The Graduate Certificate in Criminal Investigation is designed for professionals (lawyers, police and others) working in the justice system.

The course provides an advanced understanding of the law of evidence and business law in an applied investigative context, as well as introducing students to a variety of forensic science disciplines. It assumes some working knowledge of the law, but by commencing from first principles breaks down misconceptions and builds from that base.

Students will find the course intellectually challenging and of immediate and ongoing practical relevance, leading to an improvement in the rigour of evidence gathering and criminal prosecutions in a commercial context. This course is unique in that it offers an advanced tertiary level understanding of the law of evidence and business law in an applied manner, drawing upon the practical experience of lecturers and students.

There is opportunity for reflection both during the course and following return to the working environment. Assessment will take place both during and after the face-to-face teaching component.The admission criteria will recognise the applicant's professional experience as well as formal qualifications. Successful completion of this course will allow suitably qualified students to continue their postgraduate studies through the completion of a Graduate Diploma, master’s or PhD.

Course outline

The Graduate Certificate in Criminal Investigation comprises:

• FNSC8501 Evidence in Investigations 1
• FNSC8502 Evidence in Investigations 2
• FNSC8507 Contemporary Issues in Investigation Management
• FNSC8508 Introduction to Forensic Science

Course Structure

The course will be offered intensively to allow students to remove themselves from the working environment and immerse themselves fully in the course. FNSC8501 and FNSC8502 will be taught concurrently over a three-week period, on a full-time basis. FNSC8507 and FNSC8508 will be taught across separate blocks of three or four weekends.

Credit for prior learning

If you have completed a similar subject – for example, Introduction to Forensic Science – at another university, providing it was passed as part of an equivalent postgraduate course, you may apply for a credit for that unit. If you completed a similar unit as part of an undergraduate degree, you will not be granted an exemption.

Admission requirements

You will need to have either a recognised bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; or qualifications and experience in a relevant field that are considered to be equivalent to the degree specified above.

All applicants are also required to produce a National Criminal Record History Check (no more than 12 months old).

You must submit proof of Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian Permanent Residence (PR) status with your application.

English Language Competence

All applicants for UWA coursework programs must demonstrate a minimum level of English Language Competence.

Course enquiries

Administrative Officer, Centre for Forensic Science

Phone: (+61 8) 6488 7286
Email: enq-cfs@uwa.edu.au

Course co-ordinator
A/Prof Judith Fordham