Graduate Certificate in Textiles (Forensics)

Graduate Certificate in Textiles (Forensics)

POSTGRADUATE

Build on your existing knowledge of forensic science and gain specialised practical skills in textiles.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$18,720 (2025 total)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Brunswick
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Garments and household textiles can hold critical clues for crime investigators, and information can only be revealed through an understanding of textile forensic science.

The Graduate Certificate in Textiles (Forensics) is designed for working professionals, such as police, forensic scientists, forensic or insurance investigators, and judicial authorities who want to develop specialised knowledge and skills in textile fibre identification and forensic textile analysis for crime investigation and textile fraud. 

This is a one-year part-time qualification delivered on campus and caters for local students in full-time employment.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Textiles (Forensics) at RMIT?

Industry input

Learn with the assurance of our Industry Advisory Committee, who guarantee course material remains relevant and evolves according to sector needs.

Industry connections

Take advantage of our links to organisations such as the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Hands-on learning

Train in scientific testing and analysis of fibres, fabrics, garment, constructions, textile damage and degradation, and textile colouration.

Details

Within a community of likeminded peers and taught by academics and leaders of industry, you will explore the ways in which textiles can play a role in crime investigation.

Designed for working professionals, you will be supported with flexible learning, and encouraged to apply your newfound knowledge to practice.

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Learning and teaching

Your learning in this graduate certificate will be facilitated via a range of in-class and online activities that will require both individual and collaborative engagement.

These activities promote your ability to enquire, investigate, analyse and solve textile forensic science problems.

You will experience a variety of interactive learning and teaching approaches, both face to face and online, that include problem-based learning, case-study methods, laboratory work, online forums, and team-based activities to plan, produce and deliver textile forensic investigation reports.

Assessment methods

You will be assessed throughout the semester via a range of methods, including laboratory reports, oral presentations, group projects, research projects, and theory-based and practical assignments.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This qualification has industry links with a wide range of organisations and associations within the global forensic scientific research community, including the Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This graduate certificate comprises four core subjects in textile forensics that are taught in intensive blocks:

  1. Forensics: Characterising Textiles
  2. Forensics: Textile Use and Damage
  3. Forensics: Textile Colouration and Chemical Finishes
  4. Forensics: Textiles Case Studies

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Textiles (Forensics)
Program code: GC167
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Textiles (Forensics)
Brunswick Campus
1 year part-time
GC167
Location
Brunswick Campus
Duration
1 year part-time
Plan code
GC167
CRICOS
View plan

Career

On completion of this graduate certificate, you will have specialised textile knowledge to undertake, manage and lead textile examinations in a range of forensic contexts.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) with a GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

OR

  • a minimum of 3 years of professional work experience in a related industry.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

None

None

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$18,720* (2025 total).

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information