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Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Course information for - 2025 entry

Duration

1.25 years full-time or equivalent part-time

ATAR
N/A
Fees (first year)*

$27984 Fee-paying

Start dates
ACU Term 1, ACU Term 3

Overview

ACU’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline and would like to seek a psychology qualification in order to work towards a career in Psychology.

The course will provide graduates of non-APAC accredited Bachelor degrees with a pathway to obtain the same Level 1 qualification as the Bachelor degree in Psychology in an accelerated time frame.

Graduates of this course will be able to apply for further studies in psychology that may eventually lead to registration as a psychologist.

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) - accredited with conditions

  • Top 150 universities

  • 95% graduates employed

  • Top 10 Catholic universities globally

Professional recognition

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Level 1) (ACU Online) bridging program is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia as an approved study pathway towards further training to obtain general psychology registration. Upon completion of this degree, graduates are eligible to complete a Psychology fourth-year/Honours degree. To be eligible for Psychology general registration, students need to complete as Psychology Postgraduate Coursework degree.


Accreditation

This course is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (with conditions).

Careers

Our graduates have pursued careers in:

  • community work
  • counselling
  • further studies in psychology
  • human services
  • market research
  • welfare

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Term 1 - Full-time

  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC500Introduction to Psychology: Science and Practice10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC501Foundations of Qualitative and Quantitative Data Analysis10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC503Mental Health and Psychological Disorders

    (Pre: PSYC500)

    10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC506Data Analysis for Multi-variable Designs

    (Pre: PSYC501)

    10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC508Mental Processes

    (Pre: PSYC500 & PSYC501 & PSYC506)

    10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC509Behavioural Neuroscience

    (Pre: PSYC500 & PSYC503)

    10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC502Psychological Development Across the Lifespan

    (Pre: PSYC500)

    10 cp
  • Specified Psychology UnitsPSYC507Introduction to Therapeutic Approaches and Assessment in Psychology

    (Pre: PSYC500 & PSYC501)

    10 cp

All units are delivered in Online Unscheduled mode.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Commencing Term 1 - Part-time

All units are delivered in Online Unscheduled mode.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Commencing Term 3 - Full-time

All units are delivered in Online Unscheduled mode.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Commencing Term 3 - Part-time

All units are delivered in Online Unscheduled mode.

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit.

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Graduate Diploma - AQF Level 8

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, an applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.

Applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, an applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.

If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.

You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.

Search our credit database

Learn more about recognition of prior learning


Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$27984 Fee-paying

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.

Search our scholarships

Apply for this course

ACU Online Applicants

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Testimonial

Nicholas Graziani

I find that psychology is the perfect mix between developing people skills and developing scientific skills, and using both of those skill-sets simultaneously. A lot of people go into psychology thinking that it’s essentially counselling and that you’re just talking to people, but it also involves a lot of science and statistics, and I think that’s mainly why I’m drawn towards it.

Nicholas Graziani
Psychological Science student
 

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