Could a graduate diploma in psychology open doors to a new career and higher-paid roles? For many students, the answer is yes, but you need to be sure that the course is right for you. The postgraduate course will provide you with an understanding of psychological science and human behaviours and development, allowing you to better help people. To ensure this course is right for you, we have created our ultimate (and brief) guide that walks you through everything you need to know about a graduate diploma in psychology course.
What is a graduate diploma in psychology?
A graduate diploma in psychology is a postgraduate course where you will build on your knowledge of psychological science, developing a deeper understanding of human development and behaviour. The course is usually divided into eight units, where you will deepen your knowledge of common psychological disorders and how to take a cultural approach to understand human behaviour.
The course is perfect for anyone who has not studied psychology before, but wants to explore a career change or become a registered psychologist. You can find the course offered full-time or part-time, with many course providers offering online courses too, where you can study at your own pace, around work or other commitments you might have. Typically, it will take sixteen months to complete, and most online course providers offer several intakes throughout the year so you can start at the perfect time for you.
What will I learn on a graduate diploma in psychology?
What you learn on a graduate diploma in psychology will depend on the course provider you choose, but you can expect most of the courses to have the same content. You can check with your course provider before applying for the course, or use course brochures to see what content will be covered. A graduate diploma in psychology is split into eight units, and while their titles can vary, you can expect to see the following unit titles:
- Correlational research design and analysis – where you learn about core principles of correlational research designs and associated statistical techniques
- Experimental research design and analysis – teaches you about core principles of experimental and quasi-experimental research designs and associated parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses
- Neuroscience and human behaviour – where you learn about biopsychological and physiological bases of human behaviours
- Psychological science of well-being – teaches you to apply psychological science to analysing and promoting psychological well-being within a biopsychosocial framework
- Psychological development and diversity in childhood – where you explore human development from infancy to adolescence
- Psychological science of human social behaviour – applying theories of social psychology to a range of contemporary global and local issues
- Psychological development and diversity in adulthood – where you analyse and apply psychological theories to human development across adulthood
- Psychological science of human information processing – where you will learn about core principles, concepts, and theories of cognitive psychology and learning
Many graduate diplomas in psychology come with the option to stop after four units. Doing so allows you to be awarded a graduate certificate in psychology, and you can return to complete the other four units and gain your diploma. This option is ideal for anyone whose circumstances change during the course but do not want to sacrifice gaining a qualification.
What can I do with a graduate diploma in psychology?
After completing your course, you have many career options available to you. You can move into different human-centred roles where your new skills and knowledge will allow you to better support and assist colleagues and clients. Many graduates find themselves in the following fields:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Human resource management
- Human services
- Marketing
Some graduates choose to remain in education and study for their graduate diploma in psychology (advanced), which can help you become a registered psychologist. You can speak to your course provider about progressing to this course if you are interested in becoming a registered psychologist.
What do I need to apply for a graduate diploma in psychology?
To apply for a graduate diploma in psychology, you will need an Australian bachelor’s degree in a similar discipline or a graduate certificate in psychology. You can still apply for the course if you do not meet the education background, providing you have five years of relevant work experience. You will need to speak to the course provider directly to check what counts as relevant work experience and ensure you meet the entry requirements.
Find your psychology course today
A graduate diploma in psychology is the perfect course to kickstart your career as a psychologist or help you better support and understand colleagues in a human-centred role. When choosing your psychology course, we recommend checking out ECU, which offers fantastic flexibility and accredited courses that will help you achieve your goals. Start your graduate diploma in psychology with ECU today.
