Masters (Coursework)
Explore the ways our criminal justice and mental health systems interact. Forensic mental health services assess and treat people with mental health problems who have a history of or are at risk of criminal offending.
Explore the ways our criminal justice and mental health systems interact. Forensic mental health services assess and treat people with mental health problems who have a history of or are at risk of criminal offending. Professionals in this field might also work in civil legal settings, such as the family court. Forensic mental health is a major consideration for professionals in a range of fields, including medicine, law, nursing, criminology, psychology, occupational therapy and social work.
The Master of Forensic Mental Health was established in response to a local need for trained professionals to work in this expanding field. This progressive degree brings together a diverse cross-section of experiences and perspectives from mental health professionals, members of the legal profession and those involved in the criminal justice system. Through live video discussions, students can exchange viewpoints and insights in an interdisciplinary setting.
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 UNSW's Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health
This program is delivered by UNSW's Discipline of Psychiatry & Mental Health, 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, and receives considerable research funds from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
Testimonials
"I completed the Master of Forensic Mental Health through UNSW in 2020/2021. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and found the course content to be up-to-date, highly relevant to my work role and very well presented. The course staff were very helpful and encouraging, and I highly recommend considering this course if you are thinking of further studies related to helping people with mental health issues who are involved in the criminal justice system."
Tim Brain, Psychologist, NSW
"This degree delivers on its many promises. The structured and comprehensive coursework improved my confidence and competence in clinical forensic mental health practise. The assessments were very relevant in that they drove my learning, tested my understanding of the material and were in a format consistent with what I see in forensic mental health work."
Paran Nadeswaran, Forensic Psychiatrist, NSW
"I enrolled in the Master of Forensic Mental Health to increase my knowledge and confidence in this unique and often controversial area of mental health practice. The learning resources and lectures provide up-to-date insights into forensic mental health practice and I found that really interesting, as it was so applicable to situations at work. Being able to build up a network of professional contacts with such experience and knowledge in their specialist areas has been very beneficial, and the contributions of peers in the course enhances the learning experience further."
Yvette Black, Occupational Therapist, Macquarie Unit, Orange
Entry into this program requires an undergraduate degree in health (medicine, nursing and other allied health), law, psychology or criminology AND
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Entry into this program requires an undergraduate degree in health (medicine, nursing and other allied health), law, psychology or criminology AND
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
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:
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.
"I enrolled in the Master of Forensic Mental Health to increase my knowledge and confidence in this unique and often controversial area of mental health practice. The learning resources and lectures provide up-to-date insights into forensic mental health practice and I found that really interesting, as it was so applicable to situations at work. Being able to build up a network of professional contacts with such experience and knowledge in their specialist areas has been very beneficial, and the contributions of peers in the course enhances the learning experience further."
Yvette Black
Occupational Therapist, Macquarie Unit (Orange)
"The course provided me with a greater understanding of mental health legislation, mental health disorders and the various disciplines within the Criminal Justice System that manage the care of offenders who are diagnosed with a mental disorder."
Adriana Mugica
Assistant Superintendent, Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre