Graduate Diploma in Psychology

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences’ Graduate Diploma in Psychology is designed for graduates from other disciplines who are interested in career paths as a registered psychologist or exploring psychology out of interest.

The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and provides the required foundational sequence of subjects for students seeking to undertake further study in psychology to pursue a career as a registered psychologist or as a researcher. Studying psychology prepares graduates for diverse careers in health, education, industry, commerce, welfare and government.

The accredited sequence emphasises critical thinking, scientific reasoning, research design, data analysis, and the application of findings across various contexts. Students also develop ethical reasoning and respect for human diversity, with in-depth studies in biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology.

Course intakes and minimum course duration

Course description

The course is comprised of 125 credit points of psychology subjects, including eight compulsory psychology subjects (100 credit points), and two elective psychology subjects at Level 3, selected from a range of electives (25 credit points).

Graduate Diploma in Psychology students undertake most of the same subjects and attend most of the same classes as students completing the accredited undergraduate major in Psychology, with the exception of two compulsory advanced level subjects that replace the two compulsory Level 3 subjects in the undergraduate major. The two advanced level subjects recognise the graduate status of the students and specify learning outcomes consistent with an AQF Level 8 qualification, particularly in relation to research methods and communication skills.

Why study psychology at the University of Melbourne

• No. 1 university in Australia for psychology

The University of Melbourne is ranked #1 in Australia for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), offering world-class courses taught by renowned psychologists.

• Professional accreditation

Many psychology courses at the University of Melbourne are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing the necessary subjects for generalist psychologist registration in Australia.

• Practical learning environment

Students apply their knowledge in practical learning environments tailored to their needs through our key partners and collaborators, such as Royal Melbourne Hospital, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and Orygen.

Upcoming information session

Graduate Diploma in Psychology Information Session: 2025 Summer & Start Year Intakes

When: Wednesday 4 September, 12.30-1.30pm AEST

Learn more about the program and student experience from Course Convenor, Associate Professor Simon Cropper, and current students. There will also be an opportunity to ask our panellists questions.

Register here

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

• English language test score requirements

• If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

  IELTS

  6.5

  ---

  with no band less than 6.0

  TOEFL

  79+

  ---

  with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

  PEARSON

  64+

  ---

  with no communicative skill below 60

  CAMBRIDGE

  176+

  ---

  with no skill less than 169

  *Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection