Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 8 months part-time*
Acquire foundational knowledge and skills in psychology to enhance your understanding of various fields, such as organisational or educational psychology, while establishing a strong base in psychological theory and research.
Course overview
This course is designed to provide a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology. You will engage with comprehensive units that cover research methods, statistics and introductory psychology concepts, which will serve as the foundation for your further studies.
For those who choose to exit with a Graduate Certificate instead of continuing on to the diploma, the knowledge and skills you acquire can be applied in a variety of human-centred professions, such as Education, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Human Services, Consulting and People Management.
The units within the Graduate Certificate are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and this certificate can potentially lead to an APAC-accredited course or degree.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
What you will study
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology consists of four units.
Core units
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Brain and Behaviour
- Fundamentals of Psychology
- Foundations of Statistics
Entry requirements
Higher Education Qualifications
Completion of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a higher university qualification is required. Applicants with a completed Advanced Diploma will also be considered.
Work experience entry
A minimum of 5 years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience. Professional experience can include teaching, community work, allied health, youth work or any experience working with research data.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in psychology.
- Formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology.
- Critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of psychology.
- Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise.
- Apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
- Interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media.
- Coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international context.
Career outcomes
- Case Worker or Manager
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Youth Worker
- Outreach Worker
- Personal Care Worker
- Support Worker
Fees and CSP
Average first-year fee in 2025: Fee information not provided (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Estimated full fee in 2025: $14,840 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Elective units.
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.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.
If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.
Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.
Your student contribution amount is:
- Calculated per unit you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
