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‘The flexibility to study at my own pace and my own time was perfect and allowed me to finish my degree in around 3 years, using every [teaching period] I could.’
Jacob, Swinburne Online graduate
22.8% ▴
Careers in psychology will be in high demand in the future, with a 22.8% increase expected in the next five years.
We’re ranked 24th for the Young University Rankings 2024 – a list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
We’re ranked 24th for the Young University Rankings 2024 – a list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
If you have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline and want to explore psychology, this course is the perfect starting point. Whether you’re aiming to become a registered psychologist or seeking roles in mental health, human services, or counselling, the Graduate Diploma of Psychology offers the fundamental knowledge and skills to get you started.
Why choose this course?
- Elevate your thinking: Gain higher-level insights and academic rigour tailored for ambitious minds.
- Practical and advanced learning: Gain hands-on experience with the key psychological theories, disorders, and research practices.
- Smaller class sizes: Enjoy focused attention and personalised support from experienced teaching staff.
- Motivated, like-minded cohort: Study alongside like-minded, career-driven peers for a more enriching and supportive learning experience.
- Clear path to becoming a psychologist: This course sets you up for further study, including the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), which is a required step to becoming a registered psychologist.
Designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, this course provides the equivalent foundation of an APAC-accredited three-year undergraduate psychology degree, giving you the credentials to continue your journey towards registration.
Future-Ready Preparation
This course delivers a higher level of academic rigour than undergraduate programs, making it the perfect stepping stone for postgraduate studies. It’s designed for those ready to advance their education, offering structured learning that builds both expertise and confidence.
Graduates will be well-prepared to decide whether to pursue further studies to become a registered psychologist or apply their psychology skills in fields such as mental health or counselling.
With APAC accreditation, this course ensures you’re on track – whether you aim to expand your career options or lay the groundwork for professional registration as a psychologist.
What will you learn?
- Develop Advanced Psychological Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of key psychological theories and evidence.
- Research: Learn to synthesise and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to expand your psychological knowledge.
- Interpret & Communicate Complex Ideas: Build strong professional communication skills to effectively present and explain psychological concepts to various audiences.
- Ethical Practice: Apply ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios, ensuring integrity in practice.
- Problem-Solving: Develop creative solutions to tackle complex issues in human behaviour and cognitive processes.
- Personal Learning: Take responsibility for your own learning, applying advanced skills and knowledge with accountability and professionalism.
Learn more about our professional accreditations. Download a Course Guide.
Flexible study
Flexible study
What does flexible study mean for me?
Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to study how it suits you. Decide when and where it fits in with your life and tailor your study journey to your own needs. Get a world-class degree without giving up what’s important.
Flexible study at Swinburne Online
Personalised study journey
Set a study pace that work with what’s going on in your life. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and the option of increasing your unit load as your progress. Interested in fast-tracking your studies? You also have the opportunity to complete up to 12 units per year.
Fit study around your life
You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners.
Multiple intakes
Start when it suits. Swinburne Online offers multiple intake dates and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or if you need to take a break.
7-day support
Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, seven days a week. Student Advisors are available to help with any queries, and dedicated online tutors are available in each of your units.
Structure
Structure
Your course structure
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology consists of 12 units, including four core units and eight major units which can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.
Your course will help you put theory into practice with the ‘Psychology Project’ unit, where you’ll select, design, administer and interpret psychological measures. You’ll apply your knowledge and practical skills while immersed in authentic professional activities, and develop employer-valued skills such as project management, teamwork, communication skills and reflective thinking.
Why study a degree in psychology with Swinburne Online? Our courses are at the forefront of industry and provide you with the practical skills to success come graduation. View all units in this graduate diploma.
View All UnitsHow you'll learn
How you'll learn
Learning designed for online
Your study journey with Swinburne Online is tailored to the digital space. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment and interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform. You will also receive support from qualified advisors.
Online classroom
You’ll complete each of your units in Canvas, your online classroom, and be guided through coursework by an online tutor with real-world experience in your field of study. Canvas is where you’ll access classes, assignments and discussion boards with your peers.
Online campus
The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access the support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.
Tailored support
Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units and advisors to assist with any queries.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Non-Year 12 entry
To gain entry into this course, applicants must have completed an undergraduate qualification.
English language requirements
- Swinburne University English for Academic Purposes Certificate: EAP 5 Advanced: 70; or
- Obtaining a minimum IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0; or
- A TOEFL (Paper-based) minimum score of 550 (with Test of Written English (TWE) score of 5); or
- A TOEFL (Internet-based) minimum score of 79, with no individual band below 18; or
- Equivalent levels of English language proficiency using other English language tests or measures as approved by the Senior DVC & Provost.
Fees
Fees
The estimated annual fee for this course is $29,680*. This is based on completing eight 12.5 credit point units in one calendar year.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually.
Commonwealth provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.
Discover more information about HELP loans.
Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.
This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students.
Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Your future starts here
Taught by psychology professionals, you will learn how to situate your developing professional expertise in the context of psychological best practice, informed by a variety of social, cultural and historical perspectives.
Alongside your 12 core units, you may have the opportunity to gain additional real-world experience by participating in research studies. Participation will also gain you extra credit while studying.
Graduates who wish to practise as a psychologist will need further training in psychology, which will include an accredited fourth year of study and two additional years as required by the Psychology Board of Australia.
Mental Health Support Worker
Become an essential part of the mental health support network and specialise in assisting people with a variety of complex needs.
Behaviour Therapist
Provide treatment and support to people with mental health disorders. Focusing on identifying and changing learned behaviours and conditions such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic disorders and addictions.
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Observe, develop and evaluate treatment strategies for patients with special behavioural or emotional needs. Provide assistance and coaching throughout the treatment process to improve patients’ well-being in mental health, occupational therapy and social development.
Caseworker or Case Manager
Specialise in assisting people with the care and resources they need to deal with their mental health issues. Creating plans and setting up appointments to ensure clients attend.
Mental Health Advisor
Provide individualised support and advice to people who may be experiencing emotional or psychological distress due to a mental health condition.
Psychology Administrator
Plan, coordinate and supervise programs and staff within the Psychology Team, and provide support to Psychology Lead within the department.
Counsellor
Provide support to people who are struggling with emotional difficulties, and help them to identify and work through their issues. This will be a short-term focus to identify a specific problem and next steps to take.
Testimonial
‘This course will allow me to find more than just a job; it will enable me to keep pursuing my passion of working more comprehensively in the field of human behaviour and further understand the complexities that this area presents.’
Jola
Swinburne Online graduate
More Courses
Other courses you may be interested in
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences
Bachelor of Social Science - Behavioural Studies
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
FAQs
What are other students asking?
Q.
Do I have to purchase learning materials?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.
Q.
Which units should I start with?
A.
When you enrol to study a degree with us, you will nominate how many units you would like to select per teaching period, based on a recommendation from one of our Course Consultants. From here, our enrolments team will allocate you automatically to the units they feel will be best suited to your needs, so you don’t need to worry about choosing units. If you want to choose something different than what you are allocated to, that is no problem, just get in touch with our Student Advisors and they will take care of it for you.
Q.
Do I need to be logged on to study at specific times?
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.