Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science is designed to provide the necessary basic knowledge and training to enable a range of professionals to work within forensic settings.

Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills. The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to key principles and work practices in forensic fields, including an overview of relevant legal systems and procedures, and the fundamentals of violence risk assessment and management.

This course is offered through the Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne, in collaboration with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health (Forensicare).

Learning outcomes

Upon successfully completing the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science, students will be able to:

• apply specialised knowledge of the core issues and theories required for practice in the field of forensic behavioural science
• apply specialised knowledge of the technical aspects of law, forensic systems, and ethics, enabling professional practice in disciplines related to forensic behavioural science
• demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of forensic practice, and the capacity to critically analyse, evaluate and respond to challenges unique to working in forensic settings
• identify relevant methods, concepts and theories within forensic behavioural science, to enable evidence-based practice in their discipline
• effectively communicate relevant knowledge and ideas with the diverse range of professionals and clients encountered in forensic settings
• apply knowledge of legal frameworks, professional practice and offending behaviour wherever forensic issues are relevant to their work
• adapt knowledge and core practice skills in forensic behavioural science in a manner which is responsible and largely autonomous.

Course rules

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate of Forensic Behavioural Science, students must complete 50 credit points comprising:

• three [3] core units (37.5 credit points) and
• one [1] elective unit (12.5 credit points)

This course is offered to domestic or international students studying in their home country and is delivered online.

Students are encouraged to attend an on-campus workshop that is offered each semester but attendance is not compulsory and alternative online learning opportunities are offered. Standard enrolment is normally part-time.

Graduate skills

Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be:

• capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
• entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
• effective and ethical in work and community situations
• adaptable to change
• aware of local and international environments in which they are contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, natural).

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Behavioural Science is 25 credit points (normally two units).