Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Upon completion of this course, graduates will be able to:

1. demonstrate advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of the core topics of psychology, including: the history and philosophy of psychology, motivation and emotion, psychological health and wellbeing, social psychology, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, cognition, language and perception, individual differences in personality, intelligence and behaviour, learning and memory, lifespan development, and psychopathology and evidence-based interventions, and apply this knowledge in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate, and sensitive to the diversity of individuals;
2. describe, apply, and evaluate different research methods used by psychologists and demonstrate practical skills in psychological research design, data analysis, and report writing using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions;
3. critically evaluate psychological literature, question claims that arise from untested assumptions, recognise the link between theory and practical application of that theory in the world, and communicate these in written and oral formats;
4. demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork;
5. demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology; and
6. demonstrate self-directed learning to sustain life-long personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology.

The aim of this course is to provide an accredited major in psychology for students who have completed a bachelor degree or equivalent. Students who achieve the required grades will be eligible to apply for entry into fourth year programs in psychology.

Develop the skills you need to pivot in your career with UNE's Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Our course is ideal for people who have completed a degree in any discipline who are interested in a career in professional psychology, but who do not have an accredited undergraduate psychology major. Designed as a bridging course to fourth-year psychology programs and beyond, you can gain the knowledge you need to start on the pathway to a career in psychology today.

If you have already completed a degree in any discipline but do not have a psychology major, UNE's Graduate Diploma in Psychology is a bridging course that provides you with a fast-track to an accredited undergraduate major in psychology, without having to complete another undergraduate degree. Our innovative teaching fosters a learning environment that is collegial and collaborative, and enables you to thrive. With excellent support from our experienced academic staff, our Graduate Diploma in Psychology can be completed wholly online. You will develop an understanding of the core aspects of the history and philosophy of psychology, motivation and emotion, psychological health and wellbeing, social psychology, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, cognition, language and perception, individual differences in personality, intelligence and behaviour, learning and memory, lifespan development, and psychopathology and evidence-based interventions.

Recommended study pattern

Program of Study

Core Units

• Complete 10 units

** In online mode, no units in this course have mandatory intensive schools, although some do offer non-mandatory intensive schools.

Award requirements

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Exit points

In the absence of a nominated exit pathway, or where a candidate is unable to complete the requirements of either the course or the nominated pathway, an alternative award may be able to be identified in consultation with the Course Coordinator.

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

Indicative total fee $20,400

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.

The University of New England is the only Australian public university to be awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience by the Good Universities Guide, 13 years in a row. UNE has delivered distance education since 1955—that’s longer than any other Australian university. Perhaps that’s why students continue to rate UNE so highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality. With over 170 degrees offered online, and more than 22,000 students, UNE is an expert in online education.

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Rule A: You have completed a Bachelor qualification (AQF Level 7 or overseas equivalent) in any discipline.

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A.

Rule B: You do not hold a Bachelor qualification, but have completed a qualification which is a minimum of AQF Level 8 (or overseas equivalent).

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B.

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. 

If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.