General Information

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science prepares you to work in a wide range of forensic environments. You’ll acquire in-depth knowledge and skills including legal and correctional system functioning, fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management, and an understanding of complex mental health factors.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Core Skills in Forensic Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80001
Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80002
Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80003
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80004
Mental Disorder and Offending
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80005
Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80006
Substance Misuse and Offending
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80007
Problem Behaviours 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80011
Problem Behaviours 2
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80012
Units of study Unit code
Students must select 3 from the list.
Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80004
Mental Disorder and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80005
Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80006
Substance Misuse and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80007
Forensic Mental Health Nursing
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80008
Trauma and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80009
Development, Developmental Disability and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80015
Problem Behaviours 1
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80011
Problem Behaviours 2
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80012
Working in Corrections and Youth Justice
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80013
Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80014

Aims and objectives

Upon successfully completing the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science students will be able to: 

  • demonstrate knowledge in a broad range of theories and principles required for practice in the field of forensic behavioural science
  • evaluate the complex biological, psychological and systemic factors that influence offending behaviour
  • critically appraise and interpret the range of complex factors that contribute to offending behaviour, both at a general and individual level
  • apply technical skills to identify and evaluate evidence that helps inform creative problem solving and decision making in professional practice
  • synthesise and articulate complex ideas in a coherent and informative manner with the diverse range of professionals and clients encountered in forensic settings
  • adapt advanced knowledge and skills to a broad range of specialised forensic contexts and client groups
  • utilise a wide range of knowledge and skills to independently develop, plan and implement responses to challenging forensic issues.

Graduate skills

Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be: 

  • capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
  • entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • effective and ethical in work and community situations
  • adaptable to change
  • aware of local and international environments in which they are contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, natural).

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science is 50 credit points (normally four units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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