100% Online
100% Online
Learning Mode
Postgraduate
Qualification
20 months full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
4
Units
$3,823*
Fees Per Unit
Swinburne Online’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides foundational knowledge in human behaviour and practical skills in research and critical thinking, for those looking to move into the field of psychology or enhance their current career with a deeper understanding of how people think.
This Graduate Diploma provides the same core foundations as an APAC‑accredited three‑year undergraduate psychology degree, giving you the credentials to continue your journey towards registration.
If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree in any field and are looking to transition into psychology, this course can help you take the next step. Whether you’re on a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist or exploring roles in mental health, community services or counselling, it provides a strong foundation for further study or psychology‑related work.
With academic depth and industry relevance, it’s perfect for career-changers, return-to-work professionals, and anyone ready to go even further into the world of psychology.
How you’ll study
Recognition and accreditation
“Having two children and working in a field where there are unexpected crises which we can’t plan for: I do need to have that flexibility to fit study where I can.”
Sam, Swinburne Online Student.
Psychology careers will be in high demand in the future, with a 13.3% increase expected in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)
We’re ranked 24th for the Young University Rankings 2024 – a list of the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
We’re ranked 24th for the Young University Rankings 2024 – a list of the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology consists of:
To gain entry into this course, applicants must have one of the following:
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English language requirements.
Need more info?
We have plenty of resources to help with your queries.
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.
To gain entry into this course, applicants must have one of the following:
If you are applying as an international student, please view the English language requirements.
Need more info?
We have plenty of resources to help with your queries.
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.
*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.
There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.
Scholarships are available for both new and current students.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships
There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.
How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here
Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re 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 our Course Consultant team today!
Where can a Graduate Diploma in Psychology take you? Careers in psychology are estimated to grow 13.3% within the next five years. (Seek 2026) The demand for professionals with deep skills and understanding in psychology is at an all-time high, with the psychology workforce currently meeting only 35% of projected national demand (APS 2025). This Graduate Diploma prepares you for further study towards professional registration. It also opens pathways into entry-level roles in mental health, community services, and behavioral support. Here’s what you could do – and what you might earn (jobs taken from Seek Australia).
Both caseworkers and case managers work to support individuals and families, but their roles differ in scope and focus. Caseworkers primarily focus on direct service delivery and connecting clients with resources, while case managers coordinate and oversee the overall care plan for individuals, often in more complex situations.
Both caseworkers and case managers work to support individuals and families, but their roles differ in scope and focus. Caseworkers primarily focus on direct service delivery and connecting clients with resources, while case managers coordinate and oversee the overall care plan for individuals, often in more complex situations.
Help individuals experiencing mental health challenges to live fulfilling lives. Provide practical and emotional support, assisting with daily tasks, recovery planning, and connecting clients with relevant community services.
Help individuals experiencing mental health challenges to live fulfilling lives. Provide practical and emotional support, assisting with daily tasks, recovery planning, and connecting clients with relevant community services.
Support young people by helping them navigate social, emotional, and practical challenges, fostering their well-being and development. Work in diverse settings, 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 well-being and development. Work in diverse settings, often collaborating with other professionals to address issues like mental health, education, and social inclusion.
Support individuals and communities by connecting them with resources and services, providing guidance, and advocating for their needs. Work with diverse populations, 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, and strive to bridge the gap between individuals and available support systems.
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.
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.
Help individuals modify or change their behaviours to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. They work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, addressing a wide range of behavioural issues through various therapeutic approaches.
Help individuals modify or change their behaviours to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. They work with clients of all ages and backgrounds, addressing a wide range of behavioural issues through various therapeutic approaches.
Provide crucial support and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. They may also develop and implement strategies to enhance overall mental well-being, particularly within specific settings like universities or workplaces.
Provide crucial support and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. They may also develop and implement strategies to enhance overall mental well-being, particularly within specific settings like universities or workplaces.
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology prioritises your readiness to succeed come graduation through valuable skills embedded in your degree:
After this, you can register as a general psychologist and start practicing.
Each Swinburne degree is purpose-built for online learning.
Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!
What you’ll use Canvas for:
The Student Hub is where you manage enrolment, access support services, and manage study-related administration.
What you’ll use the Student Hub for:
What student support is available at Swinburne Online?
You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.
You’ll have access to:
You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online, from enrolment and your first day through to graduation. Our dedicated teams are here to help you stay on track, feel confident, and succeed in your studies.
Support tailored to you:
With ongoing access to support, tools, and resources, you are never studying alone with Swinburne Online.
Indigenous Student Services
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre.
Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People!
Support available through the Moondani Toombadool Centre includes:
Consistent with the mission of the Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project, Swinburne is committed to increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists and to delivering culturally safe training programs.
Contact information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) are encouraged to get in touch to discuss their application and to explore the support available during their candidature at Swinburne.
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Course Directors
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.
