| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Master of Psychology (Forensic) program at UNSW combines clinical, research, and legal expertise for careers in the legal system. Students engage in coursework on forensic assessment, law, and ethics, complete 100 hours of professional practice, and conduct a research thesis in forensic psychology. Graduates are equipped to work in diverse settings, including prisons, courts, and child protection agencies.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Master of Psychology (Forensic) integrates clinical, research, and legal skills for work in the legal system. Leading educators will guide you through assessment, law, and ethical practice. Graduate with a research thesis and 100 hours of professional practice.
Outline:
- Coursework:
- Applications of Forensic Psychology
- Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Assessment in Forensic Psychology
- Forensic Interventions 1, 2
- Law for Psychologists 1, 2
- Experimental Psychology and Law
- Research Thesis (Forensic) 1, 2, 3
- Professional Practice:
- Minimum of 1,000 practicum hours completed in three placements across various settings, both internally (UNSW Forensic Psychology Clinic) and externally (forensic agencies and organizations).
- Research Thesis:
- Empirical project carried out in any area relevant to forensic psychology, with the potential for data collection in forensic settings or exploring the responses of the general population to forensic issues.
Careers:
Forensic psychologists can work in a wide range of settings, including prisons, courts, police, probation and parole, juvenile justice, public policy, insurance, community services, and child protection.
Entry Requirements:
- The minimum academic eligibility requirement is completion of a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis/project, with Upper-Second Class Honours (75%), or international equivalent. Qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years (exceptions may be possible in limited circumstances).
- Psychology qualifications from overseas must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology completed in Australia. Please note you must have your qualification assessed before you apply.
- As the number of places available each year is limited, entry into the program is competitive. Selection is based on academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an assessment centre. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the assessment centre, which must be attended in person at UNSW (Kensington campus).
- Although work experience is not an admission requirement, applicants with a history of employment will be positively regarded, even if the employment is not necessarily clinically or forensically relevant.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
Applicants must:
- demonstrate their competency in speaking and communicating in English is sufficient to practise the psychology profession
- satisfy both UNSW's English language requirements and those required by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). All applicants, domestic and international, are encouraged to use AHPRA’s Pathways diagram for all professions (under ‘Additional resources’) to guide their understanding of AHPRA’s requirements.
