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.

The Master of Suicidology provides an extension to the existing Graduate Certificate in Suicidology currently offered by the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP).

The program is designed to produce graduates who are knowledgeable and skilled in the identification of a range of concerns regarding suicidal behaviours and their planned management at various levels (including research, public policy, and primary, secondary and tertiary prevention). The program will allow students to explore the historical and sociological development of the complexities of suicide. Furthermore, students will have the opportunity to compare different management methods and identify the advantages and disadvantages of each theoretical approach to treatment and management of suicidal behaviour and its prevention. Students will examine the factors that influence the development and assessment of suicidal behaviours and the ways in which current intervention and prevention strategies deal with these factors.

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 and intervention.

Finally, this program offers two pathways of educational outcomes for students including a final study year focused on either research (dissertation) or coursework (elective courses of relevance to the domain of suicide research and prevention).

Recommended study pattern

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

To be eligible for the award of Master of Suicidology (MSuicidology), a student must acquire 120 credit points as prescribed below:

• Standard pathway
  • gain 80 credit points for the prescribed coursework and
  • gain 10 credit points for 7103NRS Independent Practice Project and
  • gain 30 credit points from the listed electives.
• Dissertation pathway
  • gain 80 credit points for the prescribed coursework and
  • gain 40 credit points for the dissertation.

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

Indicative total fee $14,250

The amount shown here is 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 Ranking 2024:

18

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

20

Entry to the Master of Suicidology program requires students to hold:

• a Bachelor degree in a related field such as medical, social or behavioural science, psychological sciences, social work, community welfare, human services, public health, nursing, education, criminology, anthropology, law
• OR a Bachelor Honours, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma qualification in a different discipline area
• OR a Graduate Certificate in Suicidology (3382) or Graduate Certificate in Suicide Prevention Studies (3110) (from Griffith University) with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher (successful applicants will be eligible for 40 credit points of advanced standing and will be required to complete 80 credit points in the program).

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.

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

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 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.