University of Newcastle
Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Offers a dynamic and flexible pathway for students to gain essential psychology knowledge, equipping them for diverse career opportunities or further study in the field.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science targets students with a degree in a different discipline who would like a bachelor's degree equivalent in psychology. The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science will allow students to develop foundational skills in core psychology subjects such as research, cognitive psychology, biological psychology, assessment and intervention, developmental psychology, social psychology and personality. Completing the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science will allow students to meet the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) requirements for entry to the 4th year Honours program in psychology, which is required to apply for the clinical and professional coursework Master's programs.
Whilst applicants who complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science may have achieved a grade point average to enable application to the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program, an offer is not guaranteed due to the limited number of places available. Applications will be ranked by academic merit.
Students seeking admission to this program must pass a competency exam administered online through Canvas, demonstrating knowledge of first-year psychology.
This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Key facts
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 annual fee in 2025: $34,240 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual fee is based on a study load of 80 units or eight courses.
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of courses studied per trimester.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
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 course.
