Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science

What you will study

The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science requires completing 80 units of study successfully.

Core courses

• Advanced Human Cognition
• Advanced Biological Approaches to Psychology
• Introduction to Mental Health
• Advanced Social Psychology
• Advanced Psychological Research I: Experimental Design
• Advanced Applications of Perception and Learning in Psychology
• Advanced Research Methods II: Individual Differences and Assessment
• Advanced Lifespan Development

Entry requirements

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

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

Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts at the test. Students who do not pass the test cannot commence the program. Students can defer their offer of admission for one year and retake the test the following year. Students will be directed to appropriate resources to consult prior to completing the test.

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following English proficiency requirements:

• IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
• IELTS Sub-Test Minimum: 6

Contact the university for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University of Newcastle wants to help you fast-track your degree. Recognising your prior studies is just one way they can do that. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of courses you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

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

• Comprehended and applied a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with a depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach to different relevant topics.
• Applied knowledge and skills of psychology in a reflexive, culturally appropriate manner and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
• Analysed and critiqued theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicated these in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrated an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in psychology.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

Career outcomes

Graduates develop a wide range of knowledge and skills valued across industries. You may continue to progress in your current career into management levels. Alternatively, you could specialise in human service organisations, employment agencies and counselling services. Roles in personnel management, market research, health and community services are also potential career paths.

Graduates may qualify as behavioural support practitioners.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative total fee in 2026: $35,265 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 80 units (normally eight courses) per year.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• The number of courses studied per term.
• The choice of major or specialisation.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

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