Program Overview

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Diploma of Psychology

The Diploma of Psychology is a one-year full-time or two-years part-time course offered in internal or external mode. It comprises 8 units (80 credit points) including specialist electives.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Diploma of Psychology, you will be prepared for career opportunities in various psychology-related fields in government, private companies, non-government organisations (NGO), and community groups. The course may also complement your existing professional career.

Credit Transfers and Advanced Standing

For further information on credit transfer and how to apply, visit the relevant university webpage.

Fees

Commonwealth Supported Places

Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:

• Be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
• Be a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia. Further information about fees and charges can be found on the university's webpage.

International Tuition Fees

The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $33,208.00. This equates to $4,151.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Why Study Psychology at CDU?

Gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour and make a positive impact on the lives of other people when you study psychology with us. Becoming a psychologist is only one of many potential careers, with graduates finding a wide variety of roles in government organisations, community services, advertising and marketing, preventative health, and more.

• #1 in Australia for psychology employment outcomes
• Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you

What Will I Study?

Our Diploma of Psychology is a one-year full-time, or two-years part-time course offered in internal or external mode. It comprises 8 units (80 credit points) including specialist electives.

Course Structure

Units include a broad introduction to the field of psychology, counselling skills, and trauma assessment and intervention.

• Core Units (6 units): 60cp
  • Compulsory Core units totalling 60 credit points as detailed below.
  • HSC132 Introduction to Health Promotion
  • IAS142 Ethics and Protocols in Indigenous Contexts
  • PSY101 Introduction to Research Skills and Statistics
  • PSY116 Intercultural Sensitivity and Psychological Communication
  • PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A
  • PSY151 Introduction to Psychology B
• Specialist Electives (2 units): 20cp
  • Specialist Elective units totalling 20 credit points from the units below.
  • HSC119 Counselling Theory and Micro Skills
  • IAS101 Indigenous Australia
  • PSY144 Traumatology Assessment and Intervention
  • SWK101 Introduction to Human Services
  • SWK102 Communication Skills

Study Plan

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial, or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.

Entry Requirements

Admission Criteria

Admission requirements are met by one of the following:

• Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60.
• Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
• Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
• Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
• Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
• Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
• Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
• Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course.

Essential Requirements

English Language Requirements

DOMESTIC STUDENTS To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.

The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing one of the following:

• Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language.
• Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language.
• Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points).
• Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia.
• Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse.
• Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed.

Course Details

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.

Australian Qualification Framework

This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.

Student Profile

There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.

Additional Information

Can offers be deferred? Yes

Award: Diploma of Psychology

Faculty/College: Faculty of Health

Sector: HE

Area of study: Psychology, Health