Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Provides registered nurses with specialised expertise to confidently manage the challenging interface between mental health care and the criminal justice system, grounded in evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of nursing in forensic mental health. You’ll learn key legal principles, legislation and core clinical skills (such as violence risk assessment and management). Upon graduating, you’ll be able to work effectively in forensic contexts or with forensic patients.
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of nursing in forensic mental health, including key legal principles and legislation and core clinical skills (such as violence risk assessment and management), enabling graduates to work effectively in forensic contexts or with forensic patients. This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).
Key facts
3rd August, 2026
What you will study
To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units. Each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.
Core units
- Core Skills in Forensic Practice
- Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process
- Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management
- Forensic Mental Health Nursing
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a recognised Bachelor's degree in Nursing or Mental Health Nursing
Applicants with bachelor's degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis
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.
The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions, in respect of courses, to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:
- Completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English.
- Completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies).
- Completed English language tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1.
- Completed an English language (ELICOS) course.
- Lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only).
These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
At the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing, students will be able to;
- Identify and apply specialised knowledge of a broad range of theories and principles required for nursing practice in forensic mental health contexts, ensuring care that is culturally safe and responsive to the diversity of First Nations societies.
- Apply specialised knowledge of the complex systemic and individual mental health factors that influence offending behaviour.
- Analyse the range of complex factors that contribute to offending behaviour, both at a general and individual level.
- Identify and evaluate evidence that helps inform creative problem-solving and decision-making in the nursing role.
- Effectively 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.
- Synthesise knowledge and core practice skills to design, plan and implement responses to challenging issues faced by forensic mental health nurses.
Career outcomes
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing provides advanced 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.
Possible career role:
- Forensic mental health nurse
- Nurse in a prison setting
- Nurse in a court setting
- General mental health nurse
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $19,430 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 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.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
