Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science

Program Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in forensic science, including violence risk assessment and management. The program prepares graduates for careers in various forensic settings, such as casework, clinical practice, and corrections. It consists of core units in forensic practice, criminal law, and violence risk assessment, along with elective units covering specialized topics in forensic psychology and mental health.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science prepares students for employment in a variety of forensic settings. Graduates will acquire in-depth knowledge and skills, including the functioning of the legal and correctional systems, the fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management, and an understanding of complex mental health factors.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of forensic behavioral science.
• To develop students' skills in violence risk assessment and management.
• To prepare students for employment in a variety of forensic settings.

Outline:

The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science consists of 100 credit points, comprising:

• 3 core units (37.5 credit points)
• 2 Level 3 units from the elective list (25.0 credit points)
• 3 elective units (37.5 credit points)

Core Units:

• Core Skills in Forensic Practice
• Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process
• Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management

Elective Units:

• Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management
• Mental Disorder and Offending
• Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context
• Substance Misuse and Offending
• Problem Behaviours 1
• Problem Behaviours 2
• Forensic Mental Health Nursing
• Trauma and Offending
• Development, Developmental Disability and Offending
• Working in Corrections and Youth Justice
• Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts

Assessment:

Assessment methods include:

• Assignments
• Presentations
• Exams
• Case studies
• Research projects

Teaching:

The Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science is taught by a team of experienced academics and practitioners. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and workshops.

Careers:

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science can pursue careers in a variety of forensic settings, including:

• Forensic caseworker
• Forensic clinical specialist
• Clinical coordinator
• Probation officer
• Parole officer
• Correctional officer