Forensic Medicine - M6009
Expert master degree
In this course, you will gain advanced expertise and specialised knowledge enabling you to become highly sought after in the forensic medical, dental or science fields. Building on your qualification in medicine, dentistry, 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.
On completion of this course, you will have developed a range of skills equipping you with the necessary attributes to work in the fields of forensic medicine, dentistry, 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, forensic odontology, 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, dental and scientific services to the community.
At a glance
Course Details
Location |
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| Note: | Studies are primarily completed online. 2 day compulsory unit workshops are held onsite at Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Southbank, Melbourne. |
Duration |
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Start date |
First Semester (February), Second Semester (July) |
Qualification |
Master of Forensic Medicine |
Alternative exits |
This course has three 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
Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (or equivalent) AND current employment in clinical practice with a minimum of three 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 Odontology
A Bachelor of Dentistry AND current employment in dental practice with a minimum of 3 years experience
- AND satisfactory proof of appropriate current professional dental 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
- Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Hons) AND current employment in radiography practice with a minimum of 2 years experience
- AND satisfactory proof of appropriate current professional registration as a radiographer 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)
OR
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons) AND current employment in a relevant laboratory setting with a minimum of two years experience
OR
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) AND current employment in a recognised forensic institute with a minimum of two years 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
Proof of Medical, dental registration, or registration as a radiographer with relevant registration board.
The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Forensic medical and scientific foundations, and Part B. Advanced expertise.
Part A. Forensic medical and scientific foundations
These studies will enable you to develop an understanding and the skills of four key areas required for high quality forensic medical and scientific service and will apply to medical practitioners, dentists and biomedical medical scientists and radiographers: medical evidence, injury interpretation, elements of forensic science and ethics, medicine and the law.
In particular, you will gain practical skills and knowledge of the legal and procedural rules and administrative arrangements for the presentation of evidence to courts and tribunals within the justice system. You will also learn about the interpretation of injuries, including the pathophysiology of injuries and injury classification and documentation. You will become familiar with the tools and vocabulary of ethical discourse in forensic medicine and science. You will learn how the broader forensic science disciplines interact with your own area in the performance of case work, including rules of evidence collection and preservation and chain of custody for forensic samples.
Part B. Forensic medicine, dentistry and science advanced expertise
In these studies you will complete either a program of coursework or a research project.
The studies enable you to develop specialised knowledge and advanced skills in areas of forensic medicine that suit your interests, skills and career goals. You will gain in-depth knowledge of a range of key areas within either forensic medicine, forensic dentistry or forensic science. Depending on your interests and motivation, you have the option to apply and consolidate the knowledge and professional skills gained by completing a supervised research project.
Course progression map
The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
Alternative exits
You may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided you have satisfied the requirements for that award during your enrolment in this master's course:
- Graduate Certificate of Forensic Medicine after successful completion of 24 credit points of study including all units in Part A
- Graduate Diploma of Forensic Medicine after successful completion of 48 credit points of study including all units in Part A, with a minimum of 36 credit points at level 4 or above
- Graduate Certificate of Forensic Paediatric Medicine
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.
A$31,500
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.