Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Develop Advanced Psychological Knowledge

Critically analyse the theories and evidence in psychology.

Research

Synthesise research from a variety of sources to develop your knowledge.

Interpret & Communicate Complex Ideas

Develop strong professional communication for a range of audiences.

Ethical Practice

Apply knowledge and frameworks to ethical problems.

Problem Solving

Use creative solutions to solve complex problems in psychology.

Personal Learning

Apply knowledge and specialised skills with responsibility and accountability for your own learning and practice.

Take the first step to a new career in psychology with our Graduate Diploma of Psychology. If you have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, this course gets you started with the fundamentals of psychology. With this qualification you can then choose between ongoing study to qualify as a clinical psychologist, or employment in human services fields such as mental health, counselling, sports psychology or family therapy.

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology will teach you to analyse behaviour, disorders and cognitive processes to deepen your understanding of human nature. You will develop skills in research methodologies, and participate in psychology practice activities.

This course has received accreditation from APAC and is the first step to becoming a professional psychologist – that is, the equivalent of the APAC accredited 3 year undergraduate program. Graduates who wish to practise as a psychologist will need further training in psychology, which will include an accredited fourth year of study and two additional years as required by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Recommended study pattern

Core units

Introduction to Research Methods (PSY70010)

Foundations of Statistics (STA70006)

Brain and Behaviour (PSY70011)

Fundamentals of Psychology (PSY10008)

Major units

Analysis of Variance and Regression (STA70007)

Social Psychology (PSY70013)

Cognition And Human Performance (PSY70014)

Developmental Psychology (PSY70015)

History and Philosophy of Psychology (PSY70017)

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 150 credit points comprising 12 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 completed an undergraduate qualification.

• 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.

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.