Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
If you are looking to build on the skills you’ve developed at the undergraduate level, the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is an APAC-accredited course that deepens your understanding of human behaviour while preparing you for a successful career as a registered psychologist.
Want to explore exciting new areas of psychology and take a big step towards general registration as a psychologist?
For students on the path to becoming a registered psychologist, who also want to learn from leaders in the field and build professional networks, the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) ticks all the right boxes. It’s accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), which means you can apply for provisional registration as a psychologist as soon as you complete the course and meet the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). It is also a pathway towards further postgraduate study, which you will need for general registration. Plus, postgraduate psychology at Deakin has reputation for teaching quality and is ranked number 1 in Victoria for student satisfaction*, so you can be confident you are joining a program that empowers you to be your best. The course can be studied on campus or online, giving you the flexibility to achieve your goals on your schedule.
Throughout the course, you will build new skills that allow you to provide better advice, interventions and treatments to clients. Discover a range of advanced psychological assessment methods and gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to formulate psychological opinion in casework. One of the units, Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced), gives you the opportunity to learn about these applied techniques and how they could be used with clients in mental health settings.
Acknowledging that research is an important tool of the modern psychologist, the course includes a number of research components that enhance your industry readiness. The research and analysis skills you learn will be incredibly valuable throughout your entire career. They will also prove crucial should you continue your studies at master or doctoral levels.
What are your options once you finish this course?
Once you meet the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia, you can apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. If it’s general registration you’re seeking, your study journey continues. The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is a recognised fourth year (honours equivalent) pathway to the following APAC-accredited courses that lead to general registration as a psychologist:
- Master of Psychology (Organisational) – the only organisational psychology course in Victoria: offered on campus, full-time and part-time
- Master of Psychology (Clinical)
- Master of Professional Psychology
- Doctor of Psychology (Clinical).
If you are not interested in becoming a registered psychologist, you will graduate from this course with sought-after skills and experience that allow you to enter the workforce and thrive in a variety of areas including community welfare and case management, mental health rehabilitation and public health.
Learn more about psychology pathways and career outcomes
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- H650
- CRICOS code?
- 0101383 Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) students must attain 8 credit points.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) consists of two components: coursework and a thesis.
The coursework component (consisting of classes and seminars) contributes 50% to the final grade awarded. part-time students must complete the coursework component in the first year of their course. As required by the accreditation guidelines of the Australian Psychological Society, the coursework covers:
- research methods;
- issues in psychological assessment; and
- Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced)
For further details of the coursework component, see the unit description for HPS715, HPS742, HPY710 and HPY712.
The thesis component (see HPY720 and HPY721) contributes 50% to the final grade of honours awarded. The thesis is a write-up of an individual research project based on an original piece of empirical research. A range of types of data (qualitative, quantitative, subjective, objective) and a range of data-collection settings and methodologies can be used as the basis of the thesis component. The Fourth Year Thesis consists of four components:
Research Project A in Trimester 1
1. Thesis literature review draft (1500-2000 words; 0% hurdle assessment)
2. Thesis proposal presentation (10-minute oral presentation; 0% hurdle assessment)
Research Project B in Trimester 2
3. Thesis poster (A0 research poster; 0% hurdle assessment)
4. Thesis (5500-6000 words; 4 credit points; 100%).
Students are encouraged to attend at the annual School Fourth Year Conference online.
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.
Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in HPY720X Research Project A (Karolinska Exchange) and HPY721X Research Project B (Karolinska Exchange).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Core units
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Part-time students wishing to deviate from the recommended structure should consult the course director.
Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
NOTE: Online is available to Domestic students only, limited places available.
Registration as a Psychologist
The current requirements for registration as a provisional psychologist include the completion of four years of academic study of psychology that is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia. The academic program usually consists of an approved undergraduate psychology sequence followed by an approved fourth-year of study, such as Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) or honours in psychology.
Following successful completion of an approved fourth-year of psychology study, you may apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) can lead directly to provisional registration provided the honours year is completed within this four-year course.
In order to gain general registration, provisional psychologists must then complete either two years of supervised practice, or a minimum two years of further study, which may include: Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (with supervised practice completed outside the degree).
Note: This course is currently accredited as at the date of publishing.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Not applicable
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Please note, there are limited places in this course and entry is competitive. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Applications for this course may close prior to the published closing date if all places are filled.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree (with an APAC accredited three- year major sequence in psychology) with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in a level-three psychology research methods unit and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
- completion of foundation Level 1 APAC accredited psychology course or equivalent (for example: a 3 year bridging course – Graduate Diploma of Psychology) with a minimum of a mid-credit (65%) in a level-three psychology research methods unit and a minimum average of 65% over all level-2 and level-3 psychology core units
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Non-academic requirements
Applicants who have not completed their course by application closing dates:
- conditional offers may be granted to eligible students
- final assessment will occur when we receive your final results
- you will be able to allocate your timetable from the day you receive your offer and CONFIRM and ENROL in the units
- if you have a conditional offer, the content will be made available for you until full assessment occurs
All Applicants
Applicants will be ranked on the basis of the marks achieved in the level-2 and level-3 HPS core units completed at Deakin University (or equivalent units completed elsewhere). This rank may also take into account marks achieved for level-2 or level-3 psychology core units (or their equivalent) completed at another institution and for which the applicant received recognition of prior learning.
There is a quota on places in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (advanced) program and meeting the criteria does not guarantee acceptance into Graduate Diploma of Psychology (advanced). It is worth noting that the minimum mark average of Level 2 and Level 3 psychology core units (i.e. the mark 'cut-off') required for entry to Graduate Diploma in recent years has been at or above 72%.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.
Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
Students who have completed components of another APAC-accredited fourth year program may apply for Recognition of prior learning for up to four credit points. Recognition of prior learning can only be granted for units that are determined by the unit chair and course chair to be equivalent to a unit in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology in content and assessment requirements. Recognition of prior learning cannot be granted for studies completed as part of courses that are not APAC-accredited.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning. One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Careers
Career outcomes
This course is a pathway towards APAC-accredited master and doctoral-level courses that lead to registration as a psychologist. Areas of practice endorsement in psychology include:
- clinical psychology (available at Deakin)
- clinical neuropsychology
- organisational psychology (available at Deakin)
- sport and exercise psychology
- forensic psychology
- counselling psychology
- community psychology
Working as a generalist psychologist might involve:
- family therapy
- rehabilitation counselling
- psychological assessment
Not looking to become a registered psychologist? You will still have a broad and exciting range of career opportunities to explore when you graduate from this course. Your deep understanding of psychological assessment methods combined with your client-centred approach to practise will equip you for roles in:
- community welfare and case management
- human resources
- mental health rehabilitation
- public health
- youth support
- disability services
Professional recognition
This course is recognised for registration purposes by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). As a graduate, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist and for entry to APAC accredited master or doctoral level training programs that lead to registration as a psychologist.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate advanced knowledge (theoretical, empirical and practical) in the areas of psychological assessment, counselling, advanced research methods and research practice. |
| Communication | Demonstrate written and oral communication skills to convey complex psychological knowledge and ideas to laypeople and professionals. |
| Digital literacy | Apply advanced skills to select and apply appropriate digital tools to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate discipline specific information in psychology to a variety of audiences relevant to pre-professional practice of psychology. |
| Critical thinking | Design and conduct research, critically evaluate, synthesise and integrate complex scientific evidence, and apply this knowledge to assessment, counselling and case management that demonstrates evidence-based pre-professional practice in the field of psychology. |
| Problem solving | Respect and use critical thinking, sceptical inquiry and the scientific approach to solve problems related to research and applied skills in the field of psychology. |
| Self-management | Display high level self-management through reflection, continual improvement and learning that reinforces the importance of responsibility and accountability for pre-professional development in the field of psychology. |
| Teamwork | Communicate and collaborate in a variety of formats and contexts with diverse partners and teams. |
| Global citizenship | Apply knowledge of ethical principles and self-reflective practice to work in diverse social and cultural contexts within the field of psychology in a culturally sensitive manner. |