Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Build specialist knowledge of forensic psychiatry through advanced study of legal processes, offending behaviour, risk assessment, ethical practice and communication within forensic settings.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice is designed for psychiatrists undertaking advanced training in forensic psychiatry and consultant psychiatrists seeking further specialist knowledge. The course examines the intersection of psychiatric practice, offending behaviour, law and forensic systems.
You will develop knowledge of forensic psychiatric practice, criminal law processes and interpersonal and other forms of violent behaviour. Depending on your chosen elective, you can further explore areas including violence risk assessment, trauma and offending, developmental disability, corrections and youth justice and complex behaviours in forensic settings.
The course comprises three compulsory units and one elective totalling 50 credit points, with standard enrolment normally part-time. It provides the academic course component associated with advanced forensic psychiatry training. Other components of the specialist training pathway, including professional placements and a scholarly project, sit outside this graduate certificate.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Forensic Psychiatric Practice, students must complete 50 credit points or four core units. Each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.
Core units
Complete the following core units:
- Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts
- Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process
- Understanding Interpersonal and Other Types of Violent Behaviours
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.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet out our English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skill if you have:
- 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) taught in English
- completed an English language test, 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. For the most up to date English language requirements information, use CourseSearch or see the Entry Requirements for International Students page.
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
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- 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
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $19,390 (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.