Broaden your view of the world or make a career change by applying psychology to your existing profession. Designed for those who already have a first degree (without psychology qualifications), after graduating you will be able to:

• register as a psychologist after a four year sequence of study
• apply for entry to the Master of Applied Psychology

This course is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

• Location:
  St Albans and Footscray Park
• Faculty:
  Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development
• School:
  School of Social Sciences and Psychology
• Study mode:
  Part Time
• Delivery mode:
  On campus
• Course code:
  AGPP
• Duration:
  3 years
• This information is for Australian residents.
  Click here to search for courses available to non-residents

How to apply

Career opportunities for graduates of this course include:

• professional psychological training for graduates wishing to expand their skills in the private sector (career counselling, Human Resources or police officers) 
• entry into post-graduate professional training programs in Psychology
• accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as providing the equivalent of a specialisation in psychology

Learn more about your career options on the Australian government's Career Information and Resources website.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies is designed to:

• offer an accredited undergraduate sequence in psychology for students who have already completed a degree in another discipline.
• give students a strong foundation in the scientist-practitioner model of psychology.
• prepare students to apply for a fourth year of study in psychology (Honours year or equivalent) which is an essential prerequisite to a career as a fully registered psychologist.
• develop conceptual and research skills which have application in a range of careers.

This course consists of 8 compulsory units and 2 psychology electives

• Psychology 1a

  Unit code

  APP1012

  Credits

  12

• Psychology 1b

  Unit code

  APP1013

  Credits

  12

• Psychology 2a

  Unit code

  APP2013

  Credits

  12

• Psychology 2b

  Unit code

  APP2014

  Credits

  12

• Intercultural and Developmental Issues in Psychology

  Unit code

  APP2101

  Credits

  12

• History and Theories in Psychology

  Unit code

  APP3036

  Credits

  12

• Research Methods in Psychology

  Unit code

  APP3035

  Credits

  12

• Clinical Aspects of Psychology

  Unit code

  APP3037

  Credits

  12

• Counselling Theory and Practice

  Unit code

  APP3015

  Credits

  12

• Group Behaviour

  Unit code

  APP3016

  Credits

  12

• Organisations and Work

  Unit code

  APP3018

  Credits

  12

• Psychobiology

  Unit code

  APP3019

  Credits

  12

• Psychoanalysis

  Unit code

  APP3020

  Credits

  12

• Psychology of Adjustment

  Unit code

  APP3021

  Credits

  12

• Psychological Assessment

  Unit code

  APP3025

  Credits

  12

• Cognitive Psychology

  Unit code

  APP3026

  Credits

  12

The course can only be studied part-time only over a minimum duration of three years. The three-year minimum is required because units of study taken in earlier years provide the basis for studies in later years, that is, there is sequential development of knowledge and skills throughout the course. This sequence is important pedagogically, and is also necessary for professional accreditation. To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies, students must complete a total of 120 credit points.

• Mature: To qualify for the course, applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised Australian University (or overseas equivalent).