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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
13.3% ▴
Jobs in psychology are predicted to increase by 13.3% over the next 5 years, meaning now is the perfect time to invest in your future.
Our psychology courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, teaching quality and graduate salary.
Our psychology courses have been awarded a five-star rating for overall experience, teaching quality and graduate salary.
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 will you 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.
Flexible study
Flexible study
What does flexible study mean for me?
Studying at Swinburne Online gives you the freedom to study how it suits you. Decide when and where it fits in with your life and tailor your study journey to your own needs. Get a world-class degree without giving up what’s important.
Flexible study at Swinburne Online
Personalised study journey
Set a study pace that work with what’s going on in your life. If you’re unsure about how much you can commit to, we can offer part-time options and the option of increasing your unit load as your progress.
Fit study around your life
You don’t have to put your life on hold to study. Prioritise what matters to you and fit study around family, work and personal commitments through a course that is flexibly designed for online learners.
Multiple intakes
Start when it suits. Swinburne Online offers multiple intake dates and flexible unit availability, so you can choose when you begin your studies or if you need to take a break.
7-day support
Flexible study requires flexible support. As a Swinburne Online student, you’ll have support for extended hours, seven days a week, with Student Advisors available to help with anything from tech support to research advice and dedicated online tutors in each of your units.
Structure
Structure
Your course structure
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology consists of 4 units, and can be completed within 8 months part-time.
The units covered in this graduate certificate will provide knowledge and skills in psychological theory and research which can be applied in a variety of careers. With a strong foundation of critical thinking and effective communication, your Grad Cert will help you to make an easy transition into the workplace or onto your Graduate Diploma.
Why study a Graduate Certificate of Psychology with Swinburne Online? 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.
View All UnitsHow you'll learn
How you'll learn
Learning designed for online
Your study journey with Swinburne Online is tailored to the digital space. You’ll study in a dynamic virtual classroom environment, interact with your peers in the custom-built social platform, and receive support at the times you need it from advisors who understand studying online.
Online classroom
You’ll complete each of your units in Canvas, your online classroom, and be guided through coursework by an online tutor with real-world experience in your field of study. Canvas is where you’ll access classes, assignments and discussion boards with your peers.
Online campus
The Student Hub is your online campus, where you’ll access the support and resources to assist you throughout your study journey. From managing your course to technical support and library resources, you’ll find it all in one easy location.
Tailored support
Swinburne Online will be there for you each step of the way. From enrolment through to graduation, we offer extended, flexible support in each of your units and advisors to assist with anything from technical support to referencing and assignment tips.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
Discover the entry requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Psychology.
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.
Fees
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
Swinburne Online offers Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for this course to eligible domestic students. A CSP is a subsidy supplied by the Australian government, meaning you do not need to pay a significant portion of your course fees.
Speak to one of our Course Consultants for help and to discuss your eligibility for a CSP in 2023.
With a CSP, the estimated unit fee for this course is $3,562.50*. This is based on completing four 12.5 credit point units in one calendar year.
Commonwealth 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.
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. Depending on your citizenship, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place.
Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students. You may be eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
Don’t just learn what it takes, do what it takes with Swinburne Online
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
Pathway to becoming a psychologist
The Graduate Certificate of Psychology provides you a pathway to becoming a psychologist with further studies.
Case Worker or Manager
Specialise in assisting people with the care and resources they need to deal with their mental health issues. Creating plans and setting up appointments to ensure clients attend.
Mental Health Support Worker
Become an essential part of the mental health support network and specialise in assisting people with a variety of complex needs.
Youth Worker
Support young adults to assist them with their personal, social and educational development to help them reach their life goals.
Outreach Worker
Support clients to develop life skills, including applying for benefits, paying bills and utilities, making appointments and navigating welfare systems.
Personal Care Worker
Provide emotional and practical support to aged, unwell and vulnerable individuals and their families and loved ones. Support may include planning and transport to appointments, administering medication, helping with household tasks and offering companionship.
Support Worker
Support workers play a vital role in supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, mental health needs, communication difficulties and/or complex health needs to live independently.
Testimonial
‘I enjoy the flexibility and the quality of course content and support.’
Ceara
Swinburne Online graduate
More Courses
Other courses you may be interested in
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Bachelor of Psychological Sciences
FAQs
What are other students asking?
Q.
Do I have to purchase learning materials?
A.
For students undertaking a degree, most of your learning materials are included with a free license provided to you by Swinburne Online. However, in some cases, you will be notified via your student email that you will need to buy specific software or eTexts. For TAFE Business students, all of your learning materials will be available online and are covered by your course fees. You won’t need to purchase any further materials.
Q.
Which units should I start with?
A.
When you enrol to study a degree with us, you will nominate how many units you would like to select per teaching period, based on a recommendation from one of our Course Consultants. From here, our enrolments team will allocate you automatically to the units they feel will be best suited to your needs, so you don’t need to worry about choosing units. If you want to choose something different than what you are allocated to, that is no problem, just get in touch with our Student Advisors and they will take care of it for you.
Q.
Do I need to be logged on to study at specific times?
A.
You won’t normally have to be online at a specific time. Your course material is available for you from the beginning of each teaching period and you can work through it in the hours that suit you.
There are some live webinar sessions that run approximately once a month. These are a special opportunity for students to sign in at the same time as their tutors, normally before an assessment deadline. It gives you the chance to ask any questions relating to the assignment in real time and hear other student’s questions and thoughts. We understand that students won’t always be able to make these sessions, so they can be replayed the next day.