Program Overview

Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology

The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology is a flexible, online program designed for students who have completed foundational studies in psychology. This program is fully accredited as a Level 2 program with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and acts as the second step on the six-year sequence to becoming a registered psychologist.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology offers an equivalent alternative to a one-year psychology Honours program. Through coursework and a major research project, students gain an in-depth understanding of advanced psychological theories, research methods, and practical applications. Guided by expert practitioners and academics, students explore a wide range of topics, including cognitive processes, developmental psychology, social psychology, and psychological assessment.

Key Features

• Focus on real-world application of psychology: The program is practically focused on the application of psychology themes in clinical, occupational, and social settings.
• Make real-world impact while studying: The program emphasizes real-world application to prepare students for life in the field. Both coursework and the major research project focus on contemporary challenges or developments across various settings.
• Flexible, online delivery: The program is delivered 100% online, giving students the flexibility to complete their studies in their own time while balancing other commitments.

Why Study at UNSW?

• Join the forefront of psychology education and research: UNSW is globally renowned for its contributions to the field of psychology and is ranked #2 in Australia for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025).
• Join an in-demand profession: The demand for psychologists continues to rise, often translating into competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities.
• A career that drives progress: At UNSW, students are committed to improving the quality of life of communities, extending beyond traditional clinical settings into areas like health, business, sport, marketing, human resources, education, and more.

Program Code and Campus

• Program Code: 5332
• Campus: Kensington

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

• The program consists of 48 units of credit (UOC).

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed an APAC-accredited Level 1 program within the last 10 years with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65.

• Important notes:
  • Admissions are highly competitive, and applications will be assessed based on academic merit, students' preference nominations, supervisor availability, and the School's resources.
  • Submitting preferences is an important step, though it does not guarantee allocation to any specific research topics.
  • The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology program does not offer credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
  • Deferment is not available for this program.

English Language Requirements

Students may be asked to provide evidence of their English proficiency to study at UNSW, depending on their educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vital for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments, and examinations.

What Will I Study?

The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology is an online program that takes one year to complete. Students will complete a total of 48 units of credit (UOC), comprising 24 UOC of advanced-level coursework, including core courses and a prescribed elective, and a 24 UOC independent research project conducted under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

Program Structure

• Core courses: Students must take 18 UOC of the following courses:
  • Advanced Research Methods and Statistics (6 UOC)
  • History and Professional Ethics in Psychology (6 UOC)
  • Application of Psychological Practice (6 UOC)
• Elective: Students must take 6 UOC of the following courses:
  • Behavioural Neuroscience (6 UOC)
  • Mental Health and Illness (6 UOC)
  • Cognitive Science (6 UOC)
  • Social Psychology (6 UOC)
• Research courses: Students must take 24 UOC of the following courses:
  • Research Project: Introduction Part 1 (3 UOC)
  • Research Project: Introduction Part 2 (3 UOC)
  • Research Project: Methods (6 UOC)
  • Research Project: Results Part 1 (3 UOC)
  • Research Project: Results Part 2 (3 UOC)
  • Research Project: Thesis (6 UOC)

Future Careers

As a graduate of the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology, students will be on their way to establishing a meaningful career in psychology. The program is accredited by APAC, meaning graduates will be eligible for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and qualified to apply for entry to higher-level programs.

Potential Careers

• Career Counsellor
• Clinical Psychologist*
• Counsellor
• Forensic Psychologist*
• Guidance Counsellor
• Human Resources (HR) Specialist
• Management Consultant
• Market Research Analyst
• Marketing Specialist
• Neuropsychologist*
• Organisational Psychologist*
• Policy Advisor
• Researcher
• Social Worker

*Further training and/or qualifications required

How to Apply

1. Submit application: Use the Apply Online portal to submit the application as early as possible.
2. Initial review: Admissions checks if minimum entry requirements are met. If yes, the application is put on hold.
3. Topic preferences: After the application period closes, the School contacts eligible students to choose their preferred research topics.
4. Shortlisting: The School shortlists applications and informs Admissions of the offers to be issued.
5. Offer acceptance: Students who receive offers must accept and self-enrol in courses by the deadline specified in the offer letter.

Fees & Scholarships

• 2025 Indicative First Year Fee: $39,000*
• 2025 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree: $39,000*
• Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually.

Scholarships

At UNSW, over $83 million in scholarships are awarded each year. The university prides itself on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether a domestic or international student, a range of scholarships, prizes, and awards can support the journey.