Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science

On successful completion of the program students will have:

1. Comprehended and applied a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology, individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality, psychological health and well-being, psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions, learning and memory, cognition, language and perception, motivation and emotion, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, lifespan developmental psychology, social psychology, culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement and research methods and statistics.
2. Applied knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
3. Analysed and critiqued theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicated these in written and oral formats.
4. Demonstrated an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
5. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.
6. Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

Understanding how our brains work, how our minds think and how our behaviours change is not only interesting but very relevant to daily life. The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science from the University of Newcastle is designed for those who want to learn more about psychology or start a career in the field. 

This program allows graduates of an undergraduate degree (or higher‐level qualification) in any discipline to develop skills in the discipline of psychology. By exploring your passion for psychology, you can begin a rewarding career making a difference in people's lives. With the option of 100% online study, this program is designed to provide the flexibility to suit your needs. 

The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council have registered this Graduate Diploma as an accredited ‘Level 1’ program. This means students learn the foundational psychology competencies and the program is equivalent to the level of competence achieved in most Bachelors Degrees in Psychology (without honours). 

Award requirements

Completion of required subjects as per the program structure.

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

Indicative total fee $34,240

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.

The University of Newcastle is dedicated to outstanding education and research. Their degrees are shaped around global learning, work placements and entrepreneurial opportunities. The university is known as a champion of innovative approaches, striving for a dynamic teaching culture that delivers world-class outcomes. Welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, they focus on equity and developing the next generation of socially-oriented leaders.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

16

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19

In order to be admitted into the program, applicants must have successfully completed:

• An AQF 7 Bachelor degree (or higher), or equivalent.
• A competency exam administered online through Canvas, demonstrating knowledge of first year psychology.

Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts at the test. Students who do not pass the test will not be permitted to commence the program. Students will be able to defer their offer of admission for one year, and re-take the test the following year. Students will be directed to appropriate resources to consult prior to completion of the test.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.