Master of Suicidology

Graduates of the Master of Suicidology program will have advanced knowledge in the field of Suicidology, informed by the latest international research in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention in the fields of human services, social, biological and psychological sciences. This includes knowledge and skills associated with suicide research and the application of contemporary clinical theory in suicide practice. In particular graduates of the Master of Suicidology program will demonstrate discipline specific knowledge of:

1. Suicide epidemiology and nomenclature.
2. Concepts, theory, principles, approaches and skills required for engagement, risk assessment, crisis intervention and long term management of suicidal behaviour.
3. Contemporary research into suicide and its prevention and the limitations and methodological difficulties in suicide research.
4. Clinical theory and application associated with risk assessment and treatment/management of suicidal behaviours.
5. Cultural influences on interpreting suicide trends, and the design of preventive strategies.
6. The legal and ethical dimensions of suicide.
7. The logic and design of research methods, research principles and how to formulate research hypotheses (and test these), and the nature and stages of the scientific research process pertaining to the field of suicidal behaviour and prevention.

Deepen your expertise in suicide prevention by exploring the complex social, psychological and cultural factors associated with suicidal behaviour. Learn and apply research-based strategies supporting prevention, intervention and postvention efforts. You'll also build the analytical skills to understand suicide from multiple perspectives and contribute to evidence-based responses across health, education and community sectors.

Highlights of studying the Master of Suicidology

• Evaluate leading suicide assessment tools and their application in research and support contexts.
• Explore contemporary intervention approaches used to support people experiencing suicidal distress.
• Build strong research and critical analysis skills to investigate trends, risk factors and prevention strategies.
• Choose a major to align your study with your career goals.
• Eligible students may receive credit for approved recognised prior study and/or relevant professional experience, so you may gain a masters in as little as 1 year of full-time study.

Research-led learning in suicide prevention

With a focus on scientific enquiry, this degree emphasises research-informed knowledge and does not aim to educate and train students to be clinicians. The focus on research-based enquiry and investigation enables you to contribute to suicide prevention initiatives at local, national and global levels.

Majors

Tailor your studies through a major in:

Integrated Care: Build the knowledge and practical insight needed to support people experiencing suicidal distress within complex health and human service systems. Explore mental health and co-occurring conditions, consumer and carer perspectives, and culturally responsive practice, including working with First Peoples communities. You'll develop the skills to contribute to coordinated, person-centred approaches that improve outcomes across integrated care settings.

Community and Leadership: Develop the capability to evaluate, support and lead suicide prevention initiatives at community, policy and population levels. Examine public health approaches including epidemiology, ethical decision making, advocacy and community engagement.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Suicidology program will be offered part-time online.

You can access course materials, participate in discussion forums, lodge assessment items and access support services via Learning@Griffith. Access to a reliable computer with internet connection is essential.

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Contemporary Suicide Prevention Practice 1
• Advances in Suicide Research 1
• Contemporary Suicide Prevention Practice II
• Advances in Suicide Research 2.

Plus there’s a selection of electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Master of Suicidology (MSuicidology), you must successfully Complete 120 credit points for either of the following:

• 120 credit points for all Pathway 1 - Duration 1 Year (80CP of study and 40CP of prior learning), or
• 120 credit points for all Pathway 2 - Duration 2 Years (120CP of study)

This degree may be awarded with Distinction where a student achieves a minimum program GPA of 6.5 with no failed courses. The words "This award was achieved with Distinction" will be recorded on the testamur.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $27,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying part-time, which is typically 4 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

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

20

You can complete this program in 1 year or 2 years depending on your prior study and work experience

To be eligible for this program you must meet one of the following criteria:

1 year duration (80CP)

• a Graduate Certificate in Suicidology (or equivalent)

2 year duration (120CP) 

• a recognised Bachelor degree (or higher)
• two years relevant work experience

Relevant work experience includes suicide prevention, psychology, counselling, medicine, nursing, allied health, mental health, public health, social work, human services, community welfare, youth work, aged care, education, criminology, anthropology, sociology, law 

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 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR an overall score of 79 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19 (applies to tests taken prior to 21 January 2026)
• OR an overall score of 4 in the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with a minimum score of 4 in each of the listening, reading, and writing skills, and a minimum score of 3.5 in speaking skills (applies to tests taken on or after 21 January 2026)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50 (applies to tests taken prior to 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 55 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 47 (applies to tests taken on or after 7 August 2025)
• OR an overall score of 70 in the LanguageCert Academic
• OR an overall score of 59 in the Michigan English Test (MET)

English test results must be no more than two years old.

International students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including:

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE.
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training.
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies

Students with a Graduate Certificate in Suicidology or Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention Studies (from Griffith University) with a GPA of 5.0 or higher will be eligible for 40 credit points of advanced standing towards the Master of Suicidology.