Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing

The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health Nursing and the Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing form part of the broad suite of courses in forensic psychology and forensic mental health at Swinburne University of Technology.

In particular, the units in the certificate form part of the subjects that lead to the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science.

The subjects will also be of interest to some students pursuing postgraduate training in psychology.

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of nursing in forensic mental health, including key legal principles and legislation and core clinical skills (such as violence risk assessment and management), enabling graduates to work effectively in forensic contexts or with forensic patients.

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

Graduate Diploma of Forensic Mental Health Nursing Master of Forensic Behavioural Science

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

Note: This course is available to local students and off-shore international students who are studying in a country other than Australia; this course is not available to on-shore international students on a student visa.

Units of study

Complete the following four core units:

FBS80001 Core Skills in Forensic Practice FBS80002 Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process FBS80003 Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management FBS80008 Forensic Mental Health Nursing

* Outcome units - matched exemptions are generally not granted for higher education outcome units.

• Nursing
• Mental health nursing

Completion of Bachelor degrees in other relevant disciplines will be considered.

Applicants wishing to study full-time will be considered on a case by case basis. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.

The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions, in respect of courses, to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

• apply specialised knowledge of a broad range of theories and principles required for nursing practice in forensic mental health contexts
• apply specialised knowledge of the complex systemic and individual mental health factors that influence offending behaviour
• demonstrate an understanding of the range of complex factors that contribute to offending behaviour, both at a general and individual level
• identify and evaluate evidence that helps inform creative problem solving and decision making in the nursing role
• effectively communicate complex ideas in a coherent and informative manner with clients, carers and other health professionals
• adapt advanced knowledge and skills to the contexts of forensic mental health nursing, such as correctional or mental health settings
• adapt knowledge and core practice skills to develop, plan and implement responses to challenging issues faced by forensic mental health nurses.

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).