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
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology is an introductory postgraduate course for people seeking to develop foundational knowledge of psychological science. It can provide a pathway into further psychology study and is open to graduates from a range of disciplines, as well as applicants with other recognised qualifications or relevant professional experience.
You will explore human behaviour, brain function, psychological theory, research methods and statistics. The course develops skills in evaluating psychological research, interpreting evidence and applying psychological concepts, with the opportunity to focus further on either social or developmental psychology.
Delivered through Swinburne Online, the course comprises three core units and one option unit totalling 50 credit points. You can choose between Social Psychology and Developmental Psychology for your fourth unit. The course also provides an entry pathway into Swinburne’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology.
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 out our English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skill if you have:
- completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English
- completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies) taught in English
- completed an English language test, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1
- completed an English language (ELICOS) course
- lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only)
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.
