About

If you have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and want to explore psychology, this course is the perfect starting point. Whether you’re aiming to become a registered psychologist or seeking roles in mental health, human services, or counselling, the Graduate Diploma of Psychology offers the fundamental knowledge and skills to get you started.

Why choose this course?

Elevate your thinking: Gain higher-level insights and academic rigour tailored for ambitious minds.
Practical and advanced learning: Gain hands-on experience with the key psychological theories, disorders, and research practices.
Smaller class sizes: Enjoy focused attention and personalised support from experienced teaching staff.
Motivated, like-minded cohort: Study alongside like-minded, career-driven peers for a more enriching and supportive learning experience.
Clear path to becoming a psychologist: This course sets you up for further study, including the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), which is a required step to becoming a registered psychologist.

Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, 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.

Future-Ready Preparation

This course delivers a higher level of academic rigour than undergraduate programs, making it the perfect stepping stone for postgraduate studies. It’s designed for those ready to advance their education, offering structured learning that builds both expertise and confidence.

Graduates will be well-prepared to decide whether to pursue further studies to become a registered psychologist or apply their psychology skills in fields such as mental health or counselling.

With APAC accreditation, this course ensures you’re on track – whether you aim to expand your career options or lay the groundwork for professional registration as a psychologist.

What will you learn?

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 to expand your psychological knowledge.
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.
Personal Learning: Take responsibility for your own learning, applying advanced skills and knowledge with accountability and professionalism.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Non-Year 12 entry

To gain entry into this course, applicants must have completed an undergraduate qualification.

English language requirements

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.

English Program Requirements

English language tests

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

IELTS

IELTS have over 1,000 testing centres worldwide and run testing throughout the year. Use the IELTS worldwide search to find a testing centre near you.

TOEFL

The TOEFL test is administered worldwide through a network of testing centres. Use the TOEFL Testing Location Search to find a testing centre near you.

Minimum entry score: IELTS

Overall 6.5
With no band below 6

Minimum entry score: TOEFL

Paper Based: 550 (With a written English score of 5)
Internet Based: 79 (With no individual band below 18)

Test results

Once you have received your test results simply contact us via our online application form or by contacting our Course Consultants on 1300 069 765.

Career

Your future starts here

Taught by psychology professionals, you will learn how to situate your developing professional expertise in the context of psychological best practice, informed by a variety of social, cultural and historical perspectives.

Alongside your 12 core units, you may have the opportunity to gain additional real-world experience by participating in research studies. Participation will also gain you extra credit while studying.

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.

Mental Health Support Worker

Become an essential part of the mental health support network and specialise in assisting people with a variety of complex needs.

Behaviour Therapist

Provide treatment and support to people with mental health disorders. Focusing on identifying and changing learned behaviours and conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic disorders and addictions.

Behaviour Support Practitioner

Observe, develop and evaluate treatment strategies for patients with special behavioural or emotional needs. Provide assistance and coaching throughout the treatment process to improve patients’ well-being in mental health, occupational therapy and social development.

Caseworker or Case Manager

Specialise in assisting people with the care and resources they need to deal with their mental health issues. Creating plans and setting up appointments to ensure clients attend.

Mental Health Advisor

Provide individualised support and advice to people who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress due to a mental health condition.

Psychology Administrator

Plan, coordinate and supervise programs and staff within the Psychology Team, and provide support to Psychology Lead within the department.

Counsellor

Provide support to people who are struggling with emotional difficulties, and help them to identify and work through their issues. This will be a short-term focus to identify a specific problem and next steps to take.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

2,552 / per unit