Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science (3742)

  • Approved Abbreviation: GradDipForSc
  • Western Sydney University Program Code: 3742
  • AQF Level: 8

This program applies to students who commenced in University of Florida, Term 3 2021 or later.

Students should follow the program structure for the session start date relevant to the year they commenced.

Commencement Year 2017 - 3742.1 Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science

The program is designed for applicants who need advanced level knowledge across a range of forensic disciplines including crime scene investigation, fingerprint detection and identification, forensic chemistry, forensic biology, forensic toxicology, illicit drug analysis, and forensic medicine. The fully-online nature of the subjects and the flexibility available with subject selection means that the program can be adapted to suit applicants working or intending to work in areas that include forensic science laboratories, toxicology and pathology laboratories, drug assessment agencies, customs and border protection, law enforcement, and areas related to national security.

  • This program is part of a collaborative education partnership with the University of Florida and the University of Lausanne.

Early Exit

Students may exit this program on completion of 40 credit points with a 3743 Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science

Study Mode

One year full-time or two years part-time.

Program Advice

science@westernsydney.edu.au

Prospective students should visit the following websites for general enquiries about this program.

Enquire about this program| Local Admission | International Admission |

Location

Campus Attendance Mode Advice
Online Full Time Online See above
Online Part Time Online See above

Admission

Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in natural or physical sciences.

It is recommended that applicants have completed chemistry and biology subjects in their undergraduate degree

Applicants seeking admission on the basis of work experience must support their application with a Statement of Service for all work experience listed on the application. 

Statement of Service form

Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas must be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).  Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University.  Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local and International applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

http://www.uac.edu.au/
https://westernsydney.uac.edu.au/ws/

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Program Structure

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points including the subjects listed below.

Students may exit with a Graduate Certificate (40 credit points) on completion of the relevant subjects. Refer to link below for structure requirements for this exit award.

Graduate Certificate in Forensic Science

Subject Title Credit Points
Compulsory subject (10 credit points)
NATS 5001Crime Scene Investigation (PG)10
Subject Title Credit Points
Select at least 20 credit points of the following:20
Advanced Criminalistics
Biological Agents 1
Environmental Forensics 1
Environmental Forensics 2
Explosives
Fingerprint Detection and Identification
Forensic Research 1
Forensic Research 2
Total Credit Points20
Subject Title Credit Points
Select the remaining credit points from:50
Biological Agents 2
Blood Distribution and Spatter
Drug Biotransformation and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxicity
Forensic Analysis of DNA
Forensic Analysis of DNA 2
Forensic Anthropology (PG)
Forensic Digital Imaging
Forensic Genetics
Forensic Immunology
Forensic Medicine I
Forensic Medicine II
Forensic Toxicology I
Forensic Toxicology II
General Toxicology
Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs of Abuse
Natural Medicinal Products
Pharmaceutical Analysis
Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry
Toxic Substances
Toxicology of Chemical Weapons
Total Credit Points50
Subject Title Credit Points
Overall Total Credit Points80

Equivalent Subjects

The subjects listed below count towards completion of this program for students who passed these subjects in 2017 or earlier. 

NATS 7021 - Forensic Entomology