Forensic Medicine - M6009
Master's degree
In this course, you will gain advanced expertise and specialised knowledge enabling you to become highly sought after in the forensic medical or science fields. Building on your qualification in medicine, biomedical science or radiography, you will be able to apply your knowledge in the interests of justice.
You will learn to:
- make high level, independent judgements in the forensic setting;
- gain sound knowledge of medico-legal principles;
- gain the skills to clearly communicate medico-legal issues to the justice system; prepare effective and objective medico-legal reports;
- critically evaluate the ethical and legal issues arising in forensic medical practice, and
- interpret wounds and injury patterns.
You will develop a range of skills to equip you with the necessary attributes to work in the fields of forensic medicine or science within the parameters of the justice system.
The guiding philosophy of this course is to establish robust academic standards in the practice of clinical forensic medicine and forensic medical science.
We aim to equip you with a sound knowledge of medico-legal principles and to develop your skills in providing forensic medical and scientific services to the community.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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|---|---|
| Note: | Studies are primarily completed online. However, please note that you will be required to attend two-day compulsory workshops for each unit which are held onsite at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Melbourne. Face-to-face workshops for students supported by an Australia Awards Scholarship or a Philippine CHED Scholarship will be delivered in the Philippines This course is available to:
The course is NOT available to International Students currently in Australia on a Student Visa, or International students living and studying offshore (except those noted above*). |
Duration |
Note: The full-time offering of this course is only available to Philippine students who have been granted an Australia Award Scholarship or Philippine CHED Scholarship. |
Start date |
First Semester (February). Full time and part time Second Semester (July). Part time only |
Qualification |
Master of Forensic Medicine |
This course has two specialisations:
Please select a specialisation for more details:
Learn from Australia’s best forensic practitioners
From solving the mystery of Ned Kelly's remains to disaster victim identification in the Black Saturday bushfires, you'll be taught by Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine staff who have used their expertise in major cases.
Advance your forensic expertise
“The Master of Forensic Medicine has made me a better practitioner and the knowledge and skills I've developed allowed me to be involved in advanced level forensic odontology casework.
- Alistair, graduate
Entry Requirements
You need to satisfy the following entrance requirements to be considered for entry to this course.
Minimum Entry Requirements (Domestic students)
Qualifications
Clinical Forensic Medicine
An Australian Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (or equivalent) and current employment in clinical practice with a minimum of two years experience
AND
Satisfactory proof of appropriate current professional medical registration in your current country of residency and practice (e.g. Australian Citizens & Permanent Resident Visa holders, must hold current professional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Agency AHPRA)
Forensic Medical Science
An Australian Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) (or equivalent), and a minimum of two years of laboratory experience.
or
An Australian Bachelor of Science (Hons) (or equivalent), and a minimum of two years of laboratory experience.
or
An Australian Bachelor of Health Science (Hons) (or equivalent), and a minimum of two years of laboratory experience.
English requirements
Applicants must also meet the English language requirements.
University entrance requirements
Minimum entrance requirements for admission to Monash University Australia.
Extra Requirements
Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae (CV), or a statement from employer to substantiate work experience.
Clinical Forensic Medicine specialisation applicants must provide proof of Medical registration with relevant registration board.
Additional selection criteria for students living and studying in the Philippines These applicants may apply only for entry into the Clinical Forensic Medicine specialisation and must provide evidence of full sponsorship from either the Australia Awards Scholarships or the Philippine Commission on Higher Education Scholarships.
The course structure and progression map can be viewed in the Handbook.
Making the application
Future students
Note: Please make sure you read the extra requirements before you apply.
Semester one (February)
Apply directly to Monash using course code M6009
Semester two (July)
Apply directly to Monash using course code M6009
Self assess for credit eligibility
Check for study credit using the "Credit search" link on the Credit for prior study page.
Fees
Fees are subject to change annually.
Full fee
Fees are per 48 credit points which represents a standard full-time course load for a year. The fees for 2026 are:
A$35,100
Fee assistance
As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We offer over 360 types of scholarships, valued at up to $280,000. Some scholarships offer one-off payments while others continue for the length of your course. Learn more about Monash Scholarships.
Other costs and fees
For information on other study costs and fees, see other study costs.