General Information

Overview

This course offered by Swinburne Online is designed to provide an entry pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology. The program provides foundational knowledge and skills in psychology, for individuals who wish to explore the field of psychology (e.g. organisational or educational psychology), and builds a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Psychology requires students to complete units of study to the value of 50 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year

  • Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year

  • One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)

  • See the course planner for an example degree structure.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Brain and Behaviour
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70011
Fundamentals of Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70012
Introductory Research Methods and Statistics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70020
Elective units
Social Psychology
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70013
Developmental Psychology
Elective unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70015

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • Systematically review, evaluate, consolidate, and synthesise research from a variety of sources to develop advanced psychological knowledge.
  • Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose, and demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology
  • Analyse, evaluate, and transform information to generate creative solutions to solve complex applied and theoretical problems in psychology.

Career opportunities

The Graduate Certificate of Psychology opens doors to mental health, counselling, research, and community roles. 

Course rules

To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Psychology students must compete 50 credit points comprising:

  • Three (3) core units (37.5 cps)
  • One (1) option unit (12.5cps)

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Certificate of Psychology is 25 credit points (normally two units).

Admission criteria

Information about Swinburne's general admission criteria can be found at Admissions at Swinburne - Higher Education webpage.

Interested in the Graduate Certificate of Psychology?

From state-of-the-art facilities to opportunities to engage with industry – this course is designed with your future in mind. Let's get started.

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