Master of Forensic Mental Health
PostgraduateGRF-FMH-MAS2026
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
This degree is a collaboration with the Queensland Health Department's School of Mental Health
Become a highly valued forensic mental health specialist able to practise at an advanced level. Study assessment, legislation and policies, research and evaluation. Examine interventions with offenders, justice and crime, law and behaviour.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Applications close
- 15 Feb 2026,
- 28 June 2026
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Master of Forensic Mental Health
About this degree
Knowledge
Graduates of this Masters Degree (Coursework) will have:
- a body of knowledge that includes the understanding of recent developments in forensic mental health.
- knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to forensic mental health.
Skills
Graduates of this Masters Degree (Coursework) will have:
- cognitive skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on forensic mental health theory and professional practice
- cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex forensic mental health problems, concepts and theories and to apply established relevant theories to different bodies of knowledge or operational practice in forensic mental health services.
- cognitive and technical skills to generate and evaluate complex contemporary forensic mental health ideas and concepts at an abstract level
- communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions to key stakeholder groups in the forensic mental health field.
- technical and communication skills to theorise, design, analyse and evaluate about evidence-based policies that contribute to forensic mental health practice
Application of Knowledge and Skills
Graduates of this Masters Degree (Coursework) will demonstrate the application of knowledge & skills:
- (with initiative) to new situations in professional forensic mental health practice and/or for further learning
- high level personal autonomy and accountability
- to plan and execute a substantial research-based project
This degree is delivered in collaboration with Queensland Health's Forensic Mental Health Service to provide postgraduate professional training for current or future forensic mental health practitioners, including nurses, psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists. It also provides an extension to undergraduate degrees in nursing, applied science, criminology and criminal justice, and applied psychology. The degree provides advanced training to enhance and develop specialist skills and knowledge to work more effectively with the forensic mental health population. You will gain a thorough understanding of research-based knowledge in forensic mental health and how it is applied in practice.
Recommended study pattern
Students need to complete 8 Core subjects.
Award requirements
To be eligible for the award of Master of Forensic Mental Health (MForMentH), a student must gain 80 credit points for the core subjects.
The maximum period for completing this program is 5 years.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
When you have completed your final session of study, OUA students should notify Griffith University of their intention to graduate with the award of Master of Forensic Mental Health. Please contact Griffith (OUA) Services on oua-services@griffith.edu.au.
Transition arrangements are changes that occur when courses are updated or phased out. This happens regularly as part of continuous improvement. It may affect you if you are currently enrolled in this course, or if you plan to use credit from previous study towards it.
Changes in 2026:
The Master of Forensic Mental Health program will change from 120CP to 80CP program.
Structure change:
- Students need to compete 8 Core subjects.
- The following subjects have been removed from the program but are still offered in other OUA programs:
- CCJ736 Quantitative Social Research
- CCJ737 Qualitative Social Research
- CCJ722 Research and Evaluation Methods
- CCJ744 Applied Criminological Theory
- CCJ733 Intelligence Led Policing.
- CCJ747 Individual Project will be offered 2 more times across a 2 year period (Study Session 2 2026 and Study Session 2 2027) and then withdrawn. Students in the 120CP will be informed of the need to complete this subject prior to its discontinuation. The Program Director will communicate this information via email to students who remain enrolled in the 120CP Master of Forensic Mental Health.
The Program Director will inform and work with current students who want to transition from the 120CP to the 80CP program to develop individualised study plans.
Current students who request transfer or seek advice on enrolment in the 80CP program will be advised of the coursework only nature of this program, and as such, no option for a dissertation pathway.
Students who want to pursue the dissertation pathway will be encouraged to remain within the 120CP program or alternatively, enrol in the 80CP program and subsequently, undertake a Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies.
Changes in 2021:
Structure change:
- Students need to complete 7 Core subjects (including 1 Research subject) and 4 electives.
- CCJ711 - Forensic Mental Health Legislation and Policies has been removed as a Core subject. Students who have completed this subject need to complete only 3 electives.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative first year fee
$24,500
Indicative total fee $36,750
The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University.
Explore Griffith courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 21
Entry requirements
This is a restricted degree. Subject enrolment is only available to students admitted into this degree.
To be eligible for admission to the Master of Forensic Mental Health course, a student must hold:
- a related* Bachelor degree or higher with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 (on a 7-point scale) (* Criminology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Nursing, Applied Science)
- OR a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health with a minimum grade point average of 4.0 (on a 7-point scale).
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:
- A minimum overall band score of 7.0 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.5
- OR a minimum score of 580 on TOEFL
- OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 92 (no score less than 22)
- OR no score less than 4 in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
- OR a minimum grade of C on the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
- OR an overall score of 68 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with a minimum of 60 in all Communicative Skills.
English test results must be no more than two years old.
Students who successfully complete the following program will progress directly to their Griffith degree program:
Griffith Academic English Direct Entry Program
The above requirements are HIGHER than those stipulated in University policy. Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following policy for further information:
Griffith University may award credit for prior learning. Students can apply to gain credit for prior learning at the postgraduate level by lodging a credit transfer application form. For further information and a copy of the form, please contact Griffith University.
Career opportunities
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
| Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
| Psychologists and Psychotherapists | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |
| Social Workers | $75K to $93K | Up 29.8% |
Explore psychology & mental health courses
Discover related degrees to compare your options and find the best fit for your goals.
Graduate Certificate in Neurodiversity
PostgraduateSCU-NEU-GCE
Graduate Certificate in Suicidology
PostgraduateGRF-SPS-GCE
Graduate Diploma in Mental Health
PostgraduateACU-MEH-GDI
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
PostgraduateUNE-PSY-GDI
Graduate Diploma of Advanced Practice (Workplace Psychology)
PostgraduateTAS-AWP-GDI
PostgraduateACU-MHL-MAS
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
PostgraduateSWI-PSY-GCE
Master of Clinical Psychology (Post registration)
PostgraduateACU-CPP-MAS
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
How can I pay for my studies?
You may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government, depending on your citizenship status and where you'll be living during your studies. You can also pay upfront with your credit card.
Payment options are explained in Fees, and you can contact a student advisor for more information.
How does studying through Open Universities Australia work?
You might find learning through OUA a little different to how you've studied in the past. It can take time to develop the skills you need for independent online study.
We connect you with subjects and degrees that are taught by leading Australian universities. You can complete single subjects, or follow a degree structure to work towards a specific qualification. Subjects are offered in several study terms throughout the year, so you can choose to study part-time or full-time, continuously or with breaks.
We help you find the subjects or degree that's right for you, and we handle your enrolment in uni and some administration. Your uni sends you your study materials and deals with all academic matters. They're also in charge of your assessment and graduation. If you go on to complete a degree, you'll graduate from the uni offering your degree, for example, RMIT University or Griffith University.
How do I know if I‘m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it's important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you don't quite meet the requirements, we can help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study. Contact us to find out more.
When is my cut-off date for enrolment?
Our close of enrolment times vary. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting Key dates.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don't meet the entry requirements for a degree, we'll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there.
You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We'll introduce you to flexible study options you didn't even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you.You'll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you'll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you'll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students.We'll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
How do I enrol?
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you've made your choice, click 'Apply now' on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We'll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to a student advisor and we'll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.