The program consists of three components, all of which are compulsory:

1. Coursework (weekly lectures and seminars with associated written forms of assessment)

2. Professional practice (completion of a minimum of 1000 hours of supervised practice in forensic settings and Skills Training Workshops)

3. A research thesis.

The three components total 96 units of credit (48 in each stage).

This program provides graduate training for psychologists who intend to pursue employment within a setting associated with the legal system - police, courts, prisons, probation and parole, guardianship, child protection, statutory review tribunals (e.g. mental health), worker compensation, licensing of special programs and community services, public policy and legislative review.

Graduates are trained in the assessment of people with a range of psychological disorders, disabilities and/or special needs, are equipped with advanced interviewing and counselling skills for dealing with such clients, and become familiar with statutory and common law provisions and procedures and government policies and programs relevant to different forensic settings.

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as fifth and sixth years of study leading to full membership of the Australian Psychological Society and registration as a psychologist with the national Psychology Board of Australia. After completing two years’ full-time equivalent supervised practice, graduates of the program are eligible to apply for endorsement as a Forensic Psychologist and for membership of the College of Forensic Psychologists.

*LAWS9800 and LAWS9810 are offered in alternate years. Students can complete these two courses in any order and should enrol in which ever is offered regardless of whether they are at Stage 1 or Stage 2.

Please refer to the Program Structure above and contact the School of Psychology for further information.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

The minimum entrance requirement is completion of an Honours Class 1 or high Class 2 degree in Psychology from the University of New South Wales or from a recognised APAC university.

Psychology qualifications from overseas must consist of a research thesis component and also be assessed as equivalent to an Australian four-year undergraduate degree (including Honours) by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). See the APS website (www.psychology.org.au) for more details.

Selection is based on academic qualifications for the program. As the number of places is limited, entry into the program is competitive. Referees reports will be sought for applicants who are shortlisted and an interview may be required.

Applicants should also refer to the relevant information on the School of Psychology website http://www.psy.unsw.edu.au/future-students/postgraduate-coursework/how-apply.

Duration:
The minimum period of registration before the award of the degree is four semesters for full-time students and six semesters for part-time students. Students with advanced standing may have the minimum period reduced by up to one half of the program, i.e., a reduction of one semester if a student has completed a PhD in an approved area of Psychology and one semester if a student has completed part of the coursework program.

Part-time students:
Part-time students normally are expected to take half the full-time program in any one semester.