Graduate Diploma of Psychology at James Cook University

James Cook University

Australia, Townsville

University Rank:#440

Study Graduate Diploma of Psychology at James Cook University, a Graduate Diploma degree offered across its Townsville and Singapore campuses in Australia. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 1 year(s) to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The tuition fee is USD 27,337 / year, with the next intake scheduled for September 25, 2026.

About Graduate Diploma of Psychology

Take the next step in your journey to becoming a registered Psychologist. This Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides fourth-year training for students who have completed an accredited three-year undergraduate psychology program, equipping you to pursue further postgraduate study, which can then qualify you for becoming a fully registered psychologist.

In this postgraduate psychology degree, you will study the methods and ethics of scientific investigations and evidence-based practice. You will systematically integrate and apply major theoretical perspectives and concepts, philosophical and historical developments, and an understanding of ethics and efficacy to the core areas of psychology and scientific research.

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology consists of six core subjects including a two-part, extensive group project; Ethics for Research and Professional and Evidence-Based Practice; Design and Analysis for Research; Operationalising the Scientific Practitioner Model; and Psychology: Now and the Future.

This JCU Psychology degree offers unique experiences. You will have access to JCU’s observation suites, where you’ll get to explore the workspace of a professional psychologist. You will get to engage and contribute to current research projects and attend annual seminars presented by national and international experts. In the two-part group project, you will devise and implement your own research project and communicate your findings to professional psychology experts.

JCU Psychology graduates are highly skilled and prepared for the future of science. Upon completion of this degree, you will be one step closer to becoming a fully registered psychologist.

View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects.

If you are interested in studying psychology and have an undergraduate degree in a different field, JCU's online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is designed to introduce you to the study of psychology and help you prepare to progress into further study. Find out more about the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging).

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Diploma of Psychology at James Cook University

Entry Requirements

Completion of an AQF Level 7 bachelor degree that includes an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved three-year sequence in Psychology completed within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved bridging degree that achieves foundational competencies within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Other qualifications recognised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Academy as equivalent to the above.

English language requirements

Band 1

If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.

English Requirements

PTEMin 52
IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 74

English Program Requirements

International students must attain an IELTS Academic with an average level of 7.5 or more, across the four components of listening, speaking, reading and writing; no score below level 7.0 in any of these components; and a score of 8.0 or more in the components of speaking and listening. Internationally schooled applicants may also be required to meet this requirement.

English competency requirements may also be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

Bachelor degree or master degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, or
Undergraduate degree taught in English from a South African University.

Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Diploma of Psychology

JCU Psychology graduates are broadly-skilled and go on to study and work in various specialised health fields.

Graduates pursue careers in various areas including private practice and consulting firms, academic and applied research settings, human resources, advertising, research, sport, and education.

With further training, you could find employment as a clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist or occupational psychologist.

To become eligible for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, you are required to complete a minimum 6-year sequence of education and supervised training. Visit the Psychology Board of Australia website for more information on registration requirements.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

27,337 / year

How to Apply

1 — Select your course

2 — Confirm entry requirements

3 — Check application due dates

4 — Meet your Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements

5 — Check if you’re required to apply via an agent

6 — Prepare your documents

7 — Submit your application

Graduate Diploma of Psychology at James Cook University

James Cook University

Australia, Townsville