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.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

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.

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.

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 Units6 units

Ethics for Research and Professional and Evidence-Based Practice

Core subject covering ethics in research and professional evidence-based practice.

Design and Analysis for Research

Core subject focused on research design and analysis methods.

Operationalising the Scientific Practitioner Model

Core subject on applying the scientific practitioner model.

Psychology: Now and the Future

Core subject examining current and future directions in psychology.

Group Research Project (Part 1)

First part of a two-part extensive group research project.

Group Research Project (Part 2)

Second part of a two-part extensive group research project.

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!

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