Master of Forensic Behavioural Science | International Student Courses | Swinburne University

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The Master of Forensic Behavioural Science comprises coursework and research training that 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.

In addition to acquiring in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of forensic behavioural science, the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science will allow students to undertake two or five research-related units depending on their preferred future career aspirations.

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.

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 30% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.

Duration

18 Month/s

Intakes

Online (Semester 1, Semester 2) - View application and start dates

Fees

A$34560 (annual for 2023)*

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

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 award of Master of Forensic Behavioural Science, students must complete 150 credit points including as a minimum. Students choose to complete the degree with either a Coursework specialisation or Research specialisation.

Six core units (75 credit points)
Coursework specialisation: six elective units (75 credit points) - two of these units must be Level 3 units (25 credit points) or
Research specialisation: two additional core research units (25 credit points) and four elective units (50 credit points) - two elective units must be Level 3 units (25 credit points)

This course is offered to domestic or international students studying in their home country and is delivered online. Students are encouraged to attend an on-campus workshop that is offered each semester but attendance is not compulsory and alternative online learning opportunities are offered.

Standard enrolment is normally part-time.

Maximum Academic Credit
The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science is 50 credit points (normally four units)

Units of study

Core units
Complete the following six units (75 credit points):

FBS80001 Core Skills in Forensic Practice *

FBS80002 Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process

FBS80003 Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management *

STA60004 Research Design *

STA60001 Statistical Practice 1

FBS90001 Research Project 1 *

Coursework and Research specialisations - Level 3 elective units

Complete two of the following six units Level 3 elective units (25.0 credit points):

FBS80004 Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management *

FBS80005 Mental Disorder and Offending *

FBS80006 Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context *

FBS80007 Substance Misuse and Offending *

FBS80011 Problem Behaviours 1 *

FBS80012 Problem Behaviours 2 *

Research specialisation

Complete the following two compulsory core units (25.0 credit points):

STA60005 Statistical Practice 2

FBS90002 Research Project 2 *

Elective units

Coursework specialisation: Complete four of the following units (50 credit points)
Research specialisation: Complete two of the following units (25 credit points)

FBS80004 Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management

FBS80005 Mental Disorder and Offending

FBS80006 Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context

FBS80007 Substance Misuse and Offending

FBS80008 Forensic Mental Health Nursing

FBS80009 Trauma and Offending

FBS80015 Development, Developmental Disability and Offending

FBS80011 Problem Behaviours 1

FBS80012 Problem Behaviours 2

FBS80013 Working in Corrections and Youth Justice

FBS80014 Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts

* 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 Master of Forensic Behavioural Science, students will be able to:

critique the theories and principles that are influential in the field of forensic behavioural science
demonstrate capacity to translate knowledge of research into practical applications within forensic settings
apply specialised knowledge of key research methodologies and evidence-based practice, including conducting evidence appraisal and evaluating research design
demonstrate the capacity for independent thought, abstraction, critical evaluation and synthesis of existing knowledge and theories across the field of forensic behavioural science
independently resolve complex issues and formulate judgements based on relevant evidence/ theories
compose original solutions relevant to their practice, and both communicate and justify these ideas to specialist and non- specialist audiences
apply specialist knowledge and skills to respond effectively to a broad range of complex and challenging forensic issues in an autonomous, responsible and ethical manner.

Pathways and scholarships

- Scholarships.

Scholarships

At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. Find out more about scholarships.

Course fees and requirements

- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.

Course fees

A$34560 (annual for 2023)*

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.

Entry into the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science (MA-FBS) requires initial enrolment in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science (GC-FBS or GD-FBS). If students are able to meet specific criteria (completion of the three Core units, FBS80001, FBS80002, FBS80003, with an average result of distinction (70%) or higher) they may then transfer to the MA-FBS the following semester. Any units completed in the GC-FBS or GD-FBS will be counted towards the MA-FBS. Please indicate your intent to transfer to the MA-FBS in your Statement of Purpose included with your application.

Applicants with equivalent qualifications that may provide direct entry into the MA-FBS will be considered on a case-by-case basis through applications for Advanced Standing. If you believe that you may meet requirements for Advanced Standing for the three Core units due to previous study, please speak to Student HQ and ask to speak to the MA-FBS course administrator to discuss your options.

Please read the Entry Requirements for the GC-FBS and GD-FBS when completing your application and ensure that you include the following information with your application form:

certified copy of your academic award(s)
a 500-word statement of purpose explaining what you hope to achieve from your studies
current résumé

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)

Freecall: 1300 794 628 (within Australia)

Email: international@swinburne.edu.au