Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-29 | - |
| 2025-03-03 | - |
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
Swinburne University of Technology
Overview:
Swinburne University of Technology is a public university located in Melbourne, Australia. It is known for its strong industry connections and focus on real-world learning experiences. Swinburne offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as vocational education and training. The university is also a leader in online education, providing flexible learning options for students.
Services Offered:
Swinburne offers a comprehensive range of services to support students, including:
Student support services:
This includes academic support, health and wellbeing services, financial advice, and support for international students.Work integrated learning:
Swinburne provides opportunities for students to gain real-world experience through placements, internships, and industry-linked projects.Study abroad:
Students can choose to study abroad at one of Swinburne's partner universities.Careers and employment services:
Swinburne offers career advice, job search assistance, and workshops to help students prepare for their future careers.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Swinburne provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for students. The university has a strong focus on student engagement and offers a range of clubs, societies, and events. Students can also enjoy access to a variety of facilities, including a library, sports facilities, and student accommodation.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Industry connections:
Swinburne has strong partnerships with industry, providing students with access to real-world learning opportunities.Work integrated learning:
Swinburne's guaranteed work integrated learning program ensures that students gain valuable industry experience.Innovative learning:
Swinburne is a leader in online education and uses innovative technologies to deliver its courses.World-class facilities:
Swinburne has state-of-the-art facilities, including the Australian Synchrotron and the Social Good Cloud Innovation Centre.Research with impact:
Swinburne's researchers are dedicated to driving economic and social impact through their work.Academic Programs:
Swinburne offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Aviation
Built Environment and Architecture
Business
Design
Education
Engineering
Film and Television
Games and Animation
Health
Information Technology
Law
Media and Communication
Nursing
Psychology
Science
Trades and Apprenticeships
Other:
Swinburne is a leading university in Australia and is recognized for its commitment to innovation, research, and student success. The university is also committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
Entry Requirements:
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; or Completion of Bachelor degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered; or 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. Please provide a 500-word statement of purpose explaining what you hope to achieve from your studies. 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; or Completion of Bachelor degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered; or 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. Other requirements 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.
