Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Postgraduate
SWI-PSY-GDI 2025A deeper understanding of human nature
Change the course of your career with this postgraduate psychology qualification. You’ll study the fundamentals of psychology and statistics. Explore how people think and investigate abnormal behaviour. Work in mental health, counselling, and more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- Approx. 2 years full time or part time equivalent
- Total subjects
- 10
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
About this degree
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 first year fee
$29,680
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.
Learn more about Swinburne.
Explore Swinburne courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 19
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 17
How to apply
Swinburne University of Technology manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
Complete your details and we'll make sure your enquiry is sent to Swinburne University of Technology who will contact you to discuss this degree.
Don't worry, we're still here to help you - you'll receive a personalised follow-up from an Open Universities Australia student advisor to make sure you have found the right degree for you.
Entry requirements
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.
Career opportunities
Mental Health Support Worker
Help clients with diverse mental health needs access care and navigate support systems.
Behaviour Therapist
Use behavioural strategies to support individuals with mental health challenges or neurodiversity.
Caseworker or Case Manager
Coordinate personalised care plans for clients, ensuring access to health and social services.
Mental Health Advisor
Provide strategic advice and support to improve mental health outcomes in individuals or communities.
Psychology Administrator
Support psychological service teams by managing programs and operational needs.
Counsellor
Support clients by helping them to develop strategies to cope with emotional, mental or lifestyle challenges.
Professional recognition
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.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
---|---|---|
Counsellors | $75K to $93K | Up 12.6% |
Health and Welfare Services Managers | Over $120K | Up 56.6% |
Human Resource Managers | Over $120K | Up 85.7% |
Policy and Planning Managers | Over $120K | Up 53.8% |
Psychologists and Psychotherapists | $93K to $120K | N/A^ |