General Information

Overview

Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is the next step, after completing an APAC approved Level one program of study, for those pursuing a career as a psychologist. Successful completion will fulfil the fourth-year study requirement for those seeking provisional registration as a practising psychologist.

This is a fully online course, in which you will learn to recognise and interpret how the practice of psychology is influenced by varied social, historical, professional and cultural contexts. You will develop a nuanced understanding of ethical issues in psychological practice, and how to apply an evidence-based approach to psychological intervention.

Completion of this course will lead to job opportunities in the mental health sector, including counselling, psychological research, and social work. You will also have the opportunity to apply for provisional registration with APAC if you are successful in enrolling into two years of study and/or supervised professional practice to attain general registration. 

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) requires students to complete units of study to the value of 100 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.

  • Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight 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
Advanced Quantitative Methods
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY80112
Psychological Assessment
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY80113
Ethical and Professional Issues
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY80114
Counselling and Interventions
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY80115
Thesis A - Research Project Development
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY80117
Thesis B - Literature Review
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY80118
Thesis C - Empirical Study
Core unit, 25.0 credit points 		PSY80136

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • Apply the theories and methods of psychological science to theoretical and practical problems, and explain the underpinnings of professional practice of psychology.
  • Communicate effectively with specialist, non-specialist and professional audiences in contexts relevant to professional and clinical psychology, and the conduct of psychological research.
  • Apply the principles of selection, development, administration and interpretation of appropriate, valid and reliable psychological tests
  • Apply psychological assessment techniques and strategies to problems in psychological practice
  • Explain the principles and application of basic psychological interventions for a range of issues and contexts.
  • Apply psychological concepts, theories and methods in a manner that is science-based, safe and ethical, showing situational awareness and cultural competence
  • Work with a high degree of independence to design, conduct, evaluate and report original research

Career opportunities

Career options for graduates of this degree may include social welfare consultant, child safety officer, health officer, clinical worker, or researcher in areas such as psychology, health, or social sciences. This course qualifies students to progress to graduate training to become a psychologist. Graduates seeking general registration as practicing psychologists in Australia must successfully graduate from an accredited postgraduate program, such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology). For more detailed information on Australian requirements for registration as a psychologist, visit the Australian Psychological Society website.

Graduate skills

Swinburne intends that its teaching programs assist all its graduates to be: 

  • capable in their chosen professional, vocational or study areas
  • entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business, workplace or community
  • effective and ethical in work and community situations
  • adaptable and able to manage change
  • aware of local and international environments in which they will be contributing (e.g. sociocultural, economic, natural)

Professional recognition

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and is a step on the path to becoming a registered psychologist.

Maximum Academic Credit

The maximum level of credit that can be granted for the Graduate Diploma of Psychology is 75 credit points (normally six units)

Admission criteria

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

Interested in the Graduate Diploma 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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