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.

This program is designed to produce graduates who are knowledgeable and skilled in the identification of a range of concerns regarding suicidal behaviours and prevention, clinical and non-clinical support and responses at various levels (including research, public policy, and prevention, intervention and postvention). The program will allow students to explore the historical and sociological development of the complexities of suicide, and contemporary research and methodological complexities, trends, epidemiological and scientific research processes associated with suicide and its prevention. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to compare different intervention and support responses and identify the advantages and disadvantages of theoretical approaches to the major clinical responses to suicidal behaviour when accompanied by mental health conditions, as well as the cultural, legal and ethical influences around suicide prevention. Finally, students will have the opportunity to undertake learning around integrated care elements, or community and leadership process of suicide prevention as the two offered majors to complete their program of learning. This program does not aim to educate and train students to be clinicians (in the assessment and treatment of suicidal behaviour) but emphasises the importance of scientific and research-based enquiry and investigation at all levels of suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.

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 $25,200

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.

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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 1.5 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)

1.5 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 a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• 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 C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

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.

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.