James Cook University

Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)

  • Delivery: Online
  • Commitment: 15 - 20 hours/week
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 20 months

100% online and accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) this course is a pathway for those considering changing their career to become a psychologist.

Download a course guide

Find more detailed information on our courses, including:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

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

  • 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.

  • Unique curriculum
    Subjects align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as current and emerging global health challenges in a technology-enabled society.

The JCU Online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is a contemporary and hands-on qualification designed for the future. It provides the foundational knowledge of the history of psychology and develops your professional skills to apply contemporary psychology to solve community-based challenges.

A stepping stone to becoming a registered psychologist
This qualification is a pathway to further study for those who want to change their career to become a psychologist. This may include career pathways such as general or clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology and organisational psychology.

A way forward in human-centred professions
This degree is also for professionals in human-centred occupations who are focused on career growth and want the skills to help them achieve more in current and future roles. This may include teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, social work and consulting.

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Study level
Postgraduate
Course type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
20 months (Part time)
Commitment
15 - 20 hours/week
Units
10
Fees
FEE-HELP
Price per unit
$3,572
Intake
January, 2025
March, 2025
May, 2025
July, 2025
September, 2025
October, 2025

What you will study

You will study a broad scope of subjects unique to the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) at JCU Online, including Environmental Psychology and Health, Wellbeing & Resilience and more. These subjects align to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as current and emerging global health challenges in a technology-enabled society.

Study 10 online subjects over at least 20 months, which you can commence at any of the six study periods throughout the year.

  • 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

This degree can be the first stepping stone in the path to becoming a practising psychologist. Alternatively, students may use this degree to complement their current roles in a range of industries including marketing, human resources, education, social work and counselling.

Entry requirements

To be eligible to enrol in the online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), applicants must have:

  • Completed a minimum of an AQF Level 7 bachelor's 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.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

After completing your Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), you may choose to continue your studies to become a registered psychologist. This can include career pathways such as:

  • General or clinical psychology
  • Clinical neuropsychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Organisational psychology

If you choose not to pursue further study or a career in psychology, this degree can empower you to find employment across a variety of industries such as:

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

Within these industries, some possible roles for graduates are outlined below. Although several of these roles do not require a formal qualification in psychology, entry into these occupations may be improved if you have a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging):

  • Case manager
  • Care worker
  • School counsellor
  • Human resources officer
  • Marketing specialist
  • Secondary school psychology teacher

Fees & FEE-HELP

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

The 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.