Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)

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.

History and philosophy of psychology

Situate contemporary psychology practice in its historical context, exploring the defining theories and movements in psychology, such as Freud's theory of the Unconscious, that still shape modern psychology today.

Conceptual understanding

Cultivate a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of core areas of psychological enquiry, including: cognitive, behavioural, developmental, social and clinical methodologies.

Problem Solving

Apply psychological theories, research findings, and skills to theoretical and practical problems in academic psychology and professional practice.

Ethical practice

Develop a nuanced understanding of the ethical responsibilities integral to psychological research and practice.

Becoming a registered psychologist in Australia is a rewarding undertaking that will take at least five years of study, depending on the pathway you take. This typically includes a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence; a fourth year of psychology studies; and one or two years of postgraduate study with supervised workplace experience.

Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is the next step, after completing an APAC approved Level 1 program of study, for those pursuing a career as a psychologist. Conditional accreditation of this course has been granted by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) will fulfil the fourth-year study requirement for those seeking provisional registration as a practising psychologist.

To qualify for entry you need to have already completed an APAC accredited Level 1 Program OR have completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, which serves as a bridging course for students who have completed an unrelated bachelor degree.

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.

Completion of this course will lead to job opportunities in the mental health sector, including counselling, psychological research, and social work. You will also have the opportunity to apply for provisional registration with APAC if you are successful in enrolling into two years of study and/or supervised professional practice to attain general registration.

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

Recommended study pattern

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Psychology (PSY80112)

Psychological Assessment (PSY80113)

Ethics and Professional Issues (PSY80114)

Counselling and Interventions (PSY80115)

Research Project Development (PSY80117)

Literature Review (PSY80118)

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).

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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.

• 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.