Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months full-time
Explore psychological theory, human behaviour, research methods and statistics through a flexible online course that provides a pathway into Swinburne’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology.
Course overview
This four-unit course provides an accessible online introduction to psychology and a formal pathway into Swinburne’s more comprehensive Graduate Diploma of Psychology.
You will examine the relationship between the brain and behaviour, foundational psychological concepts and introductory research methods and statistics. You can also select either developmental psychology or social psychology, allowing you to explore how people change across the lifespan or how individuals interact with groups, cultures and society.
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology provides a pathway into Swinburne’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology. The graduate certificate alone does not constitute a complete APAC-accredited psychology sequence or lead to registration as a psychologist.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Psychology, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four compulsory Psychology units of study.
Core units
Complete the following core units:
- Brain and Behaviour
- Fundamentals of Psychology
- Introductory Research Methods and Statistics
Elective units
Complete one unit from the following:
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
Entry requirements
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Successful completion of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Completion of a higher University qualification.
- Completion of Advanced Diploma (AQF6).
- A minimum of five (5) years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:
- IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0.
- Swinburne EAP 5 Advanced overall 70%, with all skills 65% or above.
- Or equivalent measures.
These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Systematically review, evaluate, consolidate and synthesise research from a variety of sources to develop advanced psychological knowledge.
- Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an advanced understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology.
- Analyse, evaluate and transform information to generate creative solutions to solve complex applied and theoretical problems in psychology.
Career outcomes
Potential career opportunities include:
- Caseworker or case manager
- Mental health support worker
- Youth worker
- Outreach worker
- Personal care worker
- Support worker
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $15,295 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- 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 course.
