Graduate Certificate in Specialist Forensic Assessment and Risk Management
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
A key strength of the program is the practical focus on how to administer and interpret violence risk assessment tools, and how to formulate recommendations and effective risk management plans.
The course will be taught by expert researchers and clinicians in this field, who will bring the course considerable credibility by virtue of their experience not only working with relevant clients, but investigating optimal approaches to violence risk assessment and management.
Find out how you can meet us in your home country or in Australia.
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 75% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
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Duration
1 Year/s (part-time)
Fees
A$16480 (total for 2021)*
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
Graduates will attain specialised knowledge of the principles, approaches and methods relevant to these types of risk assessment and management plans. At the completion of the course graduates will be able to apply their skills in effective risk assessment and management in their current work practice, or transfer these skills to working in new environments where risk assessment and management is relevant (e.g. mental health services, corrections, child protection).
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 core units (37.5 credit points)
- 1 elective unit (12.5 credit points)
In Singapore, this course is delivered to offshore international students as a collaboration between Swinburne and Executive Counselling and Training Academy (ECTA).
Students are strongly encouraged to attend an on-campus workshop that is offered each semester but attendance is not compulsory and alternative online learning opportunities are offered.
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate in Specialist Forensic Assessment and Risk Management is 25 credit points (normally two units)
Units of study
Complete the following three units (37.5 credit points):
FBS80003 Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Elective units
Complete one of the following units (12.5 credit points):
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives.
Aims and objectives
- apply knowledge of theory in the specialised area of violence risk assessment and management
- apply specialised knowledge of the principles, approaches and methods relevant to violence risk assessment and management
- demonstrate the capacity to comprehend, synthesise and critically evaluate complex information required to undertake risk assessment and management
- identify and analyse relevant information to undertake a comprehensive violence risk assessment and generate appropriate risk management strategies
- apply communication skills to formulate and transmit the outcomes of forensic risk assessment and appropriate management strategies to a diverse audience
- adapt knowledge and skills to a variety of contexts and potential client groups, independently and responsibly
- demonstrate judgement in applying the principles of violence risk assessment and the ability to effectively communicate findings to others
- demonstrate ability to apply the principles of violence risk assessment and management with integrity and informed by relevant ethical considerations.

Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
A recognised three-year bachelor degree in any of the following fields:
- Medicine/Psychiatry
- Social work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Youth work
- Child and family studies
Non-graduate special entry
Requirements for applicants who do not hold an appropriate qualification:
- A minimum of five years' relevant work experience*
- Submission of 500 to 750 word statement demonstrating suitability to the course
- Interview (face-to-face or telephone)
Students are expected to be computer literate and to have internet access outside of Swinburne.
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
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)
Prospective applicants residing in Singapore:
Executive Counselling and Training Academy
#07-02
Singapore Pools Building
Singapore 188994
Tel: +65 6346 6411
Fax: +65 6334 2911
Email: info@ecta.edu.sg