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.

Why study with us?

Discover an alternative pathway into the profession of Psychology – successfully complete our program and apply to undertake further study to become a registered psychologist.
Fast-track your career – with the ability to complete your studies in just one year, you can progress your career in the field of Psychology sooner, or up skill and expand your allied health career opportunities.
Flexible study options - this program has been designed to provide you with the flexibility to study while you work.
Build important professional relationships – through supportive mentoring, build relationships with key academics who may become your supervisor for future Honours projects, should you decide to continue your studies.
ERA 5 ‘well above world standard’ for Psychology and Cognitive Sciences (Excellence in Research for Australia 2018)

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87.3% ^? of undergraduate Psychology students satisfied with teaching quality

92.3% ^? of undergraduate Psychology graduates found employment within four months

Top 200 ^? in the world - Psychology

What you will study

Key areas of study include:

Assessment and intervention
Biological psychology
Cognitive psychology
Developmental psychology
Personality
Social psychology
Research

You will engage with current research throughout the program to gain a foundational understanding of key psychological concepts, theories and practices.

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.

Program plans

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.

2021 Program Plan 148.9 KB

View the full course list

Career opportunities

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.

Professional recognition

This program is undergoing accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Applying for Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science

Application information for Australian students Application information for International students

Fast facts

Start dates

Semester 1 - 22 Feb 2021

Semester 1 - 22 Feb 2021

Mode of delivery

Face to Face

Fees

Find information about indicative course and program fees.

Duration

1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 4 years maximum.

Location

Newcastle

Central Coast

Start dates

Semester 1 - 22 Feb 2021

Semester 1 - 22 Feb 2021

Fees

$44,510 (indicative annual fee, 2021)
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees

Duration

1 year full-time.

Mode of delivery

Face to Face

English language proficiency

IELTS overall minimum - 6.5
IELTS section minimum - 6.0

Find out more about IELTS.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
Review the program fees and costs.
Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

Admission Requirements

In order to be admitted into the program, applicants must have successfully completed:

An AQF 7 Bachelor degree (or higher), or equivalent.
A competency exam administered online through Blackboard, demonstrating knowledge of first year psychology.

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.

Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements

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 NUprep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

Ok, great, let's go!

Applications for Semester 1 2021 are now closed. Applications for Semester 2 will open in late February 2021.

Apply online now

Apply to study in Australia

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.

Apply to study in Australia What you will need

Alternatively you may complete a paper-based application. Find out more

Key dates

View all key dates

Call 1800 882 121
Outside Australia
call +61 2 4921 8856

Enquire

Call +61 2 4913 8300
Inside Australia
call 1800 882 121

Enquire

Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science