Bachelor of Forensic Science Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Technology Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Forensic Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a five-year dual degree that combines advanced scientific investigation with comprehensive legal education, preparing students for careers where science, criminal justice, and law intersect. The program is ideal for students interested in forensic analysis, criminal investigations, evidence interpretation, and legal practice within justice, government, and scientific sectors. Campuses: City Campus (Ultimo, Sydney), Moore Park Campus (Sydney), Botany Campus (Sydney), and Kuring-gai Campus (Sydney) – New South Wales, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish a foundation in scientific principles and legal systems. Subjects such as Introduction to Forensic Science, Chemistry and Physics for Life Sciences, and Scientific Perspectives for Global Issues are studied alongside Foundations of Law and Legal Method and Research, helping students develop analytical thinking and legal reasoning skills.

Year 2

The second year introduces forensic investigation techniques and core areas of law. Students study subjects including Crime Scene Investigation, Biological Foundations of Forensic Science, and Data Analysis in Forensic Science while also undertaking Contract Law and Torts, learning how scientific evidence operates within legal frameworks.

Year 3

In the third year, students deepen their expertise in forensic technologies and criminal justice systems. Subjects such as Forensic Imaging, Forensic Intelligence, and Molecular Biology are paired with Criminal Law and Constitutional Law, allowing students to understand both scientific procedures and legal processes.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced forensic applications, regulation, and professional legal practice. Students undertake Forensic Toxicology, Advanced Crime Scene Analysis, and Forensic Ethics, alongside Evidence, Administrative Law, and Corporate Law, strengthening their investigative and advocacy capabilities.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level legal study and advanced forensic projects. Subjects such as Dispute Resolution, Equity, and Forensic Research Project enable students to integrate scientific investigation, legal analysis, and professional problem-solving within complex criminal and regulatory environments.

Focus Areas

Forensic Investigation, Crime Scene Analysis, Criminal Justice, Forensic Biology, Toxicology, Digital Forensics, Evidence Law, Criminal Law, Scientific Research, Legal Advocacy, Regulatory Compliance, Investigative Technologies

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced forensic investigation skills, analyse scientific evidence within legal contexts, apply criminal and evidence law principles, conduct professional forensic research, evaluate ethical and regulatory issues, and communicate scientific findings effectively in legal and investigative environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW), satisfying the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. The forensic science component aligns with professional scientific and investigative industry standards relevant to forensic laboratories, policing, and criminal justice sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UTS is recognised globally for industry-focused education and practical learning, with strong graduate employability outcomes across science, forensic investigation, and legal disciplines. The university consistently ranks among the world’s leading young universities in the QS World University Rankings and is highly regarded for its innovation-driven teaching approach.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Forensic Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) gain extensive practical experience through laboratory investigations, crime-scene simulation activities, scientific analysis, and legal case-based learning. The program combines hands-on forensic science training with professional legal education, giving students access to advanced scientific laboratories, digital investigative technologies, legal research tools, and interdisciplinary projects that reflect real-world criminal justice and forensic environments. Through industry-linked learning, students develop both technical scientific expertise and professional legal reasoning skills, preparing them for careers across forensic investigation, criminal law, cybersecurity, and regulatory science sectors:

Forensic Science Laboratories: Students work in specialised forensic laboratories equipped for DNA analysis, toxicology, chemical analysis, microscopy, and forensic biology investigations.
Crime Scene Simulation Training: Practical crime-scene investigation exercises allow students to collect evidence, analyse forensic material, and apply legal procedures in simulated investigative environments.
Legal Skills Development: Law students participate in mooting, legal research activities, case analysis, and advocacy exercises integrated throughout the degree.
Digital Forensic Technologies: Students may use scientific and investigative software for forensic data analysis, evidence management, and digital investigation practices.
Scientific Research Facilities: Access to advanced UTS science research laboratories supports practical experimentation and forensic research projects.
Collaborative Group Projects: Students complete interdisciplinary projects combining forensic investigation, legal analysis, scientific reporting, and courtroom-style presentation skills.
Industry Engagement: UTS maintains strong connections with forensic laboratories, criminal justice agencies, scientific organisations, and legal institutions to support internships and professional networking opportunities.
Moot Courts & Legal Practice Facilities: Students gain practical legal training through simulated courtrooms and professional advocacy environments.
UTS Library & Digital Resources: Students have access to extensive scientific journals, legal databases, forensic research materials, and digital academic resources supporting both disciplines.
Research Institutes & Innovation Centres: Students benefit from UTS research strengths in science, technology, criminal justice, and interdisciplinary legal studies.
Work-Integrated Learning: Practical learning activities may include laboratory projects, scientific investigations, legal clinics, and industry-based case studies embedded throughout the program.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Forensic Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) graduate with an exceptional combination of scientific investigation skills and legal expertise, preparing them for careers across criminal justice, forensic analysis, regulatory investigation, and legal practice. The program equips students to work at the intersection of science and law, where evidence evaluation, forensic technologies, and legal procedures are increasingly important in modern justice systems. Typical career pathways include forensic analyst, criminal lawyer, forensic consultant, intelligence officer, compliance investigator, and legal adviser in forensic and investigative sectors:

UTS Careers Service & Employability Programs: Students receive personalised career mentoring, graduate employability workshops, forensic industry networking opportunities, internship preparation, and professional development support through UTS Careers.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: According to QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (Australia), graduates in forensic science and law achieve strong employment outcomes across forensic laboratories, government agencies, policing organisations, legal services, intelligence units, and regulatory sectors.
Indicative Salary Outcomes: Graduates in Australia commonly begin with salaries around AUD $75,000–$100,000, while experienced professionals in forensic investigation, criminal law, intelligence analysis, and regulatory compliance may progress to AUD $120,000–$180,000+ depending on expertise and sector.
University–Industry Partnerships: UTS collaborates with forensic laboratories, criminal justice agencies, government investigative bodies, policing organisations, healthcare institutions, and leading Australian law firms to support practical learning and industry engagement.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component satisfies the academic requirements prescribed by the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW) for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia after Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop advanced expertise in forensic investigation, evidence analysis, legal reasoning, courtroom procedures, scientific reporting, criminal justice systems, and ethical decision-making.
Practical Investigative Learning: Students engage in laboratory-based forensic training, crime scene investigation simulations, legal case analysis, scientific research projects, and interdisciplinary investigative exercises integrated throughout the degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in Australia. Graduates may also continue with postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Forensic Science, Master of Criminology, Master of Cybersecurity, Master of Public Health, Master of Criminal Justice, or PhD research in forensic science, criminal law, forensic pathology, or investigative technologies.