The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences’ Graduate Diploma in Psychology is designed for graduates of other disciplines who may be interested in changing career direction and eventually qualifying as a registered psychologist, or for those who wish to study psychology simply out of interest in the discipline.

The course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and provides the required foundational sequence of subjects for students wishing to undertake further study in psychology to pursue a career as a registered psychologist or as a researcher in psychology.

Study in psychology prepares graduates for a diverse range of careers that are based on understanding human behaviour, including health, education, industry, commerce, welfare and government.

The academic staff are internationally renowned researchers in their fields who guide students to develop advanced skills in critical thinking, scientific reasoning, psychological research design, data analysis and the application of research findings to a range of contexts. In addition, students develop their ethical reasoning skills and an awareness of and respect for the diversity of human experiences.

The accredited sequence provides a strong grounding in core psychological concepts and theories in the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, with reference to both the historical foundations of the discipline and to the latest cutting-edge research. The range of electives subjects in the final year provides the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge in at least one domain of interest.

The course is comprised of 125 credit points of psychology subjects, including eight compulsory psychology subjects (100 credit points), and two elective psychology subjects at Level 3, selected from a range of electives (25 credit points).

Graduate Diploma in Psychology students undertake most of the same subjects and attend most of the same classes as students completing the accredited undergraduate major in Psychology, with the exception of two compulsory advanced level subjects that replace the two compulsory Level 3 subjects in the undergraduate major. The two advanced level subjects recognise the graduate status of the students and specify learning outcomes consistent with an AQF Level 8 qualification, particularly in relation to research methods and communication skills.

The accredited sequence provides a strong grounding in core psychological concepts and theories in the areas of biological, cognitive, developmental, social, and clinical psychology, with reference to both the historical foundations of the discipline and to the latest cutting-edge research. The range of electives subjects in the final year provides the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge in at least one domain of interest.

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences Graduate Diploma prepares graduates who are distinguished by their breadth and depth of psychological knowledge, research and inquiry skills, and their ability to apply these to inform questions relating to human behaviour. Graduate Diploma in Psychology graduates demonstrate:

Academic distinction

• In-depth knowledge of psychological science with a broad understanding of its multiple perspectives, spanning the neural to societal levels.
• Critical, creative thinking with strong reasoning skills. They can apply psychological knowledge, information and research skills to complex problems relating to human behaviour, psychological processes, and behavioural change.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for explaining, and evaluating psychological theories, processes, and concepts.
• They are adept lifelong learners who generate bold and novel ideas by critically evaluating alternative possibilities and viewpoints.

Active citizenship

• A high regard for human rights, social inclusion, ethics and the environment.
• An awareness of the social and cultural diversity in communities and can work collaboratively with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
• In particular, they have an understanding of and deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, culture and values.
• They are equipped to be active, well-informed citizens who make substantial contributions to society and have the potential to become leaders in their professions and communities.

Integrity and self-awareness

• Self-direction, with the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and in groups.
• Skills in self-assessment, reflective thinking and self-awareness; placing great importance on their personal and professional integrity, and on the willingness to explore, experiment and learn from mistakes.
• Empathy and concern for the welfare of others and have developed skills in managing their own well-being.

Psychology graduate pathway options

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Psychology may be interested in the following psychology pathway options:

• Graduate Diploma in Psychology (advanced).
  From here, graduates can apply for the Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology), Master of Psychology (Clinical Neuropsychology)
• Master of Professional Psychology.
• Master of Applied Psychology

In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed: an undergraduate degree with a major other than Psychology, or equivalent.

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.