Graduate Certificate of Psychology
PostgraduateSWI-PSY-GCE2026
Make a start on your postgraduate psychology studies
Explore psychological theory and research. Unpack the links between personality and behaviour, and how people change with age. You’ll build academic skills in analysis and communication—use them in the workplace or apply them to further studies.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 8 months part time
- Total subjects
- 4
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
About this degree
During this course students will learn about the following:
- Analysis Use your learnt knowledge to analyse and solve complex problems.
- Communication Develop effective communication skills to convey clear and constructive information to staff members and executives (both oral and written communication).
- Ethical Decision-Making Apply knowledge, show ethical judgment and strong decision-making skills.
- Social Psychology Explain how individuals interact with society through group dynamics, cultural influences, and applied issues.
- Personality Learn about the major approaches psychologists use to understand personality and how these differences drive behaviour.
- Development Understand the processes involved in psychological growth and how people change with age.
Unlock human behaviour to empower your career.
This course is designed to provide an entry pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology. The program provides foundational knowledge and skills in Psychology, for individuals who wish to explore the field of psychology (e.g. organisational or educational psychology) and builds a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.
Be ready to dive into robust units that teach you research methods, statistics, and introductory psychology concepts, which will be the basis for further study. However, students who exit with the Graduate Certificate will be able to use these concepts in any profession working with people.
For those who exit with a Graduate Certificate and choose not to proceed with further study, you will have gained the skills and knowledge that can be applied to a number of human-centred professions including: Education, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Human Services, Consulting, People Management and such.
The units within the Graduate Certificate are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and the certificate could lead to an APAC-accredited course or degree.
This course is not available to International students.
Recommended study pattern
To be awarded the Graduate Certificate of Psychology, you must complete 8 units in total made up of:
Core Units
Brain and Behaviour (PSY70011)
Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY70012)
Introductory Research Methods and Statistics (PSY70020)
Core Unit Options
You must complete one (1) of the following:
Developmental Psychology (PSY70015)
Social Psychology (PSY70013)
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Psychology students must complete 50 credit points comprising of:
- Four (4) core units.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $15,292
The amount shown here is 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.
Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking.
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Explore Swinburne University of Technology courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 15
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
- Completion of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a higher university qualification is required; or
- Applicants with a completed Advanced Diploma will also be considered; or
- A minimum of 5 years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience Professional experience can include teaching, community work, allied health, youth work, or any experience working with research data.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Career opportunities
Potential career paths include:
Case Worker or Manager
Specialise in assisting people with the care and resources they need to deal with their mental health issues. Creating plans and setting up appointments to ensure clients attend.
Mental Health Support Worker
Become an essential part of the mental health support network and specialise in assisting people with a variety of complex needs.
Youth Worker
Support young adults to assist them with their personal, social and educational development to help them reach their life goals.
Outreach Worker
Support clients to develop life skills, including applying for benefits, paying bills and utilities, making appointments and navigating welfare systems.
Personal Care Worker
Provide emotional and practical support to aged, unwell and vulnerable individuals and their families and loved ones. Support may include planning and transport to appointments, administering medication, helping with household tasks and offering companionship.
Support Worker
Support workers play a vital role in supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, mental health needs, communication difficulties and/or complex health needs to live independently.
Professional recognition
The units within the Graduate Certificate are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the certificate could lead into an APAC accredited course or degree.