Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months part-time*
Develop the academic and practical skills vital for this subject, focusing on principles of risk assessment, delivering expert testimony, writing effective forensic court reports and upholding ethical conduct.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Psychiatric Practice is intended for psychiatrists specialising in forensic practice. This course is the only qualification of its kind available in Australasia.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice, students must complete 50 credit points comprising:
Core units
- Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts
- Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process
- Problem Behaviours 1
Elective units
Students must complete any unit from the list below:
- Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management
- Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context
- Trauma and Offending
- Problem Behaviours 2
- Working in Corrections and Youth Justice
- Development, Developmental Disability and Offending
- Understanding Sexually Violent and Harassing Behaviours
Entry requirements
Students must be enrolled in an Advanced Training Course for Forensic Psychiatry, such as that offered by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Forensic Psychiatry (RANZCP) (or equivalent) or be a registered consulting Clinical and/or Forensic Psychiatrist.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Apply specialised knowledge of core issues and theories required for the practice of psychiatry in forensic settings, with responsiveness to the needs of marginalised groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- Apply specialised knowledge of the technical aspects of law, forensic systems and ethics, enabling professional psychiatric practice across a range of settings.
- Evaluate, critically analyse and respond to challenges unique to working in forensic settings.
- Identify relevant methods, concepts and theories within forensic psychiatry, to enable evidence-based practice in their discipline.
- Effectively communicate relevant knowledge and ideas with a diverse range of professionals and clients encountered in forensic settings.
- Apply knowledge of legal frameworks, culturally safe professional practice and offending behaviour wherever forensic issues are relevant to their work.
- Adapt knowledge and core practice skills in forensic psychiatry in a manner that is responsible and largely autonomous.
Career outcomes
This course provides the specific training for forensic psychiatrists to graduate as skilled professionals and leaders in the field. This program may also be used by existing consultant psychiatrists as a contribution towards mandated professional development activities.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Average first-year fee in 2025: $18,640 (domestic full-fee paying place)
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 50 credit points (normally four units) per semester per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per semester.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Elective units.
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.
