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Graduate Diploma in Psychological Studies

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This course is designed for those who already have a first degree (without psychology qualifications) and wish to supplement this with a psychology specialisation. It will assist in making a career change or applying knowledge of psychological studies in your existing profession.  

You will be eligible to apply for entry to a fourth year program of study in Psychology. Completion of a four year sequence of study is a prerequisite to either seeking registration as a Psychologist or applying for entry to Masters level professional practice awards.

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

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course. Applications close on 25 January 2013

Methods of applying:

  • You can apply direct to VU

Please note that part-time study may not be available at all campuses.

Already a VU student?

You can transfer into this course through our internal transfer process.

For more info contact the
College of Arts

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Careers

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.

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Course Objectives

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.
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Units and electives

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.

This course consists of 8 compulsory units and 2 psychology electives

Core units of study

Plus 2 Psychology Electives

Psychology electives

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take, and optional 'elective' units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

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Admission Information

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

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

You can apply direct to VU. Applications close on 25 January 2013.

When you're ready to apply:

  1. Read the Advice to applicants (contains details about how to apply for your course, extra requirements, what happens when you submit your application and other important information).
  2. Complete the Higher education direct entry application form.
  3. As part of the application you may need to complete extra requirements such as:
    • submit supplementary forms
    • attend an interview, audition, information session or workshop
    • submit a folio
    • sit a test

Details about extra requirements are available from the College of Arts.

You need to complete all extra requirements by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered.

Transferring between VU courses

Want to transfer into this course from another VU course? Complete the Victoria University internal course application form and check whether you need to complete any extra requirements, listed above.

You can also contact us directly:

  • Faculty of Arts, Education and Human Development Student Centre
    Phone: +61 3 9919 4409
    Email:  artscourses@vu.edu.au
  • Ring us on +61 3 9919 6100
  • Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 6100

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

At Victoria University, we make every reasonable effort to make sure the information displayed online about our courses is accurate and complete. We continually look to provide innovative courses. Those courses are shaped by a number of things including your feedback and changes in Government funding arrangements. As a result there may be changes to the courses we deliver and fees charged. We will update the website regularly to reflect any changes.

Information about course fees, articulation and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations, and services available to students can be accessed on the University’s website or by contacting the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100.

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