Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing
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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
6 Month/s
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
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of nursing in forensic mental health, including key legal principles and legislation and core clinical skills (such as violence risk assessment and management), enabling graduates to work effectively in forensic contexts or with forensic patients.
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
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing is 25cp. credit points (normally two units)
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- apply specialised knowledge of a broad range of theories and principles required for nursing practice in forensic mental health contexts
- apply specialised knowledge of the complex systemic and individual mental health factors that influence offending behaviour
- demonstrate an understanding of the range of complex factors that contribute to offending behaviour, both at a general and individual level
- identify and evaluate evidence that helps inform creative problem solving and decision making in the nursing role
- effectively communicate complex ideas in a coherent and informative manner with clients, carers and other health professionals
- adapt advanced knowledge and skills to the contexts of forensic mental health nursing, such as correctional or mental health settings
- adapt knowledge and core practice skills to develop, plan and implement responses to challenging issues faced by forensic mental health nurses.

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.
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Nursing
- Mental health nursing
Applicants wishing to study full-time will be considered on a case by case basis.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions, in respect of courses, to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 75%, all skills 70%
- minimum IELTS overall band of 7 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.5
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 95 with a reading band no less than 20 and writing band no less than 22
- any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.
Find out more about English language requirements.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)