Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online
1.3 years part-time*
GDPSA
Eligible for Fee-HELP. Learn more
March 2024
Online
Course Overview
Our 100% online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) at the University of Adelaide is the new way of thinking fourth year psychology. The program and curriculum are Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Our smaller, intimate class sizes ensure you’re able to forge those one-on-one connections and get the most out of your study program and you'll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated and highly qualified staff. Start an application today and join South Australia's #1 university for graduate employability (QS, 2022).
Why study psychology with us?
Accreditations and rankings
Make your mark amidst a rich history of excellence spanning more than 140 years.
Flexible online learning
MyUni is an innovative online learning platform that is easy to use and has all the resources you will need to complete your degree. Many of our students continue working full time or dedicate the additional time to gaining essential work experience.
How long is each subject?: Upskill faster by completing one course every six weeks.
What should I expect?:
- Weekly interactive webinar tutorials to ask questions and deepen your knowledge
- weekend drop-in sessions with your tutors
- discussion forums with your peers and tutors
- course readings and guided research
- three assessments over the six weeks.
The University of Adelaide has partnered with Pearson, the world’s leading global learning company, to deliver this degree 100% online. The Partnership has been established to deliver the very best experience and learning outcomes to all our students. Students will be awarded a University of Adelaide qualification and this degree meets the University's highest quality standards.
What skills will I gain?
What skills will I gain?
Upon successful completion of the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate ethically appropriate interpersonal and intercultural communication skills
- complete basic assessment strategies in psychological practice plus knowledge of psychometric theory and principles
- explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts
- design and justify a research agenda in a topic relevant to the discipline of psychology
- develop and execute a transparent, reproducible, data analysis plan based on ethical best practice
- synthesise and communicate findings related to a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.

What our Program Director says:
“Our program is a flexible and fully online alternative to a traditional fourth year (honours) in psychology."
- Dr Christopher Bean, Program Director
What will my psychology assignments be?
The assessments in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) draw on real-world or simulated real-world experiences.
Each course typically consists of 2-4 assessments that encourage active engagement and the development of high-level cognitive and interpersonal skills including:
- digital literacy
- problem formulation and solving
- critical evaluation
- effective intercultural communication
- research skills.
The final research project assessment provides you an opportunity to bring together and showcase the skills developed throughout the program.
Download a brochure to learn more about the online learning experience.
Contact us now
Contact us now
Get your questions answered
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm (ACST/ACDT), Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (ACST/ACDT).
We can help you with:
- entry requirements
- curriculum
- key dates & intakes
- your unique situation
- finance.

Psychology career paths and opportunities
Working as a registered psychologist is a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience. There are many ways and settings in which you can help people and make a positive impact. From schools to hospitals, community organisations and research institutions; psychologists make invaluable contributions to individuals and societies across the globe.
The broad range of skills you will gain from the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology are also essential for many roles in health, business, sport and community organisations. Whether you want to shift your career trajectory, boost your current job, or brush up on your education – your new critical thinking and people-orientated skills will empower you to answer your calling.
For students who wish to become a researcher or academic, successful completion of the psychology study pathway will also help you meet the entry requirements for psychology PhD or a doctorate. People working in academic psychology deepen our understanding of human behaviour and cognition by conducting scientific and scholarly research or educating the next generation of psychologists.
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online Curriculum
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Professional and interpersonal skills - PSYCHOL 6600OL
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Understanding and synthesising psychological evidence - PSYCHOL 6601OL
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Applied quantitative and qualitative methods - PSYCHOL 6602OL
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Psychological measurement and assessment - PSYCHOL 6603OL
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Psychological applications and interventions - PSYCHOL 6604OL
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Research Project planning, managing and analysing data - PSYCHOL 6605OL
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Research project (part A) - PSYCHOL 6606AOL
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Research project (part B) - PSYCHOL 6606BOL
Academic entry requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), you need to meet one of the following requirement options:
OPTION 1:
- A completed bachelor's degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5, that includes an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) three-year sequence in psychology.
AND
- A minimum grade average of 65% in Level 2 and Level 3 psychology courses taken as part of that degree.
OPTION 2:
- Completed an APAC-accredited Graduate Diploma of Psychology with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.
English language requirements
In order to meet the English language proficiency requirements for our 100% online postgraduate programs, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English Language requirements.
Typically, if English is your first language you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. You will also not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident (visa status) or hold a passport from one of the following countries: Canada (English-speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
To learn more, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements for detailed information about these requirements, including acceptable English language tests.
We also recommend that you speak to an Enrolment Advisor to discuss options that are specific to your circumstances. You can schedule a call here.
What is the total cost?
The total cost of the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is $31,920 or $3,990 per course (2024 pricing).
Find more information on fees for domestic students, including annual fees and fee increases, in the Fees (domestic students) section.
Is there fee-help available?
Yes, Australian citizens are eligible for a HELP loan. You must also be enrolled in a program with the University of Adelaide by the enrolment deadline (census) and have not reached the HELP loan limit. Once you have been offered a place in a University of Adelaide program, you will be able to apply for a HELP loan as a part of the enrolment process. Please see the Study Assist website for further details.
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Is the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) online program APAC accredited?
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I don't meet the minimum entry requirements for GDPA, what are my options?
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What are the research components of the GDPA and how do they compare to honours?
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How much data analysis is there in GDPA?
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Are psychology research reports, essays, and case studies part of the GDPA program?
Get in touch
Get in touch
Our Expert Advisors are available
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm (ACST/ACDT), Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (ACST/ACDT).
We can help you with:
- entry requirements
- curriculum
- key dates & intakes
- your unique situation
- finance.

Download a brochure
Download a brochure
Request a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) brochure to learn more about:
- psychology study pathway
- program directors
- learning and career outcomes
- complimentary support services
- application process
- research project online
- assessments and more.

Apply now
Create an account to start your application
Applying for the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is a quick and easy process. Find out if your application was successful in as soon as 2-5 days.
Want to better understand the application process?
Book a 1:1 call now with our enrolment advisors and we can walk you through the application process — from how to meet the entry requirements through to enrolling in your first subject.