Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Develop Advanced Psychological Knowledge

Gain a deep understanding of key psychological theories and evidence.

Research

Learn to synthesise and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources.

Interpret & Communicate Complex Ideas

Build strong professional communication skills to effectively present and explain psychological concepts to various audiences.

Ethical Practice

Apply ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios, ensuring integrity in practice.

Problem-Solving

Develop creative solutions to tackle complex issues in human behaviour and cognitive processes

Whether you’re ready for an exciting and fulfilling career change or simply fascinated by what makes people tick, Swinburne Online’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology will give you the tools to turn your passion into purpose.

If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in any field and want to move into psychology, this course is your launchpad. Whether you’re on a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist or looking to work in areas like mental health, community services, or counselling — this program gives you the foundation you need to carve the path you choose.

Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, who don’t want to commit to a three-year undergraduate degree, this course provides the equivalent foundation of an APAC-accredited three-year undergraduate psychology degree, giving you the credentials to continue your journey towards registration.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology consists of 10 units that can be completed in 20 months full-time.

Core units

• Brain and Behaviour (PSY70011)
• Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)
• Introductory Research Methods and Statistics (PSY70020)

Psychology Major units

• Analysis of Variance and Regression (STA70007)
• Social Psychology (PSY70013)
• Cognition And Human Performance (PSY70014)
• Developmental Psychology (PSY70015)
• Psychology Of Personality (PSY70016)
• Mental Health Diversity, Diagnosis and Treatment (PSY70018)
• Psychology Project (PSY70019)

Award requirements

To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Psychology, students must complete 125 credit points comprising 10 compulsory Psychology units of study.

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

Indicative total fee $44,520

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.

Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. 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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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

17

To gain entry into this course, applicants must have one of the following:

• A completed undergraduate degree in any discipline OR
• A completed postgraduate degree in any discipline OR
• A completed Graduate Certificate of Psychology.

• Swinburne University English for Academic Purposes Certificate: EAP 5 Advanced: 70%, OR
• Obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0, OR
• A TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 550 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5), OR
• A TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 79, with no individual band below 18, OR
• Equivalent levels of English language proficiency using other English language tests or measures as approved by the Senior DVC & Provost.

If you are applying as an international student, please view the English language requirements.

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.