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Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online

Duration

1.3 years part-time*

SATAC Code

GDPSA

Fees

Eligible for Fee-HELP. Learn more

Start date

March 2024

Study mode

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).  

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Why study psychology with us?

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It’s honours—reimagined

With our honours-equivalent online program, you’ll have access to the same world-class education as our on-campus program.

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Your psychology career a reality

Strengthen your skills for further postgraduate studies and beyond with our career development and 1:1 tutoring services.

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The support you need

Our expert, knowledgeable and world-class educators work with you to help achieve your best results, at every stage of the program.

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Get set for success

Time management tips, helpful resources or administrative guidance—we provide what you need, when you need it.

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Explore your passion

Take your passion for the human mind and explore it through your research project in health, society, organisations and more.

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Start at the right place—and time

With six intakes a year, you decide when to start. Access your program 24/7 — and complete your research online from anywhere in the world.

Accreditations and rankings

Make your mark amidst a rich history of excellence spanning more than 140 years.

APAC

APAC

Our online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

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Group of Eight

Studying at one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities guarantees an exceptional quality of learning and global recognition.

THE

Global top 1%

We're in the top 1% of universities worldwide (Times Higher Education, 2023).

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.

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What skills will I gain?

Upon successful completion of the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), graduates will be able to: 

  1. demonstrate ethically appropriate interpersonal and intercultural communication skills 
  2. complete basic assessment strategies in psychological practice plus knowledge of psychometric theory and principles 
  3. explain how basic psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts 
  4. design and justify a research agenda in a topic relevant to the discipline of psychology      
  5. develop and execute a transparent, reproducible, data analysis plan based on ethical best practice 
  6. synthesise and communicate findings related to a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology.
learning outcomes

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.

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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.
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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online Curriculum

  • Professional and interpersonal skills - PSYCHOL 6600OL

    In this course, students will develop key interpersonal communication and interview skills, including active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport and empathic responding. Students will learn how to appropriately integrate these skills into culturally responsive professional practice, and engage in reflective practice to determine areas for further development. They will also begin to demonstrate basic assessment skills through case formulation. Key aspects of the course include the application of knowledge and skills related to interprofessional collaboration and cultural responsiveness, as well as practice across diverse professional settings.

    View course outline

  • Understanding and synthesising psychological evidence - PSYCHOL 6601OL

    Psychology graduates working in industry, government, research and private practice often need to know and comment on the ‘evidence base’ for a psychological treatment, intervention or theory. This course provides students with the technical knowledge to construct and understand different kinds of reviews and repositories of evidence, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, meta-syntheses, and open datasets. Processes and challenges underlying evidence-based psychological practice will also be discussed. 

    View course outline

  • Applied quantitative and qualitative methods - PSYCHOL 6602OL

    This applied methodology course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for understanding and conducting data analysis in psychology. With a guided step-by-step approach, this course will explore how to use, report, and apply both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, utilising a range of industry-relevant software packages. 

    View course outline

  • Psychological measurement and assessment - PSYCHOL 6603OL

    How do you measure and assess the psychological capabilities, health, and attributes of people? In this course, students will gain an understanding of the knowledge necessary to select, deploy, and interpret psychometric instruments in a variety of settings. Students will learn how to appropriately integrate these skills into ethical and culturally responsive practice. Key aspects of the course include the application of knowledge in the context of digital and emerging technologies.

    View course outline

  • Psychological applications and interventions - PSYCHOL 6604OL

    How do you apply psychological knowledge and interventions in health, legal, and organisational settings to improve psychological and practical outcomes? This course will develop the thinking necessary to identify a problem and to assess and apply psychological knowledge in a culturally responsive way to improve the lives of individuals, organisations, and communities. It will also introduce skills for the translation of psychological knowledge to industry and not-for-profit settings.

    View course outline

  • Research Project planning, managing and analysing data - PSYCHOL 6605OL

    What skills do you need to plan a project, manage a dataset, and effectively analyse data in the real-world? Building on the theory and skills developed in Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, this course emphasises the competencies required to plan, carry out, and distribute research in a rigorous, transparent, and ethically responsible way. This course also introduces statistical techniques which can be used to model more detailed patterns in data. The competencies developed through your participation and successful completion of this course are specifically designed to prepare you for the final two courses in the program – Research Project A and Research Project B. You will need to successfully complete this course (‘Pass’ grade or higher), along with all other courses in the program, before you can progress to PSYCHOL 6606AOL: Research Project A.

    View course outline

  • Research project (part A) - PSYCHOL 6606AOL

    How do you bring together evidence to answer critical questions in psychology? This course will provide you with the opportunity to investigate a substantive individual research question relevant to the discipline of psychology, using the skills and knowledge you have developed during the program of study. Both Part A and Part B must be studied in consecutive teaching periods.

    Part A is offered every alternate teaching period. May affect program duration.

    View course outline

  • Research project (part B) - PSYCHOL 6606BOL

    How do you effectively communicate data for advancing theory and practice? This course will focus on developing the skills required to summarise and translate research findings for a variety of audiences. It will result in a final research paper reporting the results of an individual investigation. Both Part A and Part B must be studied in consecutive teaching periods.

    Part B is offered every alternate teaching period. May affect program duration.

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. 

  • Is the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) online program APAC accredited?

    The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online at the University of Adelaide has now been ‘Accredited with Conditions’ by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). ‘Accredited with Conditions’ is common for new programs and the status is no different to ‘Accredited without Conditions’ with regard to a student seeking provisional registration, completing further study and then seeking general registration. Therefore, students currently enrolled in our Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advance) Online and those who successfully graduate will have completed an APAC accredited program of study. Read more about APAC Accreditation on the APAC website.   

  • I don't meet the minimum entry requirements for GDPA, what are my options? 

    If you don’t meet the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) entry requirements, you have the option of applying for our Graduate Diploma in Psychology. Students may be eligible for course credits. If the outcome of your credit application is successful, your Graduate Diploma in Psychology GPA score will not be impacted by these courses.  

    Should you wish to learn more about your options, our team of Enrolment Advisors are here to answer your questions and address your challenges. Get in touch on 1300 294 092, email or by booking in a call. You can also chat with them live on our website. 

    Unfortunately, students will not be able to use relevant work experience for credit in a GDPA. 

  • What are the research components of the GDPA and how do they compare to honours?

    Research is an important aspect of psychology as it is an evidence-based field. Both on-campus psychology honours and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) online involve an element of academic research. Students typically complete research throughout their entire honours studies and produce a thesis. During an online GDPA, you will complete a research project over the last two teaching periods of the program. The skills you will need to complete this research project will be covered in the earlier courses in the program to help you feel fully prepared. The final research project gives you an opportunity to showcase your new research skills and prepare you for further psychology studies. 
     

  • How much data analysis is there in GDPA?

    The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) gives you the skills to develop and execute a data analysis plan that is transparent, reproducible, and based on ethical best practice. The primary two subjects that cover these analytical skills are ‘Understanding and synthesising psychological evidence’ and ‘Project planning, managing, and analysing data’. 

    If you need to scrub up on your maths skills, the University of Adelaide offers students a wide range of additional support through complementary 1:1 tutoring and our Maths Learning Centre.  

  • Are psychology research reports, essays, and case studies part of the GDPA program?

    Throughout the course, students will learn how to write psychology research reports, essay assignments and case studies with guidance from dedicated academic support. This vibrant online learning experience is also supported by experienced psychology professionals who can help guide students through the course content.  

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.
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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.
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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. 

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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. 

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