Campuses and locations
The University of Newcastle is a multi-campus institution offering programs in a number of locations.
Having a broad understanding of brain functions, mind and human behaviour is not only interesting, but highly relevant to all of us in our everyday lives. The University of Newcastle’s Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science has been designed for those interested in expanding their knowledge in, or pursuing a career in Psychology.
The program provides an alternative pathway into the field of Psychology, as it allows graduates of an undergraduate degree (or higher‐level qualification) in any discipline to develop skills in the discipline of Psychology and achieve a bachelor’s-degree equivalent in Psychology.
You will engage with current research throughout the program to gain a foundational understanding of key psychological concepts, theories and practices.
Key areas of study include:
Successful completion of this program will open up the pathway for further study should you wish to pursue a career in Psychology. Graduates of this program will be eligible to apply for the 1-year Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program, which is required to apply for the Clinical and Professional coursework Master’s programs. Alternatively, you may wish to pursue other postgraduate pathways in Psychology such as the Master of Business Psychology.
Download a program plan for further details on your degree's structure and what courses you will study.
These program plans are applicable to new students. Current students should refer to the program handbook to access the plan relevant to the year they commenced.
Graduates develop a wide range of knowledge and skills valued across industries. You may continue to progress in your current career into management levels or shift your focus to specialise in human service organisations, employment agencies, counselling services, personnel management, market research, or health and community services.
Graduates will also have the option to continue with their education in Psychology though an Honours or Master’s program depending on their chosen career path to develop their professional and clinical skills.
This program is undergoing accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
Listen to our students talk about their degree and life at the University of Newcastle.
To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:
You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.
Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:
In order to be admitted into the program, applicants must have successfully completed:
Students will be allowed a maximum of two attempts at the test. Students who do not pass the test will not be permitted to commence the program. Students will be able to defer their offer of admission for one year, and re-take the test the following year. Students will be directed to appropriate resources to consult prior to completion of the test.
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.
Applications for Semester 1 2021 are now closed. Applications for 2022 will open in late April 2021.
Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.
Alternatively you may complete a paper-based application.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.