General Information

Overview

The Master of Forensic Behavioural Science comprises coursework and research training that will enable graduates to work in a wide range of forensic populations and environments and deal with issues in an autonomous manner. Students undertaking this course will be able to choose two or five-research-related units, depending on their preferred future career aspirations.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 150 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Core Skills in Forensic Practice
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80001
Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80002
Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80003
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80004
Mental Disorder and Offending
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80005
Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80006
Substance Misuse and Offending
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80007
Problem Behaviours 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80011
Problem Behaviours 2
Core unit 		FBS80012
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Research Design
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		STA60004
Statistical Practice 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		STA60001
Research Project 1
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS90001
Units of study Unit code
Statistical Practice 2
Research core unit, 12.5 credit points 		STA60005
Research Project 2
Research core unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS90002
Units of study Unit code
Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80004
Mental Disorder and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80005
Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80006
Substance Misuse and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80007
Forensic Mental Health Nursing
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80008
Trauma and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80009
Development, Developmental Disability and Offending
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80015
Problem Behaviours 1
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80011
Problem Behaviours 2
Elective unit 		FBS80012
Working in Corrections and Youth Justice
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80013
Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		FBS80014

Aims and objectives

Upon successfully completing the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science, students will be able to:  

  • critique the theories and principles that are influential in the field of forensic behavioural science
  • demonstrate capacity to translate knowledge of research into practical applications within forensic settings
  • apply specialised knowledge of key research methodologies and evidence-based practice, including conducting evidence appraisal and evaluating research design
  • demonstrate the capacity for independent thought, abstraction, critical evaluation and synthesis of existing knowledge and theories across the field of forensic behavioural science
  • independently resolve complex issues and formulate judgements based on relevant evidence/ theories
  • compose original solutions relevant to their practice, and both communicate and justify these ideas to specialist and non- specialist audiences
  • apply specialist knowledge and skills to respond effectively to a broad range of complex and challenging forensic issues in an autonomous, responsible and ethical manner.

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 Master of Forensic Behavioural Science is 50 credit points (normally four units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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