University of Technology Sydney
Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science
- Sydney, Australia
- Shanghai, China
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Feb 2027
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Master of Philosophy in Forensic Science programme at the University of Technology Sydney develops forensic practice in crime‑scene and laboratory disciplines. Year 1 covers compulsory and elective subjects and units in project and laboratory management, scientific communication and ethics. Year 2 is a substantial research project and can lead to PhD entry. Keywords: forensic science, DNA, toxicology, trace evidence,
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work with policing, ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs, immigration and private forensic agencies. Roles include criminalist, DNA specialist, forensic toxicologist, scene‑of‑crime officer, fingerprint analyst and investigations team leader; graduates may also enter research or PhD study.
This course is designed to expand students' knowledge and practice of forensic science alongside developing science management and leadership capabilities, culminating in a substantial research project in Year 2. The course contains compulsory core and elective practice-focused forensic science subjects across a range of disciplines from the crime scene to the laboratory. Professional subjects covering a range of skills crucial to all professional scientists – such as project and laboratory management, advanced scientific communication, ethics, innovation and science business models – complete Year 1. Year 2 comprises a substantial research component, giving students an opportunity to undertake original, cutting-edge research. For students with suitable achievement levels, this provides a direct pathway to the UTS PhD program.
The course aims to produce adaptable forensic scientists who are proficient with modern professional practice and technology, and have strong general professional skills such as scientific communication, critical analysis, and project management. With a substantial research component, students develop their research skills, which can be utilised either in industry R&D or as the initial foundations of a research career.
Depending on the area of specialisation, graduates may pursue employment with organisations such as the Australian Federal Police, state policing agencies, ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs, immigration, and private forensic agencies. Career options include criminalist, trace evidence specialist, forensic toxicologist, DNA specialist, scene-of-crime officer, team leader in investigations, fire investigator, fingerprint analyst. Graduates may also proceed to a career in research through entry to a PhD.
Depending on the area of specialisation, graduates may pursue employment with organisations such as the Australian Federal Police, state policing agencies, ASIO, CSIRO, ANSTO, customs, immigration, and private forensic agencies. Career options include criminalist, trace evidence specialist, forensic toxicologist, DNA specialist, scene-of-crime officer, team leader in investigations, fire investigator, fingerprint analyst. Graduates may also proceed to a career in research through entry to a PhD.
