Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 20 months
Explore your options in psychology, mental health, community services or counselling with this program that provides the foundational knowledge you need to shape your career path effectively.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides a fast-tracked way of learning the fundamentals of psychology for those who have completed a bachelor's degree in another discipline. Develop knowledge in psychology and apply this to research projects and psychology practice activities. Learn to analyse human behaviour, neurological disorders and cognitive processes to deepen your understanding of human nature.
This course is designed to provide graduates from another discipline with an opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in psychology. The program provides advanced knowledge and skills in Psychology, while providing the foundation training required by the professional accreditation body, APAC. This qualification is a step in the pathway to professional registration as a psychologist and will cater to individuals who may be considering a new career as a psychologist (e.g., clinical, organisational or educational psychology). Offering this course fully online provides further flexibility for employed students who may not be able to attend on-campus classes.
The Graduate Diploma gives successful students the opportunity to engage in further psychological studies leading to a career in professional psychology or psychological research.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Psychology, students must complete 125 credit points comprising 10 compulsory Psychology units of study.
Core units
Complete the following core units:
- Brain and Behaviour
- Fundamentals of Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognition and Human Performance
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychology of Personality
- Mental Health Diversity, Diagnosis and Treatment
- Psychology Project
- Introductory Research Methods and Statistics
- Analysis of Variance and Regression
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a higher university qualification.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must 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:
- Systematically review, critically 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.
- Critically analyse, evaluate and transform information to generate creative solutions to solve complex applied and theoretical problems in psychology.
- Define, evaluate and integrate theoretical principles; responsibly and independently apply these in a range of general and professional contexts relevant to psychology.
- Apply knowledge and specialised skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others.
- Interpret and communicate complex ideas, problems and arguments in a professional manner to a range of audiences using a range of media.
- Coherently articulate lines of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and professional accountability and apply frameworks to analyse situations and offer practical solutions to ethical problems in local and international contexts.
Career outcomes
Potential career roles include:
- Mental health support worker
- Behaviour therapist
- Behaviour support practitioner
- Caseworker or case manager
- Mental health advisor
- Psychology administrator
- Counsellor
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly fee in 2026: $30,590 (domestic full-fee paying place)
Estimated total fee in 2026: $38,237 (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.
