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Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)

Define your future in psychological practice.

  • Explore major therapeutic approaches 
  • Join the growing industry focused on mental health and well-being
  • Gain a solid understanding of applied psychological skills 
  • Master ethical principles and legal frameworks guiding psychological practice and research
  • Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) 
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Postgraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

16 Months Full-Time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

7

Units

Icon Fees

$3,823*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced? 

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. 

Successful completion of this qualification will fulfil the fourth-year study requirement if you’re seeking provisional registration as a practising psychologist. 

You can find out more information about pathways to general registration in psychology on the Australian Psychological Society or APAC website. 

Who is this course for? 

Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is designed for those pursuing a career as a psychologist or in adjacent healthrelated roles. It’s the next step you take after completing an APAC-approved Level 1 program of study. 

  • Aspiring Practitioners: Graduates seeking the accredited qualification to apply for professional registration in psychology. 
  • Research-Driven Professionals: Career-changers looking to develop high-level analytical skills and conduct an independent psychological research thesis. 

How you’ll study 

  • The Graduate Diploma of Psychology runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
  • Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week per unit.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period. 
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.
  • 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.

This course is not available to international students.

What you’ll learn

  • Research: Learn advanced research and analytical skills that will form the basis of your ongoing professional development, allowing you to critically investigate a range of research topics that inform your professional practice. 
  • Conceptual Understanding: Cultivate a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of core areas of psychological enquiry, including cognitive, behavioural, developmental, social and clinical methodologies. 
  • Problem-Solving: Apply psychological theories, research findings, and skills to theoretical and practical problems in academic psychology and professional practice. 
  • Ethical Practice: Develop a nuanced understanding of the ethical responsibilities integral to psychological research and practice. 

Recognition and accreditation

Jacob-BW

‘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

13.3% ▴

Careers in psychology will be in high demand in the future, with a 13.3% increase expected in the next 5 years. (SEEK 2026)

Young University Rankings 2024

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 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

13.3% ▴

Careers in psychology 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.

Young University Rankings 2024

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) consists of: 

  •  7 Core Units 

 

Advanced Quantitative Methods for Psychology

Psychological Assessment

Ethics and Professional Issues

Counselling and Interventions

Thesis A—Research Project Development

Thesis B—Literature Review

Thesis C—Empirical Study

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

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. 

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)? Get in touch with our course consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

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.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS (Academic Module): Overall 7.0 with no individual band below 7.0
  • Swinburne English Language Centre: EAP 5 Advanced level with overall 75% and all skills 70% or above
  • TOEFL iBT: minimum score 95 (Reading no less than 20, Writing no less than 22)
  • Or equivalent measures available here

Need more info?

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.

Fees & Scholarships

  • The estimated fee per unit is $3,823*. 
  • There are 7 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units. 

*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. 
  • Discover more information about HELP loans. 

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs. 

  • University-funded scholarships 
  • Government-funded scholarships 
  • Private scholarships and prizes 

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 Consultants 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! 

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)

A Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) opens doors across the health, research, and community sectors. While registration as a psychologist requires further postgraduate study, this degree provides the essential foundation for the following high-impact careers. (Average salaries based on SEEK Australia salaries)

$60,000–$80,000 Average Salary

Help clients with diverse mental health needs access care and navigate support systems. Mental Health Support Workers also provide emotional, practical, and psychosocial support to individuals living with mental illness, aiding their recovery and independence.

Help clients with diverse mental health needs access care and navigate support systems. Mental Health Support Workers also provide emotional, practical, and psychosocial support to individuals living with mental illness, aiding their recovery and independence.

$95,000–$115,000 Average Salary

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.

$85,000–$95,000 Average Salary

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.

$100,000–$120,000 Average Salary

Apply advanced psychological frameworks to provide high-level clinical support to individuals and groups navigating complex mental health challenges. As a Clinician, you will conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based interventions to support long-term well-being.

Apply advanced psychological frameworks to provide high-level clinical support to individuals and groups navigating complex mental health challenges. As a Clinician, you will conduct clinical assessments, develop treatment plans, and deliver evidence-based interventions to support long-term well-being.

$90,000–$110,000 Average Salary

Provide professional advice and guidance to managers and employees across the end-to-end employee lifecycle. Using advanced understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics, you will support employee relations, facilitate performance management, and ensure compliance with employment legislation.

Provide professional advice and guidance to managers and employees across the end-to-end employee lifecycle. Using advanced understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics, you will support employee relations, facilitate performance management, and ensure compliance with employment legislation.

$90,000–$110,000 Average Salary

Manage high-impact partnerships by resolving complex barriers to client well-being. You will oversee the end-to-end client journey, lead the integration of new clients, and coordinate care pathways to ensure service delivery aligns with clinical goals.

Manage high-impact partnerships by resolving complex barriers to client well-being. You will oversee the end-to-end client journey, lead the integration of new clients, and coordinate care pathways to ensure service delivery aligns with clinical goals.

How can I become a registered psychologist?

  • Step 1: Complete an accredited degree like the Graduate Diploma of Psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), to begin your journey to registration. 
  • Step 2: Do a fourth year of study with our Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) for another 1.5 years. *Please note: You can apply for provisional registration once you have been accepted into a master’s or doctorate program. 
  • Step 3: Get a Master’s or Doctorate. Study for another 2–4 years (2 years for a master’s, 4 years for a Doctorate or combined master’s/PhD), and get supervised clinical experience at the same time. 

After this, you can register as a general psychologist and start practicing.

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

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.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

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Your online classroom: Canvas

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: 

  • Explore all your units and modules 
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time 
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates 
  • Receive assessments and feedback 
  • Track your study progress 
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile 
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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information 
  • Access library and technical support 
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more
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Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.  

You’ll have access to: 

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing 
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management 
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated 
  • 7-day support – to assistant you at any time 
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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 includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 
  • Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

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.