Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology

The Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited fourth-year qualification in psychology. The course is suited for people who have completed a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology from any course accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and who want to pursue advanced postgraduate study in psychology at master's or doctoral level, or alternatively to undertake supervised psychological practice. Based on a scientist–practitioner model, the course provides advanced study of the discipline of psychology, research training, and an introduction to psychological practice. By engaging with contemporary research and literature in developmental psychology, you will: understand human development across the lifespan including biological, perceptual, cognitive, personality, social and emotional changes from infancy to adulthood examine legislation relating to the practice of psychology and how to comply with such legislation appreciate the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity and cohesiveness of the profession learn about individual differences and how these may be assessed using different assessment tools develop an appreciation of the role of scientific research in the field of psychology and undertake an independent research project. You will have a choice of one elective. At present, topics include positive psychology in professional practice and developmental psychology and wellbeing. Visit this page to find out more about our teaching and research team and explore the range of research areas of our current staff. Specific topics vary from year to year. Eligible graduates may proceed to further training and study required for professional registration in psychology.

Admission to the course requires successful completion of a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology from any course accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) with at least a distinction (70%) average in third-year psychology. These qualifications must have been completed within the last 10 years. Applicants with international qualifications will need to have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

English entry requirements

Level A

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 Overall score, with minimum band scores: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0 and Speaking 6.0

Pearson Test of English (Academic): 58 Overall score, with minimum scores: Listening 50, Reading 50, Speaking 50 and Writing 50

TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 Overall score, with minimum scores: Reading 13, Listening 12, Speaking 18 and Writing 21

Paper-based TOEFL 550 Test of written English: 4.5

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 176 No skill score below 169
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) 176 No skill score below 169