Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the broad foundational theory in psychology and an ability to apply that knowledge in various real-world settings using a scientific approach.
• Communicate interpersonally in an effective, culturally appropriate and sensitive way through a broad range of mediums (written, electronic, graphic, oral) with individuals of diverse backgrounds and values.
• Critique theory and apply evidence-based knowledge to conceptualise and solve problems in a variety of contexts, independently and collaboratively.
• Reflexively implement the values and ethics of psychology through scientific enquiry that is tolerant and respectful of individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and values.
• Generate and evaluate complex solutions in the autonomous pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

Learn foundational psychological theories and diverse perspectives from registered psychologists, academics, and thought leaders. Choose from a wide range of contemporary option courses and graduate with multiple study and employment pathways.  Throughout this course you will focus on leveraging technology to reimagine organisational strategy, people, and processes to deliver improved customer and business outcomes.

Recommended study pattern

We recommend that you complete the courses in this program in the following order:

• Fundamentals of Psychology 1 
• Fundamentals of Psychology 2 
• Developmental and Social Psychology 
• Cognitive and Biological Psychology 
• Exploring Research in Psychology
• Counselling and Professional Practices
• Mental Health and Psychological Interventions
• Personality and Assessment in Psychology  

For the option courses, you will study two out of following:

• Option Course 1: Psychology of Motivation and Work
• Option Course 2: Health and Well-being Psychology
• Option Course 3: Applied Telehealth and Virtual Care

Award requirements

Completion of 10 courses as outlined in the recommended study pattern.

Choose your subjects

Majors

Fundamentals of Psychology 1

This course is one of two introductory psychology courses providing foundational knowledge of the primary sub-disciplines of psychology. Topics covered include biological bases of behaviour; learning and memory; emotion and motivation, and developmental psychology. You’ll also be introduced to research methods and their applications.

Fundamentals of Psychology 2 

This course is one of two introductory psychology courses providing an introduction and critical review of major theories of psychology including personality, psychopathology, social psychology, and cross-cultural psychology. You’ll gain an introduction to scientific psychology, the theories of personality, perspectives and classification of psychological disorders, social influence and pro-social behaviour, and cultural differences applied to psychological theory and practice. As part of this course, you’ll also be introduced to and apply the basic elements of research methods

Developmental and Social Psychology

Explore social behaviour and human development including perceptual-motor, psychosocial, and cognitive development. You’ll critically examine social behaviour and explore extensive applications of social psychological principles to real-world problems including prejudice, safe sex behaviour, divorce, media violence, and environmental problems. Learn how to apply both theoretical and practical methodological issues central to social psychological research.

Cognitive and Biological Psychology 

This course will introduce you to the theory, research and methods underlying modern cognitive psychology and biological psychology. The cognitive psychology aspect canvasses underlying cognitive processes (e.g., memory, attention, perception) as well as more complex, high-level procedures, such as problem-solving, intelligence and decision making. You will evaluate the most important applications of cognitive psychological research and key underlying theories. The biological psychology aspect will involve the application of knowledge of the biological basis of behaviour across a range of topic areas including neurotransmission; sleep and biological rhythms; hormones and behaviour; behaviour and genetics; the biological basis of memory; psychopharmacology; and the biology of abnormal behaviour.

Exploring Research in Psychology

Be introduced to major methodological principles and data analysis techniques used in the scientific research of applied human research. Review and analyse research designs and measurement techniques. Apply a range of data analysis techniques across commonly available data packages.  

Counselling and Professional Practices

This work-integrated learning (WIL) course focuses on the professional practice of psychology in society and organisations by simulating current workplace practices, processes, and environments. You will investigate and critically analyse the different ways in which psychologists contribute to society and help you prepare for your graduation from the program, and entry into the workplace or clinical training. The course will use real-world scenarios and apply industry processes and methods to support you in developing and reflect on evidence-based counselling practices. You will explore cross-cultural issues and the importance of intercultural diversity and indigenous contributions and how they inform approaches to counselling.

Mental Health and Psychological Interventions 

This course introduces the study of abnormal psychology. The concept of abnormality will be examined and issues related to the classification of psychological disorders will be explored. The descriptive taxonomy of the DSM-5 will be introduced and aetiological models and diagnosis of selected child, adolescent and adult disorders will be examined. Disorders may include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. A variety of contrasting theoretical models underlying psychological intervention will be examined to facilitate understanding of approaches and techniques of psychological intervention used by psychologists.

Personality and Assessment in Psychology 

Evaluate and apply different theoretical models of individual preferences, and evaluate assessment procedures, ethical, and professional issues in psychological assessment. Learn to apply the scientist-practitioner model to evaluate your own perspectives on individual differences and evaluate assessment instruments by applying knowledge of psychometric theory. The course also considers key historical and philosophical influences underlying psychology, as well as more recent trends in thinking.

Electives

For this course, choose two of the following option courses:

Psychology of Motivation and Work

The questions of what drives us and how to motivate peak performance among individuals, groups and organisations have become critical in contemporary work, education and sporting contexts. Apply theories and research into human motivation, examining topics that include drivers and instincts, volitional behaviour, self-control, self-regulation, and the interactions between motivation, emotion, learning, and behaviour change. Devise and evaluate empirically supported strategies for goal-setting and achievement, drawing from cognitive-behavioural, positive psychology, and other evidence-based models. Investigate and analyse the ways in which individuals and groups function in organisations and the impact of the organisational environment, including the dynamics of working in a multicultural society.

Health and Well-being Psychology 

In this course, you’ll critically evaluate the theory and application of health psychology, a field aiming to reduce harmful health behaviours including poor dietary habits, smoking, physical inactivity, as well as alcohol and other drug abuse. Risk factors associated with a variety of chronic health conditions will also be examined such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and chronic pain, and appropriate evidence-based interventions for individuals and populations at risk of developing them.

Applied Telehealth and Virtual Care 

In this course, you’ll analyse the nature and scope of contemporary telehealth and virtual care models as well as emerging technological developments. By reviewing recent innovations, you’ll investigate issues associated with the use of telehealth and virtual care including human connection, privacy and security, ethics and governance. You’ll also draw from your professional experience to complete the assessment tasks.

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

Indicative total fee $33,600

The amount shown here is 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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An Australian Bachelor degree or equivalent, or higher-level qualification, from a recognised tertiary institution.  If you’ve completed an APAC accredited psychology degree within the last 10 years, you are not normally eligible for this program.

A minimum IELTS (Academic module) overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0; or equivalent. 

International students are required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency for admission to RMIT University. You can provide your results from one of these three options: 

• An accepted English language proficiency test, or
• An accepted English language provider, or
• A recognised Australian or international qualification.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit the English language requirements and equivalency information. 

Australian Student Visas 

RMIT’s Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology does not meet Australian student visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study. For more details on RMIT’s on-campus programs visit www.rmit.edu.au

Students may be eligible for credit. Exemptions from this program will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.