Duration
1 year full time / 3 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
January, March, July
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
AUD $45,600 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
Learn more
Learn more
Course structure
Overview
Course intakes and minimum course duration
| Intake | Cohort | Minimum Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (January) | Domestic and International | 1 year |
| Start Year (Semester 1 - March) | Domestic only | 2 years |
| Mid Year (Semester 2 - July) | Domestic only | 1.5 years |
The course is comprised of 125 credit points of psychology subjects, including eight compulsory psychology subjects (100 credit points), and two elective psychology subjects at Level 3, selected from a range of electives (25 credit points).
Graduate Diploma in Psychology students undertake most of the same subjects and attend most of the same classes as students completing the accredited undergraduate major in Psychology, with the exception of two compulsory advanced level subjects that replace the two compulsory Level 3 subjects in the undergraduate major. The two advanced level subjects recognise the graduate status of the students and specify learning outcomes consistent with an AQF Level 8 qualification, particularly in relation to research methods and communication skills.
The accredited sequence provides a strong grounding in core psychological concepts and theories in the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, with reference to both the historical foundations of the discipline and to the latest cutting-edge research. The range of electives subjects in the final year provides the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge in at least one domain of interest.
Flexible Study Options
Students can complete the entire 125 credit point accredited sequence of subjects in one year of full-time study or undertake the course part-time over a period of up to six semesters, allowing them to tailor their study load and pace to their individual needs.
The table below illustrates flexible study options.
| Choose Your Study Mode | Choose Your Start Date | Tailor Your Study and Study load | Complete Your Diploma |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part Time | Summer Semester (Six weeks with a one-week mid-term break) | You will need to enrol full-time over the summer and then re-enrol as part-time for semester 1. You can complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychology in a minimum of two years. | Graduate |
| Semester One and Two | You will enrol as a part-time student, taking a minimum of one subject per semester. The Graduate Diploma in Psychology will generally take you three years to complete (if you take two subjects per semester and do not enrol in a summer intensive). We recommend taking the level 1 introductory subjects before attempting level 2 and 3 subjects. | Graduate | |
| Full Time | Summer Semester (Six weeks with a one-week mid-term break) | You will enrol as a full-time student and complete two required Level 100 subjects in the summer, then choose your study load for Semesters one and two. You can complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychology in a minimum of one year. | Graduate |
| Semester Two | Discuss with your course coordinator to establish the best study load for you. You can complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychology in a minimum of 1.5 years if you choose not to take a summer intensive. | Graduate |
Explore this course
Explore the subjects you could choose as part of this diploma.