Graduate Diploma of Psychology

James Cook University

CRICOS Institution Code 00117J

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

Online and on-campus

Study Load

Full time / Part time

Intakes

Online: February, May / Townsville: February, May

Course Overview

About This Course

Take the next step in your journey to becoming a registered Psychologist. This Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides fourth-year training for students who have completed an accredited three-year undergraduate psychology program, equipping you to pursue further postgraduate study, which can then qualify you for becoming a fully registered psychologist. In this postgraduate psychology degree, you will study the methods and ethics of scientific investigations and evidence-based practice. You will systematically integrate and apply major theoretical perspectives and concepts, philosophical and historical developments, and an understanding of ethics and efficacy to the core areas of psychology and scientific research. The Graduate Diploma of Psychology consists of six core subjects including a two-part, extensive group project; Ethics for Research and Professional and Evidence-Based Practice; Design and Analysis for Research; Operationalising the Scientific Practitioner Model; and Psychology: Now and the Future. This JCU Psychology degree offers unique experiences. You will have access to JCU’s observation suites, where you’ll get to explore the workspace of a professional psychologist. You will get to engage and contribute to current research projects and attend annual seminars presented by national and international experts. In the two-part group project, you will devise and implement your own research project and communicate your findings to professional psychology experts.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

349 Queen St, BRISBANE, QLD 4000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

$17,393 per year (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Duration

52 weeks

Intakes

Online: February, May / Townsville: February, May

Study Mode

Full time / Part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

Completion of an AQF Level 7 bachelor degree that includes an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved three-year sequence in Psychology completed within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved bridging degree that achieves foundational competencies within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Other qualifications recognised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Academy as equivalent to the above

International Students:

Completion of an AQF Level 7 bachelor degree that includes an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved three-year sequence in Psychology completed within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council approved bridging degree that achieves foundational competencies within the past 10 years; and a minimum program GPA of 5.0; or Other qualifications recognised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Academy as equivalent to the above
English language requirements: Band 1
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course

Additional Requirements:

Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria
Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of ”Band 1” – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

JCU Psychology graduates are broadly-skilled and go on to study and work in various specialised health fields.
Graduates pursue careers in various areas including private practice and consulting firms, academic and applied research settings, human resources, advertising, research, sport, and education.
With further training, you could find employment as a clinical psychologist, counselling psychologist, educational psychologist, forensic psychologist or occupational psychologist.
To become eligible for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, you are required to complete a minimum 6-year sequence of education and supervised training.
Visit the Psychology Board of Australia website for more information on registration requirements.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

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 Units6 units

PY4106

Group Project Part 1 of 2

PY4107

Group Project Part 2 of 2

PY4112

Ethics and Evidence-Based Practice

PY4113

Design and Analysis for Professional Psychology

PY4114

Assessment in Psychology

PY4115

Psychology: Now and the Future

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Psychology at JCU?

To be eligible, you need to have completed an AQF Level 7 bachelor degree that includes an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) approved three-year sequence in Psychology within the past 10 years with a minimum program GPA of 5.0, OR completion of an APAC-approved bridging degree that achieves foundational competencies within the past 10 years with a minimum program GPA of 5.0, OR other qualifications recognised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Academy as equivalent.

How long does it take to complete the Graduate Diploma of Psychology?

The course takes 1 year to complete as a full-time student, or 2 years if studying part-time.

Will this degree allow me to become a registered psychologist?

This degree provides fourth-year training and equips you to pursue further postgraduate study, which can then qualify you for becoming a fully registered psychologist. To become eligible for registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia, you are required to complete a minimum 6-year sequence of education and supervised training.

What are the fees for the Graduate Diploma of Psychology in 2026?

The estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee is $17,399 AUD and the estimated annual tuition fee is $33,133 AUD for a full-time study load. Fee deferral options and scholarships are available for eligible students. A Student Services and Amenities Fee is also required.

Where and when can I start the Graduate Diploma of Psychology?

The course is available online and at the Townsville campus, with intakes commencing in January and May. It is also available to Australian students for inter-campus study in Singapore, with conditions applying.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$61,000 – $80,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$80,000 – $100,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$100,000 – $124,000/yr

Career Paths

Clinical Psychologist
Counselling Psychologist
Organisational / Industrial Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
School Psychologist / Educational Psychologist

Key Skills

Critical thinking and evidence-based reasoning
Psychological assessment and diagnostic interviewing
Quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis
Therapeutic communication and active listening
Report writing and clinical documentation

Full course overview

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