The science of psychology involves a wide range of perspectives and approaches, with psychological research findings having important applications in areas such as health, education, business and commerce as well as a wide range of societal issues.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) at the University of Melbourne has been designed to build on the knowledge and skills attained in the APAC accredited Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

The course provides students with flexibility and choice in advanced coursework in the core discipline areas of Psychology, as well as an opportunity to undertake advanced training in the conduct of a significant research project, and to develop pre-professional knowledge of the ethical principles and assessment and interviewing skills that underpin further professional training as a psychologist.

It is also the recommended pathway for students wishing to undertake a higher research degree in Psychology to pursue a career in psychological research.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is identical in content and assessment to the Psychology Honours program (via the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science). However, the two programs differ in their award requirements. Honours students require a minimum overall mark of 65% to be awarded the degree, whereas Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) students require a minimum overall mark of 50%. The academic results obtained through both courses are considered equivalent for those intending to undertake further study.

Degree Structure

The structure for all four Psychology fourth year courses is the same, and involves the completion of three compulsory subjects (which includes the research project), and two elective subjects.

Please refer to Handbook

The Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences offers an exciting and rigorous APAC accredited Fourth Year program through providing an equal combination of advanced coursework subjects and research with leading experts in their field:

• Acquire the knowledge, skills, and scholarship necessary for achieving excellence in psychology
• Following intensive teaching by leading researchers in the field, critically analyse your existing knowledge about a research topic before conducting research
• Excellent opportunity to submit work for journal publication providing a head start on a potentially highly productive career in research

Academic distinction

• Advanced knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in the discipline of psychology.
• Advanced knowledge of the research methods of  psychological science
• Advanced oral and written communication skills for describing, evaluating, and explaining, psychological concepts, theories,   processes, and research findings.
• Pre-professional level knowledge and skills relating to psychological assessment and intervention strategies, as well as interview techniques, to prepare graduates for further study in psychology.

Three year accredited undergraduate psychology sequence in a bachelors degree (refer to the bachelors degree on this website for an example) Also open to graduates of the Graduate Diploma of

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.