Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science
Note: This course is available to local students and off-shore international students who are studying in a country other than Australia; this course is not available to on-shore international students on a student visa.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
1 Year/s (part-time)
Intakes
Online (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$18300 (total for 2024)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Note: This course is available to local students and off-shore international students who are studying in a country other than Australia; this course is not available to on-shore international students on a 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.
Course structure
- 3 x core units (37.5 credit points)
- 1 x elective unit (12.5 credit points)
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science is 25 credit points (normally two units)
Units of study
Complete the following three units (37.5 credit points):
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives.
Aims and objectives
- apply specialised knowledge of the core issues and theories required for practice in the field of forensic behavioural science
- apply specialised knowledge of the technical aspects of law, forensic systems, and ethics, enabling professional practice in disciplines related to forensic behavioural science
- demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of forensic practice, and the capacity to critically analyse, evaluate and respond to challenges unique to working in forensic settings
- identify relevant methods, concepts and theories within forensic behavioural science, to enable evidence-based practice in their discipline
- effectively communicate relevant knowledge and ideas with the diverse range of professionals and clients encountered in forensic settings
- apply knowledge of legal frameworks, professional practice and offending behaviour wherever forensic issues are relevant to their work
- adapt knowledge and core practice skills in forensic behavioural science in a manner which is responsible and largely autonomous.

Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.
Standard entry
A recognised three-year bachelor degree in any of the following fields:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Youth Work
- Child and Family Studies
- Policing
Completion of Bachelor degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered.
Applicants are also required to submit a 500-word statement of purpose demonstrating their suitability to the course.
Non-graduate special entry
A minimum of five years of relevant work experience*. Please provide a CV and detail your work experience on your 500-word statement of purpose.
Applicants who do not hold an appropriate qualification but who have relevant experience are selected on the basis of the applicant’s suitability for the program as determined by a face-to-face or telephone interview. Students are expected to be computer literate and to have internet access outside of Swinburne.
* Work experience
Documents substantiating work experience need to be provided on company letterhead and clearly detail roles as well as duties and duration of posts held.
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 equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)