Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science)

The UWS Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) degree, with its very own Crime Scene House, is a comprehensive undergraduate science degree that offers a hands-on introduction to collecting evidence and conducting investigations – ensuring graduates are well prepared for the real-life equivalent. A number of recent students now work as Scene of Crime Officers for the NSW Police Force.

Criminalistics (the practical application of forensic investigation) often adopts more novel scientific practices and provides valuable linkage evidence to forensic cases. You will engage in a range of criminalistic topics including forensic photography, hair and fibre comparison, footwear and tyre impression evidence, fingerprinting, blood spatter interpretation, tool mark examination, biological evidence, drug identification, DNA analysis, explosive residues, GSR (Gun Shot Residue), and buried evidence.

The practical aspects of the Crime Scene House are blended with solid theory, balancing and integrating both laboratory and field-based work. You will benefit from a range of learning strategies, including theoretical concepts associated with science, forensic science, law and criminology – all under the guidance of our academic staff, whose lengthy forensic backgrounds offer reassuring real-world experience. What’s more, the course is supported by an External Advisory Committee consisting of leading forensic science practitioners, including state and federal law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories.

Places within the Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science) are limited and highly competitive, so students interested in this area of study may, as an alternative, complete a major in Forensic Science within the Bachelor of Science.

Practical Experience

The Crime Scene House at the Hawkesbury campus enables you  to practise realistic crime scene investigation. You will gain an understanding of critical aspects of forensic investigation by processing crime scenes, including evidence collection and integrity, fingerprinting, footwear impression evidence, blood stain pattern interpretation, DNA collection, drug sampling, tool mark evidence, scene sketching and crime scene photography.

A range of forensic case studies provides you with access to physical evidence exhibits, and introduces you to the realities of a forensic science case. You will develop professional skills and practices, including evidence handling and integrity, using an evidence exhibit registry, case file management and preparation, accreditation requirements, court presentation, using contemporaneous notes, report writing, and writing police/expert statements.

A Career in Forensic Science

Thanks to exciting advances in science and technology, and a growing community awareness of forensics, the reliance on forensic evidence in criminal investigations has greatly increased in recent years. As a graduate of the UWS Forensic Science degree, you'll be well equipped to work within a range of forensic and other scientific disciplines for employers such as:

• Australian Federal Police (AFP), NSW Police, and all other State and Territory police services
• Customs
• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
• WorkCover
• Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS)
• State and Commonwealth health departments
• Government analytical chemical laboratories

• forensic scientists
• crime scene investigator
• private investigator
• forensic consultant
• drug analyst
• environmental investigator
• police officer
• drug tester in human and animal sports
• forensic researcher
• academic

Because of the wide skill base offered in this degree, graduates can also work in analytical chemistry and microbiology laboratories, quality control and assurance, biochemistry and molecular biology, scientific research, education, and the chemical industry.

How to Apply

All domestic applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (opens in a new window). Step by step instructions are available on the Apply Now pages.

All international applications for entry to UWS undergraduate courses must be made via the International Student Admission Application form. Step by step instructions are available on the International Admissions pages.