances allow students to extend their studies.
Top 5 Universities in Australia for Forensic Science Courses
Listed below are the top universities where one can do a master’s in forensic science in Australia.
Masters of Forensic Science (Professional Practice and Research)
Two Years (part-time or Full time, both available)
Specializations
A master’s degree in forensic science will specialize the students in the following domains.
Forensic
Crime
Investigative Techniques
DNA isolation
DNA profiling
Forensic ballistics
Fingerprints and Impressions
Forensic Photography
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic Pharmacology
Forensic Biology
Forensic Physics
Forensic Serology
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic Photography
Dissertation
Scope of Forensic Science
There are various career opportunities in forensic science, both in the private and government sectors.
In addition to working in the Police Department, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Intelligence Bureau, graduates with a master’s degree in forensic science also work in state police forces.
Forensic Science experts can also earn a living by teaching. One must study the subject in depth to teach about this field in college.
Forensic Science experts are in high demand worldwide. This field could be more popular among students.
Academic Cycle in Forensic Science
Master’s degree in forensic science program involves the application of scientific knowledge to crime investigation over three years (part-time) or one year (full-time). The students can take these courses on-campus or online from top Australian universities. The Forensic Science degree focuses mainly on crime-lab-related careers.
The Forensic Science Syllabus’s essential components are Forensic Pathology, Psychiatry, Psychology, Forensic Medicine, and Odontology.
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Cost of attendance in Australian Universities
The cost of attendance (COA) is the sum of a college’s estimated expenses for one year, such as tuition, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and loan fees.
A student’s school’s cost of attendance determines the number of grants and loans awarded.
Masters in forensic science in Australia fees are among the most affordable in the world.
The quality of academic education is exceptional, and the qualifications are globally recognized.
Smaller cities and suburbs in Australia have lower tuition fees than larger cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
To fully understand the costs of attendance in an Australian university, the students should understand the units they follow.
Units: Masters in forensic science in Australian universities charge students per unit. There are 24 units in a standard academic year (12 units per semester). The term “full-time student” refers to students who take more than nine units a semester.
Cost of Living in Australia for Students
It is always a concern for students before they move to Australia for a university that they will have to pay for living expenses there.
A student’s lifestyle preferences and choices will affect the cost of living. Students’ monthly living expenses, which include food, housing, social activities, utilities, etc., range from AUD 1,400 to AUD 2,500. Australia’s most expensive cities include Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
Accommodation Type
Average Monthly Rent
Apartment
AUD 750- AUD 1,700
Shared Apartment
AUD 850
Homestays
AUD 450- AUD 1,200
Residence Halls
AUD 440- AUD 1,100
Top Recruiters in Forensic Science Worldwide
Listed below are some of the top recruiters in the forensic science field.
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Boeing
US Navy
US Air Force
US Army
Department of Veterans Affairs
Verizon
ExamOne, A quest Diagnostics Company
Wells Fargo
BNY Mellon
Accenture
Career Prospects of Forensic Science
The following table lists some career aspects of the forensic science industry.
Company Name
Average Annual Salary
Forensic Scientists
INR 3,41,181
Forensic Analysts
INR 5,57,246
Private Investigator
INR 2,69,071
Forensic Science Technician
INR 2,33,446
Forensic Manager
INR 8,50,931
Conclusion
Forensic scientists analyze evidence using scientific techniques to solve crimes. These experts can analyze various evidence, including ballistics, drugs, blood and tissue samples, and poisons. Forensic scientists sometimes work in the field, gathering evidence from crime scenes. In contrast, people who work in the lab will analyze the collected information.
You may be a good candidate for becoming a Forensic Scientist if you are curious, analytical, and passionate about science. And doing a master’s in forensic science in Australia will be an added value to the degree you pursue. Pick a university from the above-stated list and put your ambition into action.
Firstly, field officers visit the crime scene to gather physical evidence related to the crime. As well as documenting the scene, they also record it with photographs and videos: a laboratory officer analyses and tests the evidence collected by a field officer.
In Australia, what do forensic scientists do?
To detect poisons and drugs, they often perform biological analyses. Besides writing reports on their findings, the government may require forensic scientists to testify in court or train police officers to collect evidence from crime scenes.
Among forensic evidence, what is most commonly used?
The fingerprint. The fingerprint is the most common forensic evidence among all types of investigations. Latent, patent and plastic fingerprints are the three types that forensic investigators look for.
Which tool is most important to a forensic investigation?
Forensic sciences depend on microscopy. Since virtually all traces, scientists must analyze the evidence through the following: Polarised light microscopy Scanning electron microscopy X-ray spectroscopy Infrared microspectroscopy
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.