Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science
The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science will enable graduates to work effectively in the widest range of forensic environments and with the widest range of forensic populations and to deal with complex and challenging issues in an autonomous manner.
Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills. The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science is designed to provide advanced training to enable a range of professionals to work effectively and independently within forensic settings.
Graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of forensic behavioural science, including legal and correctional system functioning, fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management, and comprehensive understanding of complex systemic, individual and mental health factors that influence offending behaviour.
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.
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.
Information sessions
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 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
2 Year/s (part-time)
Intakes
Online (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$36600 (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 Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science will enable graduates to work effectively in the widest range of forensic environments and with the widest range of forensic populations and to deal with complex and challenging issues in an autonomous manner.
Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills. The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science is designed to provide advanced training to enable a range of professionals to work effectively and independently within forensic settings.
Graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of forensic behavioural science, including legal and correctional system functioning, fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management, and comprehensive understanding of complex systemic, individual and mental health factors that influence offending behaviour.
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.
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.
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
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science, students must complete 100 credit points comprising:
- 3 core units (37.5 credit points)
- 2 units Level 3 units from the elective list (25.0 credit points)
- 3 elective units (37.5 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science is 50 credit points (normally four units)
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science is 50 credit points (normally four units)
Units of study
Core units
Complete the following three units (37.5 credit points):
Complete the following three units (37.5 credit points):
Complete two of the following six units (25 credit points):
Elective Units
Complete three of the following units (37.5 credit points):
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Course aims and objectives.
Aims and objectives
Upon successfully completing the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge in a broad range of theories and principles required for practice in the field of forensic behavioural science
- evaluate the complex biological, psychological and systemic factors that influence offending behaviour
- critically appraise and interpret the range of complex factors that contribute to offending behaviour, both at a general and individual level
- apply technical skills to identify and evaluate evidence that helps inform creative problem solving and decision making in professional practice
- synthesise and articulate complex ideas in a coherent and informative manner with the diverse range of professionals and clients encountered in forensic settings
- adapt advanced knowledge and skills to a broad range of specialised forensic contexts and client groups
- utilise a wide range of knowledge and skills to independently develop, plan and implement responses to challenging forensic issues.
Pathways and scholarships
- Scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
A$36600 (total for 2024)*
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.
A recognised three-year bachelor degree in any of the following fields:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Youth Work
- Child and Family Studies
- Policing
Completion of Bachelor degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered.
Completion of the Graduate Certificate of Forensic Behavioural Science.
Please provide a 500-word statement of purpose explaining what you hope to achieve from your studies.
If you are applying for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science in order to be immediately considered for entry into the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science then you must indicate in your 500-word statement of purpose that you intend to transfer to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science immediately, based on a successful Advanced Standing application.
Your application for Advanced Standing will be assessed and if found eligible, you may transfer into the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science the following semester. While enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science you can complete elective units that will be counted towards completion of the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science.
Please speak to Student HQ and ask to speak to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science course administrator if you have questions about this pathway.
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
Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia and international students who are studying in a country other than Australia are able to study this program. Australian international student visa holders are not eligible to study this program as it is delivered entirely online.
Find out more about how to apply.
Find out more
Submit an online enquiry
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)
Tel: +61 3 9214 8444 (outside Australia)
Free call: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)