Become a crime scene expert by studying the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology, a double degree that trains you to piece together the many facets of crime, from understanding motives to unlocking hidden details in evidence.

Want to pursue a combined course that gives you a distinct career advantage in forensic science or the justice system?

Understanding the nature of crime and the motivations behind criminal behaviour is a sought-after skill. The ability to use scientific evidence to solve crimes is equally in demand.

Combining both skills makes you far more employable and lets you see crime through multiple lenses, so you can perform your role at a much higher level.

Led by a team of highly experienced criminology and forensic science experts, the Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology gives you a glimpse into the minds of criminals, while training you to confidently examine, interpret and present forensic evidence.

This combined course draws from both arts and science disciplines. It’s designed to give you a broad appreciation of the professional, social, economic and cultural contexts of why crimes are committed and teaches you how to examine evidence using modern forensic analysis techniques.

In the forensic science stream you can specialise in either forensic biology or forensic chemistry. Depending on your major, you'll cover a range of disciplines including:

• decomposition
• toxicology
• arson and explosives investigations
• analysis of illicit drugs
• DNA analysis
• blood spatter pattern analysis
• entomology.

Our purpose-built crime scene facility lets you apply the theory you learn in the classroom in a simulated crime scene environment. Search for evidence, conduct forensic analysis and get hands-on training taking an investigation from the crime scene to the courtroom.

In the criminology stream, you’ll explore topics that are crucial to the prevention of crime, such as cyber security, surveillance, anti-terrorism and policing. Learn about the historical repercussions, technological developments and media representations of crime and the desirable outcomes of criminal justice processes. Get hands-on experience with our work-integrated learning opportunities, which allow you to bridge theory with practice and gain insight into how the study of criminology applies across different industries and sectors. You can even take your learning overseas and gain a global perspective on how other countries approach criminology.

Our course is designed in conjunction with professional bodies including Victoria Police and the Australian Crime Commission. This means you’ll develop the skills in demand by employers and graduate ready to tackle criminal justice issues in fields including:

• anti-corruption agencies
• correctional services
• community services
• crime prevention agencies
• intelligence agencies
• law enforcement
• local, state and federal government
• private security industries
• state and federal police.

Units in the course may include assessment hurdle requirements.

This combined course gives you a competitive edge in the fields of criminology, forensic science and forensic criminology. Your strong understanding of both the criminal justice system and forensic science prepares you to thrive in a variety of roles including:

• forensic scientist
• research scientist
• insurance investigator
• crime prevention officer
• cyber security specialist
• intelligence analyst
• risk assessment officer
• state and federal policing.