Skip to main content

James Cook University (JCU)

Graduate Certificate of Psychology

  • Stand out 
    Differentiate your CV as a professional with an understanding of contemporary psychology and it's application to human-centred roles across industries.
  • Unique curriculum
    Aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and current and emerging global challenges, this course offers a broad scope of subjects, including Environmental Psychology and Health, Wellbeing & Resilience.
  • 50 years’ experience
    JCU has 50 years’ experience in teaching and research in Psychology. You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced academics.

The JCU Online Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a contemporary and hands-on qualification designed for the future. You will develop professional skills, learn about emerging trends in psychology and study a range of contemporary subjects.

A way forward in human-centred professions
Advance your career in industries such as teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, social work or consulting.

A course for passionate inquirers
Build your knowledge and skills while gaining a better understanding of yourself and the people around you.

A stepping stone to becoming a registered psychologist
This qualification can also be a pathway to studying the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)^ and to becoming a registered psychologist.

^The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

You will study four subjects to complete the Graduate Certificate of Psychology at JCU Online. Depending on the study period when you begin your course, you will complete four of the following subjects. 

  • Social Psychology
  • Individual Differences in Personality
  • The Psychology of Health, Wellbeing and Resilience
  • Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • Psychological Disorders and Interventions
  • Learning, Memory Cognition and Language
  • Neuroscience and the Biological Bases of Behaviour
  • Environmental Psychology and Sustainable Futures
  • Principles of Counselling
  • Research and Statistics for Psychology

The Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a nested qualification within the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). After completing your graduate certificate, you may decide to study an additional six subjects to gain your graduate diploma. This can be the first step on the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist.

To be eligible to enrol in the online Graduate Certificate of Psychology, applicants must have:

  • Completed a minimum of an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in any field other than Psychology at this or another University.
  • Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1– Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Career outcomes

A Graduate Certificate of Psychology can give you transferable skills and help you stand out to potential employers in a range of industries including:

  • Business
  • Community services
  • Education 
  • Health services
  • Protective services

You may also choose to continue your studies and gain a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) that can be a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.

2023 academic year student fees shown are subject to change. You may also be required to pay student amenities fees. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Fees shown are per unit. The number of units are listed below fees. Together they indicate the total fees for the course.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.

Key Facts
  • Study Mode: Online
  • 8 months (part-time)
  • $3,400 per unit FEE HELP available
  • 4 units
  • Start Date: Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep, Oct