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

On successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Systematically review, critically evaluate, consolidate, and synthesise research from a variety of sources to develop advanced psychological knowledge.
2. Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose, and demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology.
3. Critically analyse, evaluate, and transform information to generate creative solutions to solve complex applied and theoretical problems in psychology.
4. Define, evaluate, and integrate theoretical principles; responsibly and independently apply these in a range of general and professional contexts relevant to psychology.
5. Apply knowledge and specialised skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
6. Interpret and communicate complex ideas, problems and arguments in a professional manner to a range of audiences using a range of media.
7. Coherently articulate lines of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, and professional accountability, and apply frameworks to analyse situations and offer practical solutions to ethical problems in local and international contexts.

Be the support they need.

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 or community services - 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 $38,230

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

15

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.

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.