Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing
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Duration
2 years part-time
Intakes
Online (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates
Study modes
- Online,
- Part-time
2022 Start Dates
2023 Start Dates
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
Course structure
- 6 core units (75 credit points)
- 2 elective units (25 credit points)
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing is 50 credit points (normally four units)
Units of study
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- apply advanced knowledge of a broad range of theories and principles required for nursing practice in forensic mental health contexts
- apply advanced knowledge of the complex systemic and individual mental health factors that influence offending behaviour
- cognitive skills that demonstrate the ability to 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 the nursing role
- 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
- utilise a wide range of knowledge and skills to independently develop, plan and implement responses to challenging issues faced by forensic mental health nurses
- employ advanced knowledge of psychopathology and offending behaviour to develop and deliver more effective treatment to clients in forensic mental health settings.

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 and able to manage change
- aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, natural).
Pathways and scholarships
- Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Fees, 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.
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year. Find out more about fees.
Entry requirements
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Nursing
- Mental health nursing
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.