Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice is designed to provide psychiatrists with the knowledge and skills needed to specialise in forensic practice.
The course provides academic and practical skills relevant to the practice of forensic psychiatry. It includes principles of risk assessment, expert testimony, writing forensic court reports and ethical conduct. This course provides the specific training for forensic psychiatrists to graduate as skilled professionals and leaders in the field.
This course is the only dedicated forensic psychiatry qualification offered in Australia. It satisfies the academic requirements set out by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) for admission to the RANZCP.Duration
2 years part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Multi Modal
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
Course structure
- Three core units of study (37.5 credit points)
- One elective unit of study from list of specified alternatives (12.5 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice is 25 credit points (normally two units)
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives, graduate skills and professional recognition.
Aims and objectives
- apply specialised knowledge of the core issues and theories required for psychiatric practice in forensic settings
- apply specialised knowledge of the technical aspects of law, forensic systems, and ethics, enabling professional psychiatric practice across a range of settings
- evaluate, critically analyse and respond to challenges unique to working in forensic settings
- identify relevant methods, concepts and theories within forensic psychiatry, 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 psychiatry in a manner which is responsible and largely autonomous.

Graduate skills
- capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
- entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
- able to deal with success and failure through informed critique and self-reflection
- effective and ethical in work and community situations
- adaptable and able to manage change: have the general capacity for flexibility and are open to new and different ways of doing things; able to work across a variety of situations and with a variety of people; recognise the need for lifelong learning
- aware of local and international environments: have cultural sensitivity and a respect for multiple points of view.
Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
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
- be enrolled in an Advanced Training Course for Forensic Psychiatry, such as that offered by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Forensic Psychiatry (RANZCP) (or equivalent), or
- be a registered consulting Clinical and/or Forensic Psychiatrist.