Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
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. Analyse human behaviour, neurological disorders and cognitive processes to deepen your understanding of human nature.
Completion of this course may lead to job opportunities in mental health, counselling, psychology and community service.
This course has received accreditation from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Subject to full accreditation, this diploma is the first step to becoming a professional psychologist. Graduates who wish to practice as a psychologist will need further training in psychology as required by the Psychology Board of Australia.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 20% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Duration
18 Month/s
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Fees
A$30000 (annual for 2023)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Study with Swinburne Online
With Swinburne Online, the learning experience is 100% online and studied at your own pace. Our courses are built for the jobs of the future with a focus on collaboration and our flexible learning environment empowers you to study on your own terms. They are developed by leaders in the field and taught by professionals with industry experience.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology is designed to provide graduates from another discipline an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in psychology. The program provides advanced knowledge and skills in Psychology, while providing the foundation training required by the professional accreditation body, the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). When fully accredited, this qualification is the first step in the pathway to professional registration as a psychologist, and will cater to individuals who may be considering a new career as a psychologist (e.g. clinical, organisational or educational psychology).
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Course structure
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)
Units of study
PSY70011 Brain and Behaviour
PSY70012 Fundamentals of Psychology
STA70006 Foundations of Statistics
STA70007 Analysis of Variance and Regression *
PSY70013 Social Psychology *
PSY70014 Cognition and Human Performance *
PSY70015 Developmental Psychology *
PSY70016 Psychology of Personality *
PSY70017 History and Philosophy of Psychology
PSY70018 Abnormal Psychology *
PSY70019 Psychology Project *
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- 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.

Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65%
- minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT (internet-based) minimum score of 79 with a reading band no less than 18 and writing band no less than 20
- Pearson (PTE) minimum score of 58 (no communicative skills less than 50)
- any other equivalent assessment of English language proficiency.
Find out more about English language requirements.
How to apply
Please note: This online course is not available to on-shore international students holding a student visa.
Find out more
Tel: +61 3 9956 0777 (outside Australia)
Email: enquiries@swinburneonline.com