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Master of Forensic Behavioural Science
Overview
The Master of Forensic Behavioural Science comprises coursework and research training that will enable graduates to work in a wide range of forensic populations and environments and deal with issues in an autonomous manner. Students undertaking this course will be able to choose two or five-research-related units, depending on their preferred future career aspirations.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Upgrade your skills
- Effective and ethical in work and community situations
- Apply technical skills to identify and evaluate evidence
- Synthesise and articulate complex ideas
- Adapt advanced knowledge and skills to forensic contexts
- Develop, plan and implement responses to challenging forensic issues.
Stretch your career further
- Forensic caseworker
- Forensic clinical specialist
- Clinical coordinator
International student visa
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Professional partnership
This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
Why Swinburne?
Ranked top 250 in the world for the subject of psychology
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 202383.5% of students found employment within 4 months of graduating
Ranked top 20% in Australia for 5-star PG Overall experience
Qualifications
Entry into the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science (MA-FBS) requires initial enrolment in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science (GC-FBS or GD-FBS). If students are able to meet specific criteria (completion of the three Core units, FBS80001, FBS80002, FBS80003, with an average result of distinction (70%) or higher) they may then transfer to the MA-FBS the following semester. Any units completed in the GC-FBS or GD-FBS will be counted towards the MA-FBS. Please indicate your intent to transfer to the MA-FBS in your Statement of Purpose included with your application.
Applicants with equivalent qualifications that may provide direct entry into the MA-FBS will be considered on a case-by-case basis through applications for Advanced Standing. If you believe that you may meet requirements for Advanced Standing for the three Core units due to previous study, please speak to Student HQ and ask to speak to the MA-FBS course administrator to discuss your options.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Please read the Entry Requirements for the GC-FBS and GD-FBS when completing your application and ensure that you include the following information with your application form:
- certified copy of your academic award(s)
- a 500-word statement of purpose explaining what you hope to achieve from your studies
- current résumé
Entry into the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science (MA-FBS) requires initial enrolment in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science (GC-FBS or GD-FBS). If students are able to meet specific criteria (completion of the three Core units, FBS80001, FBS80002, FBS80003, with an average result of distinction (70%) or higher) they may then transfer to the MA-FBS the following semester. Any units completed in the GC-FBS or GD-FBS will be counted towards the MA-FBS. Please indicate your intent to transfer to the MA-FBS in your Statement of Purpose included with your application.
Applicants with equivalent qualifications that may provide direct entry into the MA-FBS will be considered on a case-by-case basis through applications for Advanced Standing. If you believe that you may meet requirements for Advanced Standing for the three Core units due to previous study, please speak to Student HQ and ask to speak to the MA-FBS course administrator to discuss your options.
Please read the Entry Requirements for the GC-FBS and GD-FBS when completing your application and ensure that you include the following information with your application form:
- certified copy of your academic award(s)
- a 500-word statement of purpose explaining what you hope to achieve from your
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science
-
Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing
-
Master of Counselling
How credit points work
To qualify for the award of Master of Forensic Behavioural Science, students must complete 150 credit points including as a minimum. Students choose to complete the degree with either a Coursework specialisation or Research specialisation.
- Six core units (75 credit points)
- Coursework specialisation: six elective units (75 credit points) - two of these units must be Level 3 units (25 credit points) or
- Research specialisation: two additional core research units (25 credit points) and four elective units (50 credit points) - two elective units must be Level 3 units (25 credit points)
Your units
Graduate Certificate
Completing 3 core and 1 elective unit entitles you to the graduate certificate.
| 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 |
Graduate Diploma
Completing an additional 2 core and 2 elective units entitles you to the graduate diploma.
Select 2 units from the list of core units below.
| 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 |
FBS80012 |
Masters degree
Coursework specialisation
Completing an additional 3 core and 2 elective units entitles you to the masters.
Research specialisation
Completing an additional 3 core and 2 research units entitles you to the masters.
Note: If you select this specialisation you must do 1 less elective unit in the Graduate Diploma.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Research Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA60004 |
|
Statistical Practice 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA60001 |
|
Research Project 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FBS90001 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
Statistical Practice 2
Research core unit, 12.5 credit points |
STA60005 |
|
Research Project 2
Research core unit, 12.5 credit points |
FBS90002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
|
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 |
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 |
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$37,360
Total fee* ($AUD)
$56,040
Commonwealth Supported Yearly Fee* ($AUD)
$16,992
Commonwealth Supported Total Fee* ($AUD)
$25,488
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$37,360.00
Fees are estimates only
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
Two types of loans are available to assist with student study fees. Depending on eligibility, you’re able to apply for one of the loans outlined below.
- FEE-HELP is a loan that’s available for full-fee paying higher education students. Depending on your eligibility, the Commonwealth Government can help pay all or part of your loan directly to Swinburne.
- HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme that’s available if you’re enrolled in a Commonwealth-supported place. Depending on eligibility, a HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Finances
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for FEE-HELP
You’re eligible for a FEE-HELP loan if you are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, or UniLink or OUA course at Swinburne, and you:
- are an Australian citizen doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens
- are undertaking bridging study for overseas trained professionals and will be living in Australia for the duration of this study
- have not exceeded the new combined Help Loan limit.
The HELP limit is the maximum amount you can borrow from the government in your lifetime towards your education costs. It is fixed and cannot be topped up.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$365
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online!
Please note: This online course is not available to on-shore international students holding a student visa.