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).
Duration
16 months part-time
Intakes
Online (March, July, November) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Online
2023 Start Dates
2024 Start Dates
Course information in detail
- Course detail, course structure and units of study.
Course description
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, course aims and objectives and graduate skills.
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

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)
Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
How do I pay my fees?
FEE-HELP is a loan given to eligible full-fee paying higher education students to help pay part or all of their tuition fees. The Commonwealth Government pays the amount of the loan directly to Swinburne.