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Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Course information for - 2025 entry
- Duration
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1.25 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- ATAR
- N/A
- Fees (first year)*
- Start dates
- ACU Term 1, ACU Term 3
Overview
ACU’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology is designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline and would like to seek a psychology qualification in order to work towards a career in Psychology.
The course will provide graduates of non-APAC accredited Bachelor degrees with a pathway to obtain the same Level 1 qualification as the Bachelor degree in Psychology in an accelerated time frame.
Graduates of this course will be able to apply for further studies in psychology that may eventually lead to registration as a psychologist.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) - accredited with conditions
Professional recognition
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Level 1) (ACU Online) bridging program is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia as an approved study pathway towards further training to obtain general psychology registration. Upon completion of this degree, graduates are eligible to complete a Psychology fourth-year/Honours degree. To be eligible for Psychology general registration, students need to complete as Psychology Postgraduate Coursework degree.
Accreditation
This course is accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (with conditions).
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- community work
- counselling
- further studies in psychology
- human services
- market research
- welfare
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, a student must complete 100 credit points (cp) of specified units.
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, an applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
An applicant must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission.
Applicants with higher education study
To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, an applicant must have completed a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, we’ll assign you with a new selection rank that reflects your study level, duration, and grade point average.
If your prior study or relevant work experience has provided you with knowledge, skills or experience aligned with the learning outcomes of units in your new course, you may be eligible to gain credit for study or have your prior learning recognised. This means you may be able to complete your ACU course in a shorter timeframe.
You can use our credit search tool to see what you might be eligible for. For more information about credit and recognition of prior learning at ACU, follow the link below.
Learn more about recognition of prior learning
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Fees
Course costs
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
Apply for this course
ACU Online Applicants
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Testimonial
I find that psychology is the perfect mix between developing people skills and developing scientific skills, and using both of those skill-sets simultaneously. A lot of people go into psychology thinking that it’s essentially counselling and that you’re just talking to people, but it also involves a lot of science and statistics, and I think that’s mainly why I’m drawn towards it.