General Information

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides a fast-tracked way of learning the fundamentals of psychology for those who have completed a bachelor degree in another discipline. Develop knowledge in psychology and apply this to research projects and psychology practice activities. Learn to analyse human behaviour, neurological disorders and cognitive processes to deepen your understanding of human nature.

Study structure

Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology requires students to complete units of study to the value of 150 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
Introduction to Research Methods
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70010
Brain and Behaviour
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70011
Fundamentals of Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70012
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		STA70006
Analysis of Variance and Regression
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		STA70007
Social Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70013
Cognition and Human Performance
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70014
Developmental Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70015
Psychology of Personality
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70016
History and Philosophy of Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70017
Abnormal Psychology
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70018
Psychology Project
Core unit, 12.5 credit points 		PSY70019

Aims and objectives

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • systematically review, critically evaluate, consolidate and synthesise research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in psychology.
  • formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology.
  • critically analyse, evaluate and transform information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of psychology
  • define and integrate theoretical principles and independently apply these in a range of contexts relevant to psychology
  • apply knowledge and specialised skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
  • interpret and communicate complex ideas, problems and arguments in a professional manner to a range of audiences using a range of media
  • coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.
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Career opportunities

The Graduate Diploma gives successful students the opportunity to engage in further psychological studies leading to a career in professional psychology or psychological research.

Professional recognition

This course has received conditional accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) who require accredited Psychology courses to provide a solid foundation in each of the following:

  • Core discipline knowledge and understanding
  • Research methods in psychology
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Values, research and professional ethics
  • Communication skills
  • Learning and the application of psychology

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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