Bachelor of Accident Forensics

This new and truly unique program will equip you with the skills to conduct and analyse accident investigations based on knowledge and techniques appropriate to accident forensics in road, rail, air and industrial environments.

In a similar fashion to crime scene and accident investigators depicted on television; as an accident forensics graduate you will demonstrate advanced skills at systematically breaking down the factors leading to an accident and making the necessary findings and conclusions for prevention. You will also learn occupational health and safety principles.

A unique feature of the program is that you will carry out practical investigation exercises in the exciting new crash laboratory at CQUniversity Bundaberg.

If you are naturally inquisitive and enjoy problem solving and communicating with others then a career in accident forensics may be for you.

What am I studying?

CQUniversity's new program area of accident forensics is the first and only program area of its kind in Australia, employing a multidisciplinary approach that draws on principles from science, occupational health and safety, human factors and engineering to perform and understand accident investigations across road, rail, aviation and resource industries.

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist for graduates in management, consultancy and practice within industry in safety and accident investigation roles. Many large companies have staff appointed specifically to investigate the accidents and failures that occur to maximise the opportunity to prevent such failures in the future. Many others have occupational health and safety or similar staff roles which are assigned as part of a more broad set of responsibilities within their organisations, with the responsibility for carrying out those investigations. Graduates of the Bachelor of Accident Forensics program would be suited for employment in these roles as the program addresses the specifics of accident investigation as well as principles of OHS practice.  

Employment opportunities exist in most industries, especially primary industries, rural, manufacturing, mining, services industry, transport industry, aviation industry, employer associations, the defence forces, health industry and government departments and authorities such as the police force.

Work Intergrated Learning

A feature of the program is that you will carry out practical investigation exercises in the exciting new crash laboratory at CQUniversity Bundaberg.

The crash lab contains real accident wreckage and other artefacts to give you hands on experience in a realistic accident environment and significantly enhance your learning experience. In year three of the bachelor degree, you will undertake a capstone investigation project where you will apply your learnings from the program to a complex accident. You will be required to ‘investigate’ the accident using the techniques and methods delivered in the program, establishing the causal factors involved and prepare a report of your findings, conclusions and recommendations.

This program also incorporates 120 hours of professional practice placement.

Program Structure

To meet the requirements of the award, you must complete 23 core courses.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Bachelor of Accident Forensics program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Professional Recognition

It is expected that graduates will meet the education requirements for professional membership with the Safety Institute of Australia and should apply after gaining relevant field experience.

The program should also meet the specialist investigation education criteria of the Australian, New Zealand and International Society of Air Safety Investigators and it is expected that graduates of the program will gain professional grade membership of the Society after completing the program and gaining relevant field experience.