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
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is the next step, after completing an APAC-approved Level One program of study, for those pursuing a career as a psychologist. Successful completion will fulfil the fourth-year study requirement for those seeking provisional registration as a practising psychologist.
This is a fully online course, in which you will learn to recognise and interpret how the practice of psychology is influenced by varied social, historical, professional and cultural contexts. You will develop a nuanced understanding of ethical issues in psychological practice and how to apply an evidence-based approach to psychological intervention.
Completion of this course will lead to job opportunities in the mental health sector, including counselling, psychological research and social work. You will also have the opportunity to apply for provisional registration with APAC if you are successful in enrolling on two years of study and/or supervised professional practice to attain general registration.
Career options for graduates of this degree may include social welfare consultant, child safety officer, health officer, clinical worker, or researcher in areas such as psychology, health, or social sciences. This course qualifies students to progress to graduate training to become a psychologist. Graduates seeking general registration as practising psychologists in Australia must successfully graduate from an accredited postgraduate program, such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology). For more detailed information on Australian requirements for registration as a psychologist, visit the Australian Psychological Society website.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and is a step on the path to becoming a registered psychologist.
Key facts
7th June, 2026
2nd November, 2026
What you will study
To qualify for the award of GD-PSYADS Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), students must complete 100 credit points. Unless otherwise indicated, each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.
Core units
Complete the following core units:
- Advanced Quantitative Methods
- Psychological Assessment
- Ethical and Professional Issues
- Counselling and Interventions
- Thesis A - Research Project Development
- Thesis B - Literature Review
- Thesis C - Empirical Study (25 credit points)
Entry requirements
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
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:
- 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).
- Completed English language tests, 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).
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:
- 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
Potentional role includes:
- Family therapist
- Mental health support worker
- Researcher
- Research assistant
- Human resources coordinator
- Client relationship officer
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $30,590 (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.
