Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health
Program code
3154
Available at
Nathan
Gold Coast
Mount Gravatt
Logan
South Bank
Online
Offshore
Other
Duration
1 year part-time
Credit points
40
Indicative fee
$18,000.00* per year (more)
* 2025 indicative annual fee
About this program
Explore the relationship between mental disorder and criminal offending.
This degree provides a broad knowledge base in forensic mental health. It's delivered in collaboration with Queensland Health's Forensic Mental Health Service and offers professionals an introduction to working in this field. You will leave the program with research-based knowledge in forensic mental health and how it is applied in practice.
A core part of this degree is the relationship between mental disorder and criminal offending. You'll gain a critical appreciation of the issues involved in defining mental disorder and criminal behaviour, how they are classified and the major models for understanding both, including free will versus determinism, nature versus nurture, and person versus situation.
Risk assessment in forensic mental health will be another key aspect of your study. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the utility and applicability of different risk assessment tools that attempt to predict an individual's likelihood of harming other or being harmed by others.
Industry and expert connections
Throughout this graduate certificate you will learn alongside other professionals and graduates who work in, or wish to work in, mental health and criminal justice. The collaborative learning that's part of this program means you have plenty of opportunity to make personal connections, with your fellow students and with our academics staff.
Graduate outcomes
With a more thorough understanding of mental health issues and the way they intersect with criminal offending, you'll have a more thorough knowledge of forensic mental health with a specialty in different constructions of mental illness that take into account various cultural, normative, philosophical and social aspects and how these intersect with ideas of criminal offending and justice. You may find work in corrections, rehabilitation counselling, charities working in the criminal justice sector, and in government departments and organisations.
Flexibility
Study anytime, anywhere - This degree is available online through our Digital campus, giving you more room to fit university with your work and social life.
Pursue further study
The courses in this graduate certificate may be credited towards a related graduate diploma or masters degree. Griffith's innovative Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past, which will give you an idea of what you can expect.
| Code | Program title | Campus | Intake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3154 | Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health (this program) | Online | Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 |
| 5616 | Master of Forensic Mental Health | Online | Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 |
Note: Progression through this program suite is dependent upon satisfying admission requirements.
Attendance information
This Graduate Certificate program is offered part-time: off-campus (online).
Work-integrated learning
The University supports its students to undertake work experience that complements their degree. Work experience is normally arranged by you with an employer you select but with approval from your Program Director.
My career opportunities
You will be equipped for work in health departments specifically catering to forensic patients, and in related areas such as corrections, families departments and disability services.
Key employment sectors
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Education and Training
- Public Administration and Safety
- Other Services
Potential job outcomes
- Welfare manager
- Health manager
- Public health officer
- Counsellor
- Welfare worker
- Community worker
- Probation and parole officer
- Disability services officer
*Source: Australian Government Job Outlook.
Pathways to further study
A student who has completed the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health (with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 or higher) may articulate into the Master of Forensic Mental Health (5616) program with 40 credit points of advanced standing.
International students
An International student is one who is not:
- an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
- a Pacific Engagement visa holder or
- a person who has Australian permanent resident status.
Indicative annual tuition fee
The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points (two full-time trimesters).
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change.
Tuition fees
- An International student pays tuition fees.
- Students are liable for tuition fees for the courses they are enrolled in as at the census date.
- The tuition fee is charged according to the approved program fee for the trimester in which the student is enrolled.
Program fees for the Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health (3154)
If the fee rate for your program is not displayed above, please contact Student Connect for assistance.
Changing programs
If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.
Permanent resident status
If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.
The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Fees and Charges Procedure.
If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.
Further information
- Fees and Charges Procedure
- 3.6 - Fees for International Students
- 3.9 - Administrative and Miscellaneous Charges
- Cost of studying in Australia