Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) provides a fourth year of study in Psychology for graduates who already have completed an accredited three-year undergraduate degree in Psychology. The Diploma thus assists people who wish to meet the minimum educational qualification requirements for registration to work as a provisional psychologist. Students in the Diploma must complete coursework at an advanced level as well as a group-based research project written up as a thesis.

Admission Requirements

Enrolment Restrictions

All graduate courses are subject to restriction.

Entry Requirements (Onshore)

• A three-year Bachelor degree in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council or Australian Psychological Society-approved alternative.
• Applicants with a >10yrs old Bachelor's degree in Psychology will likely be required to complete additional units to demonstrate their competencies required to enter the course.
• The Academic Chair will consider applications on a competitive basis and recommend students for admission based on an assessment of the student's preparedness to cope with the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), and on current teaching resources available to the school.
• Normally, only students with a credit average or better in their undergraduate psychology units will be considered.
• In some cases, the Academic Chair may recommend a student for admission, but will likely require the student to demonstrate their readiness for the course by completing additional designated units offered in earlier years than the fourth year.
• The number of students accepted into the course will be determined on a semester-by-semester basis, and will depend upon available resources.

Entry Requirements (Transnational)

• A three-year Bachelor degree in Psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council or Australian Psychological Society-approved alternative, completed within the last 10 years.
• Applicants with a >10yrs old Bachelor's degree in Psychology are likely required to complete additional units to demonstrate their competencies required to enter the course.
• The Academic Chair will consider applications and recommend students for admission based on an assessment of the student's preparedness to cope with the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), and on current teaching resources available to the school.
• Normally only students with a credit average or better in their undergraduate psychology units will be considered.
• In some cases, the Academic Chair may recommend a student for admission, but require the student to complete additional designated Murdoch units offered in earlier years than the fourth year.
• Quota: The number of students accepted into the course will be determined on a semester-by-semester basis, and will depend upon available resources.

English Language Requirements

• Equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of the general theoretical, disciplinary, and ethical aspects of psychology, including the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning cognitive, emotional, and personality assessments, evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention, and the influence of social, historical, professional, and cultural contexts on the science and practice of psychology.
2. Design and conduct research to answer questions about human behaviour and mental processes.
3. Demonstrate effective interpersonal communication and interview skills and show an understanding of how these could be applied in psychological practice.
4. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ethical and legal frameworks of the profession of psychology that guide psychological practise, with an emphasis on the Code of Ethics.
5. Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills in relation to psychological topics and issues, and an understanding of how both the science and practice of psychology are situated within the broader contexts of society, culture, and history.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of cultural responsiveness and best practice when working with diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.

Structure

• 24 credit points
• Course Core: 24 credit points
  • Required Units: 24 credit points
    • PSY536: Psychology: Principles and Processes of Psychological Intervention (3 cp)
    • PSY541: Psychology Project (12 cp)
    • PSY544: Psychology: Practical Skills (3 cp)
    • PSY598: Advanced Psychological Assessment (3 cp)
    • PSY599: Graduate Seminar in Psychology (3 cp)

Professional Outcomes

Professional Recognition

Graduates of this course are eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. To be eligible for registration as a psychologist, graduates will need to complete a minimum of either one additional year of study in an APAC-accredited 5th year psychology program and one year of supervised practice (internship), or two additional years of study in APAC-accredited 5th and 6th year psychology programs.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited as a Level 2 course by Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) for offerings delivered at both South Street and Singapore campuses.

Accrediting Bodies

• Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

Course Details

• Course Version: 05
• Version Start Date: 01/07/2025
• Owning College: College of Health and Education
• Owning School: Psychology
• Duration in Years: 1
• Enrolment Pattern(s): Part Time, Full Time
• Credit Points: 24
• Award Title: Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
• AQF Level: Level 8 - Graduate Diploma