Diploma of Psychological Studies
UndergraduateCSU-PSY-DIP2025
Course information for 2025 intake
Knowledge and subject credit towards further studies in psychology
Get to know the basics of psychology. By completing just two subjects, you’ll be able to transition into CSU’s bachelor degree. Establish foundations in the science of psychology and research. Start exploring psychological theories and methods.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Credit available
- Yes
- Duration
- 0 months
- Total subjects
- 8
- Price from
- $16,992
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
- CSP available
- Yes
Diploma of Psychological Studies
About this degree
Upon completion of this course, graduates will:
- be able to understand and apply the core topics of psychology with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach.
- be able to critically evaluate theory and research in psychology and communicate this information in appropriate written format.
- be able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
- be able to apply the knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Diploma of Psychological Studies at Charles Sturt University is ideal for you if you want to study the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology), but need a stepping stone to get where you want to go.
This course is available to study online part-time, so you can learn while working. It also offers you a seamless transition from your diploma to your bachelor’s degree.
Recommended study pattern
Part-time Online
Year 1
Session 1
PSY101 Foundations of Psychology 1
PSY115 An Introduction to Research, Ethics and Reasoning
Session 2
PSY102 Foundations of Psychology 2
PSY114 First Nations Australians and Psychology: An Introduction
Year 2
Session 1
Two of the following subjects
PSY201 Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology
PSY221 Developmental and Social Psychology
XUN008 (or an elective subject selected in Session 2)
Session 2
Two of the following subjects
PSY204 Psychological Testing
PSY208 Biopsychology
XUN008 (if an elective subject was not completed in Session 1)
Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.
Learn more about CSU.
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- QS Ranking 2024:
- 31
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 37
How to apply
Charles Sturt University manages enquiries and applications for this degree.
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Entry requirements
Applicants must:
- be aged 18 or above in the commencing year of the study; AND
- have completed Year 10, and have work experience that demonstrates the development of literacy, numeracy and entry level professional skills; OR
- have minimum ATAR required; 50 ATAR; OR
- have completed some tertiary study (e.g., a certificate III).
This course provides a pathway to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) for applicants who do not meet initial entry requirements for that course.
Applicants must:
- be aged 18 or above in the commencing year of the study; AND
- have completed Year 10, and have work experience that demonstrates the development of literacy, numeracy and entry level professional skills.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.
Career opportunities
The Diploma of Psychological Practice is the convenient pathway to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology). These two steps on your journey will give you the skills and knowledge to contribute to health services, shape policy, contribute to human resource management - or go on to further study towards provisional registration as a psychologist.