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Graduate Certificate of Psychology

Take your first step toward understanding and influencing human behaviour.

  • Fully supported, 100% online, and flexible
  • Join an industry with an expected job growth of 23.2% by 2030
  • Develop cultural awareness and the capacity to analyse ethical dilemmas
  • Learn skills applicable across various human-centered professions beyond psychology
  • Entry pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Postgraduate

Qualification

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8 Months Full-Time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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4

Units

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$3,710*

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OVERVIEW

Unlock human behaviour to empower your career.

This course is designed to provide an entry pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology. The program provides foundational knowledge and skills in Psychology, for individuals who wish to explore the field of psychology (e.g. organisational or educational psychology), and builds a strong foundation in psychological theory and research.

Be ready to dive into robust units that teach you research methods, statistics, and introductory psychology concepts which will be the basis for further study. However, students who exit with the Graduate Certificate will be able to use these concepts in any profession working with people.

For those who exit with a Graduate Certificate and choose not to proceed with further study, you will have gained the skills and knowledge that can be applied to a number of human-centred professions including: Education, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Human Services, Consulting, People Management and such.

The units within the Graduate Certificate are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and the certificate could lead into an APAC accredited course or degree.

What you’ll learn

  • Analysis: Use your learnt knowledge to analyze and solve complex problems.
  • Communication: Develop effective communication skills to convey clear and constructive information to staff members and executives (both oral and written communication).
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Apply knowledge, show ethical judgment and strong decision-making skills.
  • Social Psychology: Explain how individuals interact with society through group dynamics, cultural influences, and applied issues.
  • Personality: Learn about the major approaches psychologists use to understand personality and how these differences drive behaviour.
  • Development: Understand the processes involved in psychological growth and how people change with age.
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‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

23.2% ▴

Mental Health Support Worker roles are expected to increase by 23.2% in the next 5 years.

Young University Rankings 2024

We’re ranked 24th for the Young University Rankings 2024 –  a list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

23.2% ▴

Mental Health Support Worker roles are expected to increase by 23.2% in the next 5 years.

We’re ranked 24th for the Young University Rankings 2024 –  a list the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.

Young University Rankings 2024

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

The Graduate Certificate in Psychology consists of:

  • 4 Core Units

 

Who’s it for?

Our courses are at the forefront of the industry and provide you with the practical skills to succeed come graduation. Get a taste through the course highlighted below or view all units in this graduate certificate.

What you'll study:

 

Introduction to Research Methods

Brain and Behaviour

Fundamentals of Psychology

Foundations of Statistics

Entry Requirements

Higher Education Qualifications

Completion of an undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a higher university qualification is required. Applicants with a completed Advanced Diploma will also be considered.

Work Experience entry

A minimum of 5 years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience Professional experience can include teaching, community work, allied health, youth work, or any experience working with research data.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $3,710*.
  • There are 4 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.

Discover more information about HELP loans.

Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.

This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students.

Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

This certificate opens doors to mental health, counselling, research, and community roles. Here’s what you could do and what you might earn (based on SEEK Australia):

$85,000 – $95,000 Average Salary

Coordinate personalised care plans for clients, ensuring access to health and social services.

Coordinate personalised care plans for clients, ensuring access to health and social services.

$60,000–$75,000 Average Salary

Help clients with diverse mental health needs access care and navigate support systems.

Help clients with diverse mental health needs access care and navigate support systems.

$70,000 and $85,000 Average Salary

Support young people by helping them navigate social, emotional, and practical challenges, fostering their wellbeing and development. Work in diverse settings, including youth centers, schools, and community organizations, often collaborating with other professionals to address issues like mental health, education, and social inclusion.

Support young people by helping them navigate social, emotional, and practical challenges, fostering their wellbeing and development. Work in diverse settings, including youth centers, schools, and community organizations, often collaborating with other professionals to address issues like mental health, education, and social inclusion.

$65,000 to $75,000 Average Salary

Support individuals and communities by connecting them with resources and services, providing guidance, and advocating for their needs. Work with diverse populations, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, or substance abuse, and strive to bridge the gap between individuals and available support systems.

Support individuals and communities by connecting them with resources and services, providing guidance, and advocating for their needs. Work with diverse populations, including those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, or substance abuse, and strive to bridge the gap between individuals and available support systems.

$60,000 to $75,000 Average Salary

Provide direct support and care to individuals who need assistance with daily living activities, often due to age, illness, or disability. Their role focuses on promoting independence and well-being by helping with personal care, household tasks, and providing emotional support.

Provide direct support and care to individuals who need assistance with daily living activities, often due to age, illness, or disability. Their role focuses on promoting independence and well-being by helping with personal care, household tasks, and providing emotional support.

$65,000 to $75,000 Average Salary

Provide daily assistance, social support, and personal care to individuals who need help due to age, disability, or other vulnerabilities. Help clients with tasks such as personal hygiene, household chores, meal preparation, and transportation, and also offer emotional support and companionship.

Provide daily assistance, social support, and personal care to individuals who need help due to age, disability, or other vulnerabilities. Help clients with tasks such as personal hygiene, household chores, meal preparation, and transportation, and also offer emotional support and companionship.

Your pathway to a successful career in psychology.

The Graduate Certificate of Psychology prioritises your readiness to succeed come graduation through valuable skills embedded in your degree:

  • Work on real-world case studies, helping you to step into the workplace with confidence
  • Learn the online communication skills essential for a digital future
  • Your learning advisors work in the industry themselves, helping you to stay connected to your career goals
  • Learn from industry professionals

Your path to becoming a registered psychologist.

  • Step 1: Complete an accredited degree like the Graduate Diploma of Psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), to begin your journey to registration.
  • Step 2: Do a fourth year of study with our Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) for another 1.5 years, making you eligible for provisional registration after graduation.
  • Step 3: Get a master’s or Doctorate. Study for another 2 – 4 years (2 years for a master’s, 4 years for a Doctorate or combined master’s/PhD), and get supervised clinical experience at the same time

 After this, you can register as a general psychologist and start practicing.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

 

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Your online classroom - Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.