Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
The Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology is a postgraduate course of study which provides advanced training for practicing psychologists with endorsement in another relevant area who wish to be eligible for endorsement and to acquire the necessary skills to practice forensic psychology. The course comprises coursework and clinical placements.
Students will engage with mental health and justice agencies in Victoria and complete two placements (spread across four placement units) allowing them to acquire expertise in a practical setting under the supervision of forensic psychologists in their workplace.
Graduates are eligible to apply for registrar status with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a forensic psychologist. They will also be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Psychological Society College of Forensic Psychologists.
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Duration
2 years part-time
Intakes
Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Part-time
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology is a postgraduate course of study which provides advanced training for practicing psychologists with endorsement in another relevant area who wish to be eligible for endorsement and to acquire the necessary skills to practice forensic psychology. The course comprises coursework and clinical placements.
Students will engage with mental health and justice agencies in Victoria and complete two placements (spread across four placement units) allowing them to acquire expertise in a practical setting under the supervision of forensic psychologists in their workplace.
Graduates are eligible to apply for registrar status with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as a forensic psychologist. They will also be eligible to apply for membership of the Australian Psychological Society College of Forensic Psychologists.
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Course structure
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology students must complete:
- Six (6) core units (75 cps)
- Two (2) elective units (25cp)
The Forensic Placement units account for 50 of the 75 credit points associated with core units and must be taken sequentially across, at least, two placement locations.
Maximum Academic Credit
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and professional recognition.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives

Professional recognition
Pathways and scholarships
- Recognition of prior learning and 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
How to apply
Applications to include curriculum vitae (maximum five pages).