Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months part-time*
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Develop specialist knowledge in forensic psychology through coursework and supervised forensic placements, with study focused on forensic evaluations, psychology practice and the justice system.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology is designed for psychologists seeking additional knowledge and skills in forensic psychology. The course combines academic study with supervised clinical placements in forensic settings.
Study covers forensic psychology theory and practice alongside areas relevant to forensic assessment and the justice system. Students develop knowledge relevant to conducting forensic evaluations for courts and tribunals while exploring psychological practice in forensic contexts.
Practical learning is a significant component of the qualification. Students complete four compulsory forensic placement units, which together account for 50 credit points. The placements must be completed sequentially across at least two placement locations, providing supervised experience in forensic psychology workplaces.
The course comprises 100 credit points and is offered part-time over two years at Hawthorn. Applicants must already hold an APAC-accredited postgraduate psychology qualification in clinical psychology, counselling psychology or clinical neuropsychology and be endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia in one of those areas.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology, students must complete:
- Six core units (75 credit points)
- Two elective units (25 credit points)
The Forensic Placement units account for 50 of the 75 credit points associated with core units and must be taken sequentially across at least two placement locations.
Complete the following core units:
- Forensic Psychology, Theory and Practice A
- Forensic Psychology Theory and Practice B
- Forensic Placement 1
- Forensic Placement 2
- Forensic Placement 3
- Forensic Placement 4
Entry requirements
Qualifications
Applicants for the Graduate Diploma in Forensic Psychology must:
- Hold an APAC-accredited postgraduate degree in clinical psychology, counselling psychology or clinical neuropsychology and be endorsed by the Psychology Board of Australia in one of those Areas of Practice.
- The original postgraduate training must have provided at least 500 hours of supervised practice relevant to achieving graduate competencies in the specialty area of forensic psychology (e.g., direct assessment and treatment with clients; administration of psychometric assessments; case conceptualisation, etc.); and the original postgraduate thesis must be relevant to the area of forensic psychology. Students must attend a selection interview conducted by the Course Coordinator to assess the student’s suitability for the course.
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
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identify and provide solutions to complex problems within the forensic context and to think critically to generate and evaluate complex ideas.
- Apply specialised and advanced technical and creative skills in the professional practice of forensic psychology.
- Use communication skills to demonstrate an advanced and broad understanding of theoretical concepts in forensic psychology practice and to transfer complex knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills to make high-level, independent judgments in a range of technical or management functions in varied specialised clinical and forensic contexts.
- Initiate, plan, implement and evaluate forensic practice within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts.
- Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for personal outputs and all aspects of the forensic work or function of others (e.g., supervises).
- Apply a broad range of theoretical models and skills in forensic practice at an advanced level in a range of professional contexts.
Career outcomes
Potential opportunities include:
- Work in private practice
- Senior Psychologist
- Youth Justice worker
- Manager, Public Forensic Mental Health Services
- Clinical coordinator
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $38,860 (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.