Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science

Deakin University

Deakin University

CRICOS 00113B ยท Duration: 1 Year

Know more about this course

Course Overview

About This Course

Follow your passion and explore a rewarding career change by studying the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science. Designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than psychology, the course introduces you to the fundamentals of psychology and human behaviour while fast-tracking your journey to becoming a registered psychologist. Ready for a career in psychology but don't want to start from scratch with an undergraduate degree? If you are looking to move into psychology, but the idea of committing to a three-year undergraduate degree seems a bit daunting, the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is your perfect option. It allows you to reach your goals, faster. You will be studying the accredited psychology major sequence only, which means you can complete the degree in as little as one year (if you study full-time in trimesters 1, 2 and 3). Plus, the course can be studied on campus or online, giving you the flexibility to achieve your goals on your schedule. The course may be short in duration, but you will be getting a comprehensive introduction to the human mind and the fundamentals of human behaviour. In your second and third trimester you will be covering more complex topics like child development, psychopathology, neural structure and social behaviour. Course content is industry-led and delivered by passionate teachers who are active contributors to the field โ€“ just one of the reasons why postgraduate psychology courses at Deakin rank #1 in Victoria for student satisfaction and have a reputation for teaching quality. The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) โ€“ and is the equivalent of a three-year accredited psychology undergraduate degree โ€“ so once you graduate you can apply for an APAC-accredited 'fourth year' of study that allows you to seek provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements
  • Completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline other than Psychology from a recognised tertiary institution
  • To meet the English language proficiency requirements, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
    • Bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
    • IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) in each component of test
    • Other evidence of English language proficiency
  • Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances
  • A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements
  • To complete this course in one year, domestic students are required to complete units in Trimester 3

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities
As it is the equivalent of a three-year accredited psychology undergraduate degree, this course is a pathway to a fourth-year of study (e.g. Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)), which can then lead to an APAC-accredited master or doctoral-level course that enables general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Areas of practice endorsement in psychology include: clinical psychology (available at Deakin), clinical neuropsychology, organisational psychology (available at Deakin), sport and exercise psychology, forensic psychology, counselling psychology, community psychology. Working as a generalist psychologist might involve: family therapy, rehabilitation counselling, psychological assessment. For those not looking to become a registered psychologist, career opportunities include roles in: community welfare and case management, disability services, human resources, mental health rehabilitation, public health, youth support.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details
Academic Regulator
TEQSA
Professional Body
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Accreditation Status
Accredited
Skills Assessor
Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units11 units
DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin

0 credit point compulsory unit completed in first study period

HPY711

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

Trimester 1 core unit

HPY713

Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development

Trimester 1 core unit

HPS773

Cognitive Psychology

Trimester 1 core unit

HPS774

Social Psychology

Trimester 1 core unit

HPS771

Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)

Trimester 2 core unit

HPS772

Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent)

Trimester 2 core unit

HPS788

Psychopathology

Trimester 2 core unit

HPS791

Personality Psychology

Trimester 2 core unit

HPS775

Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

Trimester 3 core unit

HPS781

Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate)

Trimester 3 core unit

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science accredited and does it count towards becoming a registered psychologist?

Yes, the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and is the equivalent of a three-year accredited psychology undergraduate degree. Upon graduation, you can apply for an APAC-accredited 'fourth year' of study (such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)), which allows you to seek provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science?

To be considered for admission, you must have completed a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline other than Psychology from a recognised tertiary institution. You must also meet English language proficiency requirements, which can be demonstrated through a bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country, an IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0), or other evidence of English language proficiency. Selection is based on a holistic consideration of academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, and individual circumstances.

How much does the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science cost?

The estimated tuition fee for a full-fee paying place is $32,800 for 1 year full-time. This is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. You may be eligible for a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan, including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP, depending on your course type, fee place, and citizenship or residency status. Deakin alumni may also be eligible for a 10% discount on enrolment fees applied per unit.

Can I study the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science online or do I have to attend campus?

The course can be studied on campus or online, giving you the flexibility to achieve your goals on your schedule. Campus locations include Burwood (Melbourne) and Waurn Ponds (Geelong), and all three trimester intakes (March, July, and November) are available at all three locations, including online.

What career options are available if I don't want to become a registered psychologist after completing this course?

If you are not interested in becoming a registered psychologist, you will graduate with a deep understanding of human behaviour that allows you to solve more complex issues and build better relationships in your current role. Your experiences throughout the course will prepare you for new challenges in a variety of areas including community welfare and case management, disability services, human resources, mental health rehabilitation, public health, and youth support.

Application

How to Apply

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Step 02

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Step 03

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