Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

The Forensic Mental Health Program provides an opportunity for a comprehensive training in forensic mental health. It covers the theoretical and practical aspects of criminal civil, child and family forensic mental health sub-speciality. It is designed to provide training, skills, and expertise required in the forensic mental health workplace both in the private and public arena. It can be undertaken on a part-time (two year) basis. The program is designed for mental health professionals including medical practitioners, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. The program is also open to members of the legal profession and correctional staff.

Program Offerings

Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health (7312)

• 4 courses (24 UoC)               
  • 2 Core (12 UoC)
  • 2 Elective (12 UoC)

See UNSW Handbook entry for Graduate Certificate

Graduate Diploma in Forensic Mental Health (5512)   

• 6 courses (36 UoC)               
  • 3 Core (18 UoC)
  • 3 Elective (18 UoC)

See UNSW Handbook entry for Graduate Diploma

Masters in Forensic Mental Health (9012)

• 8 courses (48 UoC)
  • 4 Core (24 UoC)
  • 4 Elective (24 UoC)

See UNSW Handbook entry for Masters

Program Structure

The Masters of Forensic Mental Health will be awarded on completion of 48 units of credit (UOC). Students must complete 24 UOC in core courses, and 24 UOC of electives offered by the School of Psychiatry.

Core Courses:

• PSCY9901 Law and Mental Health (6 UOC)

• PSCY9902 Psychiatry and Criminal Law (6 UOC)

• PSCY9903 Violence (6 UOC)

• PSCY9904 Administration, Institutions & Services (6 UOC)

Candidates without a clinical background are required to undertake the following course in place of one elective:

• PSCY9911 Mental Disorders, Personality Disorders & Crime (6 UOC)

Elective courses:

• PSCY9911 Mental Disorders, Personality Disorders & Crime (6 UOC)

• PSCY9912 Substance Use Problems and Offending (6 UOC)

• PSCY9913 Disordered & Criminal Sexual Behaviour (6 UOC)

• PSCY9914 Families, Children & Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry (6 UOC)

• PSCY9915 Civil Law in Relation to Psychiatry (6 UOC)

• PSCY9917 Unusual Behaviours and Special Groups (6 UOC)

Note: Students can also apply to the program directors to enrol in alternative elective courses offered by other UNSW departments (e.g., health research-focused postgraduate courses from law, criminology, psychology, or population health). Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis and must also be approved by the relevant course convenor.

Course Offerings

Each course is offered once every two years on a rotating basis (except PSCY9911 which is offered annually).

2022

Term 1, 2022

PSCY9901 Law and Mental Health

PSCY9914 Families, Children & Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry

Term 2, 2022

PSCY9911 Mental Disorders, Personality Disorders & Crime

Term 3, 2022

PSCY9904 Administration, Institutions & Services

PSCY9912 Substance Use Problems and Offending

2023

Term 1, 2023

PSCY9902 Psychiatry and Criminal Law 

PSCY9913 Disordered & Criminal Sexual Behaviour

Term 2, 2023

PSCY9911 Mental Disorders, Personality Disorders & Crime

PSCY9917 Unusual Behaviours and Special Groups

Term 3, 2023

PSCY9903 Violence

PSCY9915 Civil Law in Relation to Psychiatry