Western Sydney University
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
Designed for those seeking entry into the profession as a provisional psychologist, offering personal and professional knowledge and skills taught by experts in the field to help advance your career.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is an accredited undergraduate fourth-year program and an alternative method to fourth-year honours. This program is for eligible students seeking to pursue training pathways leading to provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia or progress to higher degree research in psychology.
You’ll be part of an active research culture that broaches a range of theoretical and epistemological approaches in applied and pure psychological research. You will also explore a range of methods, including experimental, quasi-experimental and qualitative research and a strong postgraduate training program.
Entry into this program is limited to students who have completed an approved, accredited three-year undergraduate sequence in Psychology (or an approved, accredited bridging sequence such as the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies) at an institution other than Western Sydney University in the last 10 years. In addition, you must have obtained an average mark of 70 in subjects equivalent to Levels 2 and 3, with a majority of Credit or higher grades in subjects equivalent to Levels 2 and 3.
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
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points, including:
- 20 credit point research methods subject
- 30 credit point thesis
- Three 10-credit-point subjects
Core subjects
- Advanced Topics in Contemporary Psychology
- Counselling and Consultation
- Theory and Practice of Psychological Assessment and Intervention
- Research Methods Seminar (20 credit points)
- Psychology Research Thesis (30 credit points)
Entry requirements
Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Psychology is limited to students who have completed an approved, accredited three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology at an institution other than Western Sydney University in the last ten years.
In addition, students must have obtained an average mark of 75+ in core accredited Level 2 and 3 psychology subjects (or equivalent).
English language requirements
Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the University Admissions Centre website.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning is recognition of prior learning in terms of experience and/or studies. When you apply for Credit for Prior Learning, the university will assess your prior learning. It may award you Credit for Prior Learning in the program you are currently studying in recognition of what you have achieved. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Psychologist in private practice
- Government departments such as the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Ageing and Disabilities
- Occupational psychologist
- Human resources
Fees and CSP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $4,627 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $16,992 (domestic full-fee paying place)
A student’s annual fee may vary per:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
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 some 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 subject you're enrolled in.
- Depending on the study areas they relate to.
- Reviewed and adjusted each year.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.
