Graduate Diploma in Psychology

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The Graduate Diploma (Honours) program provides advanced levels of theoretical study and applied aspects within Psychology at fourth year level. This builds on knowledge developed in undergraduate Psychology, Arts or Science courses.

By selection of appropriate units of study, you can pursue a focus that falls into one of three areas: organisational psychology, community psychology and health research.

The program aims to develop skills in critical analysis and independent research in Psychology and to prepare you for postgraduate research or professional careers. This course is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

If you are applying for a graduate program in Psychology at VU, you must complete a Referee Report (PDF, 83 KB)

The Advice to applicants in Psychology  (PDF, 154 KB) will advise you which referee report/s you need to submit.

Course Essentials

How to apply

We are currently accepting applications for this course.

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

Careers

Provides a 4th year that is recognised by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC).

Graduates are eligible to become probationary psychologists with the Victorian Psychologists Registration Board.

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

Course Objectives

Graduates of this course will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced cognitive, research and problem-solving skills to successfully undertake postgraduate research or a professional career in psychology;
  2. Satisfy the educational requirements for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society;
  3. Demonstrate and critically apply skills in independent research, theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in psychology;
  4. Demonstrate and critically apply advanced knowledge in selected areas of psychology and applied psychology;
  5. Assess and evaluate the nature of psychology as a profession, the ethical and legal responsibilities of the psychologist and the role of the Australian Psychological Society.

Units and electives

To qualify for the award Graduate Diploma in Psychology, students must complete a total of 96 credit points.

Core units

Plus ONE elective (12 credit points) selected from the following list:

Psychology electives

Only a selection of these electives are offered every year. Other electives may be possible with the consent of the Course Coordinator

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.

Admission Information

  • International: The minimum requirement for entry to Honours in Psychology will normally be a three year undergraduate degree in psychology formally assessed by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). IELTS minimum 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent
  • Mature: A first degree with an Australian Psychological Society accredited specialisation in Psychology (or equivalent) will be the minimum entrance requirement. Relevant experience in either private or public sector organisations will be an advantage. Applicants may be interviewed and requested to provide academic letters of recommendation (referee forms) to assess their suitability for the course. Special consideration for admission will be given to students with disabilities.

English language requirements

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Admission requirements in your country

Find out if you meet the minimum academic (international qualification) requirements to be eligible to apply for this course by reviewing the academic entry requirements listed by country.

How to apply for this course

Apply online

If you have questions about your application, you can:

Get in touch

Contact us to discuss your course options:

Ring us on +61 3 9919 1164

Find answers and ask questions at GOTOVU

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students starting the course in 2013. Fees are subject to approval and may change. In some courses students must buy equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above and we recommend you seek advice from the relevant faculty.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.