Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science is designed to provide the necessary basic knowledge and training to enable a range of professionals to work within forensic settings.
Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills. The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to key principles and work practices in forensic fields, including an overview of relevant legal systems and procedures, and the fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management.
This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
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.
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.
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Duration
1 year part-time
Intakes
Online (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Online,
- Part-time
2022 Start Dates
Winter -
20 June 2022
Semester 2 -
01 August 2022
2023 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
27 February 2023
Semester 2 -
31 July 2023
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science is designed to provide the necessary basic knowledge and training to enable a range of professionals to work within forensic settings.
Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills. The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to key principles and work practices in forensic fields, including an overview of relevant legal systems and procedures, and the fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management.
This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
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.
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.
Course structure
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science, students must complete 50 credit points comprising:
- 3 x core units (37.5 credit points)
- 1 x elective unit (12.5 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science is 25 credit points (normally two units)
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
Core units
Complete the following three units (37.5 credit points):
Complete the following three units (37.5 credit points):
Elective unit
Complete one from the following seven units (12.5 credit points):
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Aims and objectives
Upon successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science, students will be able to:
- 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.
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).
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2022 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2022 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.
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
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.
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.