Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Forensic Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Forensic Science at Murdoch University is a specialist double degree that combines legal training with scientific methods used in criminal investigations and evidence analysis. It is designed for students who are interested in both the justice system and forensic science, particularly how scientific evidence is used in courts and criminal investigations.
Campus Location: Murdoch University, Perth Campus, Western Australia

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and forensic science. You are introduced to core legal principles through units similar to Foundations of Law and Criminal Law, while also beginning forensic studies through introductory science units covering biology, chemistry, and crime scene fundamentals. This year focuses on developing scientific thinking, legal reasoning, and an understanding of how both disciplines connect in real-world justice settings.

Year 2:
Year 2 expands into more specialised study with legal units such as Torts Law and Contract Law, alongside forensic science subjects involving laboratory techniques and evidence analysis. Students begin learning how forensic data is collected, preserved, and interpreted, while also strengthening legal writing and case analysis skills. Practical lab-based learning becomes more prominent at this stage.

Year 3:
In Year 3, students move into advanced legal study and forensic application, including areas such as Criminal Law Principles, Evidence and Procedure, and forensic-focused subjects involving forensic biology, chemistry, or crime scene investigation techniques. This year connects scientific findings with legal processes, particularly how forensic evidence is used in criminal trials and investigations.

Year 4:
The fourth year focuses on advanced integration of law and forensic science. Students study more complex legal areas such as Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure, while also engaging in specialised forensic units involving laboratory analysis, forensic reporting, and case-based investigation work. Students gain hands-on experience interpreting evidence in simulated or applied justice environments.

Year 5:
In the final year, students complete advanced electives and capstone-style units such as Mooting and Advocacy alongside a Forensic Science Research Project or applied investigation-based learning. This year emphasises professional readiness, combining courtroom advocacy skills with scientific reporting and evidence interpretation in real-world legal contexts.

Focus Areas:

Law, forensic science, criminal justice, evidence analysis, crime scene investigation, legal reasoning, laboratory techniques, criminal procedure, scientific reporting.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to apply legal principles, analyse forensic evidence, conduct scientific investigations, interpret criminal data, and communicate findings effectively in legal and scientific environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), supporting the academic pathway toward admission to legal practice in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Murdoch University is internationally recognised and listed in major global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong teaching quality, industry engagement, and graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Forensic Science at Murdoch University is built around hands-on learning where students apply legal reasoning and scientific investigation skills to real-world criminal and justice scenarios. You won’t just study theory—you’ll actively work with forensic techniques, legal case analysis, and problem-solving tasks that mirror what professionals do in courts, laboratories, and investigative environments. The program integrates science labs, legal training experiences, and industry-informed learning to ensure graduates are ready for both courtroom and forensic workplace settings:

Forensic Science Laboratories: Access specialised laboratory spaces where students conduct evidence analysis, forensic testing, and scientific investigations using industry-standard forensic methods.
Crime Scene Simulation Activities: Participate in practical forensic investigations where evidence collection, documentation, and analysis are applied in realistic crime scenarios.
Legal Problem-Solving Workshops: Develop legal reasoning skills through case-based learning activities, where students analyse criminal cases and apply laws in structured legal arguments.
Mooting & Advocacy Training: Build courtroom confidence through simulated court exercises, strengthening legal argumentation, presentation, and litigation skills.
Scientific Data Analysis Tools: Use digital tools and forensic software for interpreting evidence, analysing data, and supporting scientific conclusions in criminal investigations.
Group Investigation Projects: Work collaboratively on interdisciplinary projects combining law and forensic science to solve complex criminal justice problems.
Criminology & Justice Research Units: Engage in research-based learning using academic databases and justice datasets to study crime trends, behaviour, and policy responses.
Industry-Informed Learning: Curriculum is designed with input from legal and forensic professionals to ensure students learn current investigative and legal practices.
Murdoch University Library & Legal Resources: Access extensive legal databases, scientific journals, and research collections to support both forensic and legal studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Forensic Science at Murdoch University prepares graduates for careers that combine legal expertise with scientific investigation and evidence analysis. This unique combination positions you for work in criminal justice, forensic laboratories, government regulatory bodies, and legal practice where scientific evidence plays a key role in decision-making. Typical career pathways include Forensic Scientist, Criminal Lawyer, Crime Analyst, and Legal or Investigative Advisor:

This degree is especially valuable in modern justice systems where science and law work together to solve complex cases and support fair legal outcomes:

Career Support Services: Murdoch University’s Careers and Employability team provides access to the myMurdoch Career Portal, employer networking events, internship opportunities, CV and interview preparation, and personalised career coaching to help students transition into professional roles.
Industry & Forensic Learning Links: Students gain exposure to applied learning environments that integrate legal education with forensic science practice, including case-based learning, laboratory analysis training, and justice-sector aligned projects.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), supporting eligibility for admission to legal practice, while forensic science training builds strong foundations for work in scientific and investigative fields.
Graduation Outcomes & Skill Development: Graduates develop strong legal reasoning, forensic analysis skills, evidence interpretation abilities, research capability, and report writing skills through laboratory work, legal study, and applied criminal justice projects.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Range: Graduates typically enter roles in forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies, legal practice, government departments, and investigative services, with starting salaries generally around AUD $65,000–$95,000 per year, with higher earning potential in specialised forensic or legal careers as experience increases.
Long-Term Career Value: This double degree is highly relevant in modern justice systems where forensic science is increasingly used in courts, investigations, and policy decisions, ensuring strong long-term demand for graduates across both legal and scientific industries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, graduates may pursue Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. They can also continue with postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Forensic Science, Master of Criminology, or specialised qualifications in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, or criminal justice. For those interested in research or advanced expertise, progression into a PhD provides opportunities in forensic science innovation, legal research, and criminal justice policy development.