Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)

What you’ll learn:

1. Research: Learn advanced research and analytical skills that will form the basis of your ongoing professional development, allowing you to critically investigate a range of research topics that inform your professional practice. 
2. Conceptual Understanding: Cultivate a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of core areas of psychological enquiry, including cognitive, behavioural, developmental, social and clinical methodologies. 
3. Problem-Solving: Apply psychological theories, research findings, and skills to theoretical and practical problems in academic psychology and professional practice. 
4. Ethical Practice: Develop a nuanced understanding of the ethical responsibilities integral to psychological research and practice. 

What is the Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced? 

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is a fully online course, in which you will learn to recognise and interpret how the practice of psychology is influenced by varied social, historical, professional and cultural contexts.

You will develop a nuanced understanding of ethical issues in psychological practice, and how to apply an evidence-based approach to psychological intervention. 

Successful completion of this qualification will fulfil the fourth-year study requirement if you’re seeking provisional registration as a practising psychologist. 

You can find out more information about pathways to general registration in psychology on the Australian Psychological Society or APAC website. 

Who is this course for? 

Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is designed for those pursuing a career as a psychologist or in adjacent health–related roles. It’s the next step you take after completing an APAC-approved Level 1 program of study. 

• Aspiring Practitioners: Graduates seeking the accredited qualification to apply for professional registration in psychology. 
• Research-Driven Professionals: Career-changers looking to develop high-level analytical skills and conduct an independent psychological research thesis. 

How you’ll study

• The Graduate Diploma of Psychology runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
• Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week per unit.
• Set your own study paceby taking one or more units per Teaching Period. 
• Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.
• 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.

This course is not available to international students.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) consists of:

Core units

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Psychology (PSY80112)

Counselling and Interventions (PSY80115)

Ethics and Professional Issues (PSY80114)

Psychological Assessment (PSY80113)

Thesis units

Thesis A—Research Project Development (PSY80117)

Thesis B—Literature Review (PSY80118)

Thesis C—Empirical Study (PSY80136)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of GD-PSYADS Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), students must complete 100 credit points comprising:

•  Seven [7] core units (100cps)

An overall course grade (e.g., for level of honours, and entry into higher degree courses) is calculated by averaging the marks for the 7 units, each weighted by their credit point value (i.e., the grade for PSY80136 Thesis C – Empirical Study is weighted double).

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

Indicative total fee $26,761

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.

Study on your own terms with this forward-thinking university.

It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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To be eligible to apply, Australian applicants must have completed an APAC-accredited three-year or equivalent sequence in psychology. Students must achieve a minimum of a Distinction average (70%) in core psychology units at the third-year level. 

Applicants who have completed a psychology major at an overseas university MUST provide evidence that their degree meets the requirements of an APAC-accredited Australian undergraduate degree in psychology. 

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements. 

Eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

• Consistent with the mission of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project, Swinburne is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists and to delivering culturally safe training programs.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) are encouraged to contact the Moondani Toombadool Centre (indigenousstudents@swin.edu.au) to discuss their application and to explore the supports available during their candidature at Swinburne.

• IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0
• Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 75% and all skills 70% or above
• TOEFL iBT: minimum score 95 (Reading no less than 20, Writing no less than 22).

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.