The Graduate Diploma of Psychology is a fourth year Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited degree designed for students who have previously completed an APAC accredited three-year sequence in psychology (including the Bachelor of Psychological Science or equivalent) and meet the minimum academic entry requirements. Applicants must have achieved a minimum of a credit average in their second and third year units including a credit in the majority of the psychology units.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology provides an in-depth study of the theoretical basis of psychology; to further develop students’ capacity to engage in critical and analytical thinking; to provide advanced and practical training in the design, conduct and evaluation of psychological research; and the evaluation of evidence-based approaches to intervention. The program in psychology will prepare students for either a research or practice career path in psychology while also providing knowledge, skills and attributes that are valued in a range of other careers.
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is broadly equivalent to honours but assigns a reduced weight to the thesis (while still meeting the requirements for APAC) and an increased emphasis on the applications of psychology in preparation for professional postgraduate training. However, the program still incorporates a substantial research project conducted by the student under the guidance of a staff member. In contrast to the honours program, although all students complete an individual thesis, research topics are on related aspects of an overall research program and group supervision is undertaken. This encourages the development of teamwork, which is highly valued in the profession of psychology and in industry.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology involves coursework designed to provide advanced training in research methods and a more sophisticated understanding of psychological theories and principles especially as these are applied to a range of professional areas within psychology and to real-world problems and contexts.
The course has been developed in alignment with the School of Psychology’s educational philosophy which aims to provide students with comprehensive evidenced-based theoretical and practical learning. The course is delivered through a combination of seminars, laboratories, and supervision. Graduates will possess the requisite knowledge and skills for provisional registration with the NSW Psychologists Registration Board and, depending on the grade point average for fourth year units, to apply for entry to postgraduate education at masters or doctoral level.