The University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), in association with the Australian Federal Police (AFP), have collaborated to form the National Centre for Forensic Studies. The Centre brings together many forensic science disciplines, including biology, chemistry, crime scene investigation, toxicology, and computer forensics.  In addition, emerging areas of forensic science in which we are engaged include environmental forensic chemistry (such as the detection of waste sources in waterways) and wildlife forensics (to assist law enforcement in investigating the trafficking of endangered species).

The University of Canberra’s strong link with the AFP Forensic Services area ensures that the courses are relevant to the industry and informed by recent advances in forensic science.  Our students have the opportunity to undertake Honours and postgraduate projects in collaboration with the AFP, as well as with other accredited forensic-oriented industry partners.

The University of Canberra course is for students who are looking for a career as laboratory scientists, rather than for those who wish to work as field investigators (eg. crime scene examiners).  The course includes a mixture of specific forensic-related subjects and broader human biology subjects.  This combination means that a graduate is not restricted to work in a forensic laboratory, but can handle a wide range of life sciences-based laboratory occupations.

A double degree is also available for people who wish to practise as lawyers with a sound knowledge of forensic science (or as scientists with a sound knowledge of law!).