Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science

On successful completion of the program students will have:

Comprehended and applied a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics:

• the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology
• individual differences in capacity
• behaviour and personality
• psychological health and well-being
• psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions
• learning and memory
• cognition, language and perception
• motivation and emotion
• neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour
• lifespan developmental psychology
• social psychology
• culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement and research methods and statistics.

Students will also have:

1. Applied knowledge and skills of psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
2. Analysed and critiqued theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicated these in written and oral formats.
3. Demonstrated an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
4. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.
5. Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science is targeted at students who already have a degree in a different discipline, and would like a bachelors-degree equivalent in psychology. The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science will allow students to develop foundational skills in core psychology subjects such as research, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, assessment and intervention, developmental psychology, social psychology and personality. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science will allow students to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) requirements for entry to the 4th year Honours program in psychology, which is required to apply for the clinical and professional coursework Masters programs.

Whilst applicants who complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science may have achieved a grade point average to enable application to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program, an offer is not guaranteed due to a limited amount of places available. Applications will be ranked by academic merit.

Students seeking admission to this program will need to pass a competency exam administered online through Canvas, demonstrating knowledge of first year psychology.

This program is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $32,305

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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In order to be admitted into the program, applicants must have successfully completed:

• An AQF 7 Bachelor degree (or higher), or equivalent.
• A competency exam administered online through Canvas, demonstrating knowledge of first year psychology.

Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts at the test. Students who do not pass the test will not be permitted to commence the program. Students will be able to defer their offer of admission for one year, and re-take the test the following year. Students will be directed to appropriate resources to consult prior to completion of the test.

In order to be admitted into the program, applicants must have successfully completed:

• An AQF 7 Bachelor degree (or higher), or equivalent.
• A competency exam administered online through Canvas, demonstrating knowledge of first year psychology.

Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts at the test. Students who do not pass the test will not be permitted to commence the program. Students will be able to defer their offer of admission for one year, and re-take the test the following year. Students will be directed to appropriate resources to consult prior to completion of the test.