Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Swinburne Online - online delivery only
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The GD-PSYADS is an online Level 2 (Pre-professional Competencies) APAC program. This program utilises online digital learning teaching methodologies. Graduates of this course may enter the workforce or continue their studies in a related field, including studies that lead to a research career. For students aiming to become a registered psychologist, upon successful completion they may apply for further study in a postgraduate Level 3 (Professional Competencies) and/or 4 (Professional Competencies for Specialised Areas of Practice) APAC-accredited program leading to registration with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Authority (AHPRA).
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.
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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
To qualify for the award of GD-PSYADS Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), students must complete 100 credit points comprising :
- Seven [7] core units (100cps)
An overall course grade (e.g., for level of honours, and entry into higher degree courses) is calculated by averaging the marks for the 7 units, each weighted by their credit point value (i.e., the grade for PSY80136 Thesis C – Empirical Study is weighted double).
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
PSY80113 Psychological Assessment *
PSY80114 Ethical and Professional Issues *
PSY80115 Counselling and Interventions *
PSY80117 Thesis A – Research Project Development
PSY80118 Thesis B – Literature Review *
PSY80136 Thesis C – Empirical Study * (25 cps)
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities and course aims and objectives.
Career opportunities
Aims and objectives
- 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

Course fees and requirements
- Fees, entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course fees
Entry requirements
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) can now be done on campus in Hawthorn at Room 132, Building TD. Book now or call +61 3 9214 3584 for more information.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
• IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0• Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 75% and all skills 70% or above
• TOEFL iBT: minimum score 95 (Reading no less than 20, Writing no less than 22)
• Or equivalent measures available at
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