Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health

    Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health

    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    AUD 13,425 / Year
    Next IntakeJuly 1, 2026

    Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health

    About

    There is a rapidly growing need for a skilled workforce in forensic mental health in NSW and beyond. The criminal aspects of forensic mental health services are largely provided for by NSW Justice Health, and the development of new facilities will require additional, suitably-qualified staff for the foreseeable future. Forensic psychiatry private practice provides further opportunities for practitioners.

    The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health offers you training in forensic mental health, covering the theoretical and practical aspects of criminal, civil, child and family forensic mental health sub-speciality. The program aims to provide specialised levels of expertise in the clinical and legal aspects of Law and Forensic Mental Health to an emerging skilled multidisciplinary workforce.

    It draws upon the existing body of leading expertise in law, medicine and nursing, and the rich clinical resources of the Justice Health Long Bay Matraville complex which includes the high secure Forensic Hospital. The program is entirely online, through video lectures, forums and activities.

    This degree is designed for mental health professionals including medical practitioners, nurses, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. The program is also open for members of the legal profession, corrections, police and criminologists.

    Leverage our industry connections

    The program is proud to have an active role in transforming mental health work in correctional facilities across NSW. We’re also working toward tailoring the program to increase its interstate and international engagement through our global partners. This program draws upon the rich clinical resources of the Justice Health Long Bay Matraville complex, which includes the high secure forensic hospital.

    Study with the School of Psychiatry

    This program is delivered by UNSW’s School of Psychiatry, which is widely reputed as the pre-eminent psychiatric research department in the country. It’s also one of the leading university psychiatry research groups internationally. The School receives considerable research funds from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Entry into this program requires an undergraduate degree in health (medicine, nursing and other allied health), law, psychology or criminology AND

    • Honours or postgraduate qualification in health, law, psychology, criminology OR
    • At least two years full-time professional or volunteer experience in health, law, psychology or criminology

    English Program Requirements

    Faculty Undergraduate Postgraduate coursework Postgraduate research
    Medicine & Health

    6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

     

    Exceptions:

    • Bachelor of Nutrition/Master of Dietetics & Food Innovation: 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in each subtest)

    The following programs require 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

    • Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) including double degree
    • Bachelor of Exercise Science/Master of Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology
    • Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Medicine/Master of Pharmacy
    • Bachelor of Applied Exercise Science/Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

    6.5 overall (min. 6.0 in each subtest)

     

    Exceptions:

    • Graduate Certificate in Myopia Management:7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

    6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each subtest)

    Career

    Future careers

    With a rapidly growing need for a skilled workforce in forensic mental health both in Australia and internationally, this degree opens career opportunities in a variety of settings, including:

    • Departments of Corrections
    • Departments of Community Services
    • Fire Brigades
    • Police Forces
    • Judiciary and Legal Agencies
    • Departments of the Attorney General
    • Juvenile Justice Service
    • District Mental Health Services
    • Private Practice in the areas of Health, Law and Criminology.

    In New South Wales, the Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (JH&FMHN) are the primary providers of forensic mental health services in criminal justice settings. They require increasing numbers of qualified professionals to support their work in improving Forensic Mental Health.

    Dentist

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    13,425 / year
    Application Fee 150

    Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health

    University of New South Wales

    University of New South Wales

    Australia

    Australia, Sydney