Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing and the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing form part of the broad suite of courses in forensic psychology and forensic mental health at Swinburne University of Technology. In particular, the units in the certificate form part of the subjects that lead to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science. The subjects will also be of interest to some students pursuing postgraduate training in psychology. 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. This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
Duration
1 year part-time
Intakes
Online (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Online,
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
27 February 2023
Semester 2 -
31 July 2023
2024 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
26 February 2024
Semester 2 -
29 July 2024
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing and the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing form part of the broad suite of courses in forensic psychology and forensic mental health at Swinburne University of Technology. In particular, the units in the certificate form part of the subjects that lead to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science.
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.
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.
Course structure
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units.
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)
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
Complete the following four core units:
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing provides advanced training to nurses who are working in, or are seeking to work in, forensic mental health contexts. Forensic mental health nurses work in a variety of settings including secure hospitals, courts and prisons. Additional knowledge and skills are required to work in this field beyond those required of general mental health nurses.
Aims and objectives
At the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing, students will be able to:
- 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.
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
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2023 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2023 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.
Entry requirements
Standard entry
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Nursing
- Mental health nursing
Completion of Bachelor degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered.
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.