Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 16 months
Develop a comprehensive understanding of ethical issues in psychological practice and learn how to apply an evidence-based approach to intervention.
Course overview
Becoming a registered psychologist in Australia is a rewarding journey that typically requires at least five years of study, depending on the chosen pathway. This usually involves a three-year undergraduate psychology program, a fourth year of specialised psychology studies and one or two years of postgraduate education, which includes supervised workplace experience.
Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is the next step for those who have completed an APAC-accredited Level 1 program and are pursuing a career as a psychologist. Successfully completing this diploma fulfils the fourth-year study requirement necessary for provisional registration as a practising psychologist.
To qualify for entry, you must have completed an APAC-accredited Level 1 program or hold a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, which acts as a bridging course for students with unrelated bachelor's degrees.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is offered entirely online and focuses on helping you understand how the practice of psychology is shaped by various social, historical, professional and cultural contexts.
Upon completing this course, you will gain access to job opportunities in the mental health sector, including counselling, psychological research and social work. Additionally, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration with APAC if you successfully enrol in two years of study and/or supervised professional practice to achieve general registration.
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 Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) consists of seven units, including four core units and three major units.
Core units
- Advanced Quantitative Methods for Psychology
- Psychological Assessment
- Ethics and Professional Issues
- Counselling and Interventions
Major units
- Research Project Development
- Literature Review
- Empirical Study
Entry requirements
Qualifications
To be eligible to apply, Australian applicants must have completed an APAC-accredited three-year or equivalent sequence in psychology. Students must achieve a minimum of a Distinction average (70%) in core psychology units at the third-year level.
Applicants who have completed a psychology major at an overseas university MUST provide evidence that their degree meets the requirements of an APAC-accredited Australian undergraduate degree in psychology.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
English language requirements
- IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0
- Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with an overall 75% and all skills 70% or above
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score 95 (Reading no less than 20, Writing no less than 22)
- Or equivalent measures available on the University website
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
- Apply the theories and methods of psychological science to theoretical and practical problems and explain the underpinnings of the professional practice of psychology.
- Communicate effectively with specialist, non-specialist and professional audiences in contexts relevant to professional and clinical psychology, as well as conduct psychological research.
- Apply the principles of selection, development, administration and interpretation of appropriate, valid and reliable psychological tests.
- Apply psychological assessment techniques and strategies to problems in psychological practice.
- Explain the principles and application of basic psychological interventions for a range of issues and contexts.
- Apply psychological concepts, theories and methods in a manner that is science-based, safe and ethical, showing situational awareness and cultural competence.
- Work with a high degree of independence to design, conduct, evaluate and report original research.
Career outcomes
- Family Therapist
- Mental Health Support Worker
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Researcher
- Research Assistant
- Client Relationship Officer
Fees and CSP
Average first-year fee in 2025: Fee information not provided (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Estimated full fee in 2025: $25,970 (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.
