Study Psychological Science

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. It allows graduates of an undergraduate degree (or higher‐level qualification) in any discipline to develop skills in the discipline of Psychology.

The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council have registered our Graduate Diploma as an accredited ‘Level 1’ program, where students learn the foundational psychology competencies (broadly equivalent to the level of competence of a Bachelors Degree 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.
  • High demand –  4100 new Psychologists and Psychotherapists needed by 2026 (Labourmarketinsights.gov.au)
  • 13.3% Projected employment growth by 2026* (Labourmarketinsights.gov.au)
  • ERA 5 ‘well above world standard’ for Psychology and Cognitive Sciences. (Excellence in Research for Australia 2018)

Study a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science 2:49

World Top 150 ? for Psychology
$2066 Median weekly income ? for Psychologists and Psychotherapists before tax
93.5% ? employed within four months of graduating

What you will study

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:

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

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 may 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.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science might look like.

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Career

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 by applying for entry to the Honours or Master’s program depending on their chosen career path to develop their professional and clinical skills.

Professional recognition

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

Application info

Applying for Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science

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Applications for Semester 1 2024 are now closed. To be notified when applications for Semester 1 2025 open, complete the form above.

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.

Before you get started

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

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. 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:

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 Canvas, 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.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

View University key dates