Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Course

The Master of Social Work (Forensic Studies) degree provides an opportunity for social work and human service professionals who have already completed a four year undergraduate degree in the social services field to enhance and develop specific knowledge and skills in forensic studies to more effectively work in the areas of mental health, child protection, disability, corrections, drugs and alcohol.

On completion of this course, a student should be able to:

• promote critical evaluation and knowledge of research in social work and human service practice in these fields and integrate that knowledge with past and present work experience
• gain knowledge of specialised practice in forensic fields of study, including the acquisition of new research based clinical and program interventions
• acquire advanced specialised knowledge of research and skills that will allow students to develop best practice at the clinical, program and policy levels for newly emerging problem and service areas.
• encourage students to become critical thinkers and engage in lifelong learning and professional development
• provide students with a broad understanding of the cultural and other differences that exist in our community and their relationship to its individuals within the mental health, corrections, child protection, disability and drug and alcohol systems
• further the professional development of students by providing the opportunity for engagement with colleagues and lecturers who are experts in the field.

This course comprises six units

Students complete:

(a.) the core unit:

• FBS9001 Fundamentals of forensic behavioural science

(b.) two of the following Master of Social Work units (24 points):

• SWM5120 Criminology and social work
• SWM5220 Social work and aged care
• SWM5160 Child abuse, child protection and the child in society
• SWM5241 Mental health practice

(c.) three of the following Graduate Diploma of Forensic Behavioural Science units (18 points):

• FBS9002 The role of mental health in criminal offending
• FBS9004 Developmental aspects of forensic behavioural science
• FBS9005 Assessment and management of problem behaviours
• FBS9006 Advanced risk assessment and management
• FBS9003 Mental health and the correctional system

Master of Social Work (Forensic Studies)