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.

Designed for graduates from any discipline, this program provides a flexible pathway into the field of psychology without requiring a prior background in the discipline. With the ability to study full-time, you can complete the program in as little as one year.

Whether you’re looking to change careers, build psychological knowledge to support your current role, or pursue further study in psychology, this program will help you develop foundational skills in key areas such as cognitive, biological, developmental and social psychology.

With the option to study 100% online, you can balance study alongside work and personal commitments while progressing towards your goals.

Successful completion of the program can support progression into further psychology study, including Honours and Master’s programs, for those wishing to continue their pathway into the profession.

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 $35,265

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.

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

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

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.