Forensic Behavioural Science

Overview

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.

The Master of Forensic Behavioural Science at Swinburne University of Technology 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.

Aims and objectives

• 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.