Course Overview

About This Course

The Master of Psychology (Forensic) at UNSW is an APAC-accredited postgraduate program that prepares students for registration as a psychologist and a career in forensic mental health or the broader field of psychology and criminology. Over two years, students engage in advanced coursework and hands-on experience in courts, correctional facilities and community forensic services. The program combines legal theory with psychological expertise, equipping graduates to address real-world challenges at the intersection of psychology and law. You'll be equipped with knowledge and skills in a multitude of areas, including interviewing and intervention skills, civil and criminal law, psychological assessments, ethical practice and investigative approaches on criminal behaviour. First offered in 1998, this forensic psychology degree emphasises the integration of clinical, research and legal skills. Students also complete a research thesis on a topic relevant to forensic psychology, providing an opportunity to contribute original insights to forensic clinical psychology.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

Completion of an accredited four-year, or three-year plus a fourth year, APAC-accredited sequence in psychology, including a major research thesis, completed within the last 10 years with Honours Class 1 (85%), or Upper Second Class Honours (75%) or their equivalents.
Psychology qualifications from overseas must include a major research thesis/project and must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to a four-year APAC-accredited sequence in psychology completed in Australia; qualification must be assessed before applying.
As the number of places available each year is limited, entry is competitive; selection is based on academic qualifications, two referee reports and performance at an interview.
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the assessment centre, which must be attended in person at UNSW (Kensington campus).
Although work experience is not an admission requirement, applicants with a history of employment will be positively regarded.
Applicants must demonstrate competency in speaking and communicating in English sufficient to practise the psychology profession, satisfying both UNSW's English language requirements and those required by AHPRA.
Before starting the program, all students must apply for provisional registration with AHPRA's Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA), required to begin clinical placements in the first year.
Applicants must review and understand the inherent requirements of the program before applying.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Psychology (Forensic) may pursue roles such as forensic psychologist, correctional consultant, police or court advisor, policy and legislative analyst, and private consultant in forensic mental health or risk assessment. Forensic psychologists work across diverse environments including prisons, courts, probation and parole services, child protection, juvenile justice, insurance, mediation, private practice and public policy development. Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. After completing a Psychology Board of Australia approved Forensic Psychology registrar program (further two years of full-time equivalent supervised practice), graduates are eligible to apply for endorsement as a Forensic Psychologist. Graduates are also eligible for APS membership and Associate Membership of the APS College of Forensic Psychologists.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units17 units

Applications of Forensic Psychology

Stage 1 core course

Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 1

Stage 1 core course

Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 2

Stage 1 core course

Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 3

Stage 1 core course

Assessment in Forensic Psychology

Stage 1 core course

Forensic Interventions 1

Stage 1 core course

Forensic Interventions 2

Stage 1 core course

Law for Psychologists 1

Stage 1 or Stage 2 core course (one of Law for Psychologists 1 or 2)

Law for Psychologists 2

Stage 1 or Stage 2 core course (one of Law for Psychologists 1 or 2)

Professional Psychological Practice

Stage 1 and Stage 2 core course

Experimental Psychology and Law

Stage 2 core course

Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 4

Stage 2 core course

Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 5

Stage 2 core course

Professional and Ethical Practice (Forensic) 6

Stage 2 core course

Research Thesis (Forensic) 1

Stage 2 core course; first in a three-part research thesis sequence

Research Thesis (Forensic) 2

Stage 2 core course; second in a three-part research thesis sequence

Research Thesis (Forensic) 3

Stage 2 core course; third in a three-part research thesis sequence

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many practicum hours are required and where do placements take place?

Students must complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours across at least three placements. Placements are completed both internally at the UNSW Forensic Psychology Clinic (UFPC) and externally at forensic agencies and organisations such as courts, correctional facilities and community forensic services.

Is it possible to study the Master of Psychology (Forensic) part-time or while working full-time?

No. The program is intensive and includes face-to-face learning and professional practice activities that are time-consuming and not confined to standard hours. It is not possible to complete the program part-time while working full-time.

What is the structure of the research thesis component?

Under the supervision of an academic staff member from the School of Psychology, students undertake a research project on a topic relevant to forensic psychology, documented in the form of a journal article-style thesis. The research project is structured as a three-part sequence — Research Thesis (Forensic) 1, 2 and 3 — enrolled across Terms 1 to 3 respectively, totalling 18 Units of Credit.

What accreditation does this program hold and what registration can graduates obtain?

The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a fifth and sixth year of study. Graduates are eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. After completing an additional two-year Psychology Board of Australia approved Forensic Psychology registrar program, graduates may apply for endorsement as a Forensic Psychologist.

Is there a combined PhD option available alongside this program?

Yes, UNSW offers a combined PhD/Master of Psychology (Forensic). This four-year, full-time program integrates research, coursework and professional placements, giving students hands-on experience in forensic settings while developing advanced research expertise. It is ideal for careers in forensic mental health, applied research or academia.

Application

How to Apply

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Enquire

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Step 02

Submit Documents

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Step 03

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Master of Psychology - Forensic

About This Course

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students