100% Online
100% Online
Learning Mode
Postgraduate
Qualification
16 Months Full-Time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
7
Units
$3,710*
Fees Per Unit
Becoming a registered psychologist in Australia is a rewarding undertaking that will take at least five years of study, depending on the pathway you take. This typically includes a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence; a fourth year of psychology studies; and one or two years of postgraduate study with supervised workplace experience.
Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is the next step, after completing an APAC approved Level one program of study, for those pursuing a career as a psychologist. Successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) will fulfil the fourth-year study requirement for those seeking provisional registration as a practising psychologist.
To qualify for entry, you need to have already completed an APAC accredited Level 1 Program OR have completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, which serves as a bridging course for students who have completed an unrelated bachelor degree.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is a fully online course, in which you will learn to recognise and interpret how the practice of psychology is influenced by varied social, historical, professional and cultural contexts. You will develop a nuanced understanding of ethical issues in psychological practice, and how to apply an evidence-based approach to psychological intervention.
Completion of this course will lead to job opportunities in the mental health sector, including counselling, psychological research, and social work. You will also have the opportunity to apply for provisional registration with APAC if you are successful in enrolling into two years of study and/or supervised professional practice to attain general registration.
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
You can find out more information about pathways to general registration in psychology on the Australian Psychological Society or APAC website.
‘The flexibility to study at my own pace and my own time was perfect and allowed me to finish my degree in around 3 years, using every [teaching period] I could.’
Jacob, Swinburne Online graduate
Careers in psychology will be in high demand in the future, with a 13.3% increase expected 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.
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 Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) consists of:
Your graduate diploma will focus on arming you with skills in various counselling methodologies in workplace-focused units like ‘Counselling and Interventions’. You will also explore a number of major therapeutic approaches, which will ultimately inform your own psychological practice, including psychoanalytic, existential, behavioural, cognitive, family and solution-focused therapy.
To be eligible to apply, Australian applicants must have completed an APAC-accredited three-year or equivalent sequence in psychology. Students must achieve a minimum of a Distinction average (70%) in core psychology units at the third-year level.
Applicants who have completed a psychology major at an overseas university MUST provide evidence that their degree meets the requirements of an APAC-accredited Australian undergraduate degree in psychology.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) are encouraged to contact the Moondani Toombadool Centre (indigenousstudents@swin.edu.au) and the course directors Dr. James Williams (jwilliams@swin.edu.au) and Dr. Pui Tzan Chan (puichan@swin.edu.au) to discuss their application and to explore the supports available during their candidature at Swinburne.
To be eligible to apply, Australian applicants must have completed an APAC-accredited three-year or equivalent sequence in psychology. Students must achieve a minimum of a Distinction average (70%) in core psychology units at the third-year level.
Applicants who have completed a psychology major at an overseas university MUST provide evidence that their degree meets the requirements of an APAC-accredited Australian undergraduate degree in psychology.
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
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.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) are encouraged to contact the Moondani Toombadool Centre (indigenousstudents@swin.edu.au) and the course directors Dr. James Williams (jwilliams@swin.edu.au) and Dr. Pui Tzan Chan (puichan@swin.edu.au) to discuss their application and to explore the supports available during their candidature at Swinburne.
*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.
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!
This advanced diploma 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):
Work as part of a treatment team to provide counselling and therapeutic support to families navigating crisis, who in many cases have experienced significant disadvantage.
Work as part of a treatment team to provide counselling and therapeutic support to families navigating crisis, who in many cases have experienced significant disadvantage.
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.
Provide administrative and operational support to an HR department, assisting with tasks across the employee lifecycle. Also play a role in ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.
Provide administrative and operational support to an HR department, assisting with tasks across the employee lifecycle. Also play a role in ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.
Delve into diverse topics with a research study. Research may include collating sources such as internet searchers, newspapers, journals and other publications to assist in your specific area of focus.
Delve into diverse topics with a research study. Research may include collating sources such as internet searchers, newspapers, journals and other publications to assist in your specific area of focus.
Provide support to research teams who are conducting experiments or gathering and analysing data. Duties may include assisting with study design, data collection and management, and data analysis.
Provide support to research teams who are conducting experiments or gathering and analysing data. Duties may include assisting with study design, data collection and management, and data analysis.
Build strong client relationships and guide clients in reaching their goals by identifying and resolving possible issues around their mental health. Working as part of a team, onboard new clients, manage caseloads and escalate certain cases to different team members.
Build strong client relationships and guide clients in reaching their goals by identifying and resolving possible issues around their mental health. Working as part of a team, onboard new clients, manage caseloads and escalate certain cases to different team members.
After this, you can register as a general psychologist and start practicing.
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.
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!
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.
Download a course guide
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.
