Specialist Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability)

Course code: SC-CRIMFD

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Domestic students

domestic

International students

international

Duration

1 year part time

Mode (Location)

On campus (Parkville)

Intake

March

Key dates

Fees

AUD $8,000 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available

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How to apply

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Duration

1 year part time

Mode (Location)

On campus (Parkville)

Intake

March

Key dates

Fees

AUD $9,248 (2026 indicative first year fee)

Learn more

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5: with no band less than 6.0

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How to apply

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Overview

This course provides an up-to-date understanding of key concepts and issues, including theoretical and practical training in the assessment (including risk assessment) treatment and management of forensic disability populations, and the complex professional and ethical issues encountered when working within this demanding and challenging sector.

Specific attention will be given to notable offender groups including female offenders, sexual offenders, non-sexual violent offenders, arson, personality disorder and mental health issues, and disabled offenders with substance abuse issues.

Course structure

This course is made up of two subjects, Introduction to Forensic Disability and Advanced Practice in Forensic Disability. You must complete both subjects to receive the award.

Workload

In addition to face-to-face teaching time of 40 hours per subject, students should expect to undertake a minimum of 170 hours per subject for research, reading, writing and general study to complete this course successfully.

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Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this certificate.

Core

Students must complete both core subjects

Accordion
Introduction to Forensic Disability · 12.5 pts	An examination of psychological assessment and intervention strategies as applied to the forensic disability area. Included are considerations of: The postulated link between intellectual ability and offending behaviour (including historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological and methodological issues) Major skills and methods for the assessment of offenders with an intellectual disability Descriptions of, and justifications for, intervention and management programs for this particular group of offenders Issues arising from the characteristics of special needs groups in this population, for example, sex offenders, offenders with dual disability (mental illness as well as intellectual disability) Selected legal issues which may involve the clinician dealing with offenders with an intellectual disability Philosophical and ethical considerations in this area. View detailed information in the Handbook
Advanced Practice in Forensic Disability · 12.5 pts	This subject examines the theoretical and practical mechanisms underlying assessment and treatment in the forensic disability area. In addition students will be provided with clinically-oriented training in methods of management and rehabilitation, including the theoretical rationale underpinning these as well as techniques and outcomes of their practical application. Specific attention will be given to notable groups within the forensic disability field including sexual offending, non-sexual violent offending, arson and firesetting and substance abuse. View detailed information in the Handbook

Accordion

Introduction to Forensic Disability · 12.5 pts

An examination of psychological assessment and intervention strategies as applied to the forensic disability area. Included are considerations of:

The postulated link between intellectual ability and offending behaviour (including historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological and methodological issues)
Major skills and methods for the assessment of offenders with an intellectual disability
Descriptions of, and justifications for, intervention and management programs for this particular group of offenders
Issues arising from the characteristics of special needs groups in this population, for example, sex offenders, offenders with dual disability (mental illness as well as intellectual disability)
Selected legal issues which may involve the clinician dealing with offenders with an intellectual disability
Philosophical and ethical considerations in this area.

View detailed information in the Handbook

Advanced Practice in Forensic Disability · 12.5 pts

This subject examines the theoretical and practical mechanisms underlying assessment and treatment in the forensic disability area. In addition students will be provided with clinically-oriented training in methods of management and rehabilitation, including the theoretical rationale underpinning these as well as techniques and outcomes of their practical application. Specific attention will be given to notable groups within the forensic disability field including sexual offending, non-sexual violent offending, arson and firesetting and substance abuse.

View detailed information in the Handbook