Specialist Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability)
Full Course Name / Course Abbreviation
C37 Specialist Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability)
Course Introduction
Stigma, scapegoating and stereotyping are what many people with intellectual and other cognitive disabilities experience when they become involved with the criminal justice system. Yet an increasingly extensive and sophisticated body of knowledge is providing answers to questions such as:
- How does disability influence offending behaviours?
- Who offends and why?
- What do we need to do to understand their needs and vulnerabilities?
- How can we design effective and humane treatment and rehabilitation programs?
Forensic disability is the emerging discipline which is attempting to answer these questions and this highly acclaimed course, first offered ten years ago, remains the only one in Australia and New Zealand providing a comprehensive basis for specialist training in the area.
The course will provide an up-to-date understanding of key concepts and issues, including theoretical and practical training in the assessment (including risk assessment) and management of forensic disability populations, and the complex professional and ethical issues encountered when working with this needy and challenging group.
Course Objectives
Graduates of the Specialist Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability) will:
- develop an advanced understanding of the psychology of offending behaviour and the criminal justice system;
- develop their knowledge of the appropriate professional skills to be utilised with different types of offenders and in diverse forensic contexts;
- emerge with an advanced understanding of relevant cultural, legal, policy and political issues;
- explain and analyse the postulated link between intellectual disability and offending behaviour in the context of historical, socio-cultural, biological, psychological, methodological and professional issues;
- provide an awareness of specific legal issues facing offenders with an intellectual disability at each stage of their progression through the criminal justice system;
- describe the principles of clinical assessment for this group and outline some specific techniques of assessment;
- explain the principles of clinical intervention and management in this group, some specific interventions and methods of evaluating such interventions;
- provide an appreciation of the legal, philosophical and policy contexts in which much clinical decision-making takes place;
- have confidence in their capacity to undertake PhD and other advanced research.
Graduate Attributes
Refer to Course Objectives.
Entry Requirements
Students completing this course should be able to:
- Understand the nature, extent, complexity and possible causes of the link between intellectual disability and criminal behaviour,
- Identify the major legal and policy issues which confront the offender with an intellectual disability, both generally and at specific stages in the criminal justice system,
- Understand the principles of clinical assessment and management in this group of offenders, selected techniques of assessment and management and methods of evaluating management programs,
- Apply this understanding to specific practical and professional tasks e.g. preparing reports for criminal justice professionals and agencies, and
- Place clinical decision-making processes with respect to this group of offenders in a philosophical, legal and social policy context.
Course Fee
The 2008 course fee for each subject for Australian Residents is $2193 for the assessed stream or $1754 plus 10%GST for the non-assessed stream. The fee covers course materials – a pre-reading folder will be mailed out to you, and course notes will be provided on Day one of the subject. Catering is provided at morning and afternoon tea and at lunch times. Please advise of any specific dietary requirements.
Students will not receive their results until course fees are paid.
Course Structure
The course is based on a points structure, where students are required to accumulate 25 points in order to receive the award:
- 360878 Introduction to Forensic Disability 12.5 points
- 360879 Advanced Practice in Forensic Disability 12.5 points
“Introduction to Forensic Disability” is a post-graduate course available for study towards Doctoral and Master’s degrees offered by the University of Melbourne. It can also be taken as a stand-alone course serving the needs of practitioners in the area and is the first subject in a two-subject Specialist Certificate in Criminology (Forensic Disability) to be offered by the University.
Course Coordinator Details
Dr William Glaser
Delivery Dates
360878 Introduction to Forensic Disability
Course dates: 6th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 14th March 2008
Morning sessions: 9.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.
Afternoon sessions: 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
360879 Advanced Practice in Forensic Disability
Course dates: TBC
Morning sessions: 9.15 a.m. to 12.15 p.m.
Afternoon sessions: 1.15 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Course Brochure
Introduction to Forensic Disability
Online Resource Information for Current Students
There is no Online Resource Information available for this course.
Articulation in to higher awards
On successful completion of the two subjects in the Specialist Certificate, the School of Political Science, Criminology and Sociology have agreed that they will be accepted as electives in the Master of Criminology.
Application Process
Applications are managed by Student Services.