Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science
Course code/s: SPFS - Melbourne
Coordinator: Professor Roger Parish
Enquiries: (03) 9479 2228
This two-year part-time course is designed for science graduates interested in forensic science careers and for practising forensic scientists to upgrade their qualifications and/or to obtain recognition of their expertise.
The program introduces the fundamentals of forensic science and its practice at the crime scene, in the laboratory and in the courts, along with the importance of the interaction between these major elements.
Admission requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed a science degree with at least first year credits in both biology and chemistry. The Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science has an intake of approximately 20–25 students biennially.
Course structure
The duration of the Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic Science is two years part-time, with contact hours occurring on two evenings per week during both semesters. The course requires the successful completion of 120 credit points. The course is designed to introduce students to advanced methods in forensic science, and includes both coursework and research project components. The course structure is given below:
First year (60 credit points)
Semester 1 (Core subjects – 30 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM1 | Experts and the Legal System | FSC4EXL | 10 |
| TE-SEM1 | Basic Concepts in Forensic Science and Identification Sciences | FSC4FSB | 15 |
| TE-SEM1 | Principles of Forensic Science | FSC4PRN | 5 |
Semester 2 (Elective subjects – 30 credit points. Students to select one of the following)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-2 | Forensic Biology | FSC4BIO | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Forensic Criminalistics and Drugs | FSC4FCD | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Identification Sciences and Physical Evidence for Forensic Science | FSC4ID | 30 |
Second year (60 credit points)
| Teaching period | Subject name | Subject code | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Project and Moot Court for Forensic Science | FSC4MOA | 30 |
| TE-SEM-2 | Project and Moot Court for Forensic Science | FSC4MOB | 30 |