Master of Forensic Behavioural Science

The Master of Forensic Behavioural Science comprises coursework and research training that will enable graduates to work effectively in the widest range of forensic environments and with the widest range of forensic populations and to deal with complex and challenging issues in an autonomous manner.

Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills.

In addition to acquiring in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of forensic behavioural science, the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science will allow students to undertake two or five research-related units depending on their preferred future career aspirations.

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.

The Master of Forensic Behavioural Science comprises coursework and research training that will enable graduates to work effectively in the widest range of forensic environments and with the widest range of forensic populations and to deal with complex and challenging issues in an autonomous manner. Professionals who work in forensic mental health/behavioural science contexts, or with forensic populations (such as offenders) require specialised skills.

In addition to acquiring in-depth knowledge and skills in various aspects of forensic behavioural science, the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science will allow students to undertake two or five research-related units depending on their preferred future career aspirations.

To qualify for the award of Master of Forensic Behavioural Science, students must complete 150 credit points including as a minimum. Students choose to complete the degree with either a Coursework specialisation or Research specialisation.

• Six core units (75 credit points)
• Coursework specialisation: six elective units (75 credit points) - two of these units must be Level 3 units (25 credit points) or
• Research specialisation: two additional core research units (25 credit points) and four elective units (50 credit points) - two elective units must be Level 3 units (25 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.

Units of study

FBS80001 Core Skills in Forensic Practice FBS80002 Fundamentals of Criminal Law Process FBS80003 Principles of Violence Risk Assessment and Management STA60004 Research Design STA60001 Statistical Practice 1 FBS90001 Research Project 1

Complete two of the following six units Level 3 elective units (25.0 credit points):

FBS80004 Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management FBS80005 Mental Disorder and Offending FBS80006 Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context FBS80007 Substance Misuse and Offending FBS80011 Problem Behaviours 1 FBS80012 Problem Behaviours 2

Complete the following two compulsory core units (25.0 credit points):

STA60005 Statistical Practice 2 FBS90002 Research Project 2 FBS80004 Advanced Violence Risk Assessment and Management FBS80005 Mental Disorder and Offending FBS80006 Working with Difficult Personalities in the Forensic Context FBS80007 Substance Misuse and Offending FBS80008 Forensic Mental Health Nursing FBS80009 Trauma and Offending FBS80015 Development, Developmental Disability and Offending FBS80011 Problem Behaviours 1 FBS80012 Problem Behaviours 2 FBS80013 Working in Corrections and Youth Justice FBS80014 Psychiatry in Forensic Contexts

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

Entry into the Master of Forensic Behavioural Science (MA-FBS) requires initial enrolment in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science (GC-FBS or GD-FBS). If students are able to meet specific criteria (completion of the three Core units, FBS80001, FBS80002, FBS80003, with an average result of distinction (70%) or higher) they may then transfer to the MA-FBS the following semester. Any units completed in the GC-FBS or GD-FBS will be counted towards the MA-FBS. Please indicate your intent to transfer to the MA-FBS in your Statement of Purpose included with your application.Applicants with equivalent qualifications that may provide direct entry into the MA-FBS will be considered on a case-by-case basis through applications for Advanced Standing. If you believe that you may meet requirements for Advanced Standing for the three Core units due to previous study, please speak to Student HQ and ask to speak to the MA-FBS course administrator to discuss your options.The university may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.

Please read the Entry Requirements for the GC-FBS and GD-FBS when completing your application and ensure that you include the following information with your application form:

• certified copy of your academic award(s)
• a 500-word statement of purpose explaining what you hope to achieve from your studies
• current résumé

• 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.

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).