Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing (GC-FMHN) and the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing form part of the broad suite of courses in forensic psychology and forensic mental health at Swinburne University of Technology. In particular, the units in the diploma form part of the subjects that lead to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science (MA-FBS). Graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills required to work effectively in forensic mental health nursing, including an understanding of legal and correctional systems, advanced instruction in the complex systemic and individual mental health factors that influence offending behaviour, and how to work effectively with challenging patients and behaviours. This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
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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
Winter -
20 June 2022
Semester 2 -
01 August 2022
2023 Start Dates
Semester 1 -
27 February 2023
Semester 2 -
31 July 2023
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing and the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing form part of the broad suite of courses in forensic psychology and forensic mental health at Swinburne University of Technology. In particular, the units in the diploma form part of the subjects that lead to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science.
Graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills required to work effectively in forensic mental health nursing, including an understanding of legal and correctional systems, advanced instruction in the complex systemic and individual mental health factors that influence offending behaviour, and how to work effectively with challenging patients and behaviours.
This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
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.
Course structure
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing, students must complete 100 credit points comprising:
- 6 core units (75 credit points)
- 2 elective units (25 credit points)
Maximum Academic Credit
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)
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
Core units
Complete the following six units (75 credit points):
Elective units
Complete two from the following list (25 credit points):
* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
Career opportunities
The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing will provide specialised training to nurses who are working in, or are seeking to work in, forensic mental health contexts. Forensic mental health nurses work in a variety of settings including secure hospitals, courts and prisons. Additional knowledge and skills are required to work in this field beyond those required of general mental health nurses.
Aims and objectives
Upon successfully completing the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing, students will be able to:
- 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
Fees are estimates for students commencing in 2022 only: Tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. These fees apply for units studied in 2022 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
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
Standard entry
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
- Nursing
- Mental health nursing
Applicants wishing to study full-time will be considered on a case by case basis.
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.
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.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions, in respect of courses, to apply in addition to these entry requirements.