Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Year

View in 2021+ Handbook

Course Overview
Further Information
Course Rules & Plans
Course Outcomes

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UNE?

Are you interested in studying psychology, but have already completed a Bachelor degree in other subject areas? The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (GradDipPsych) provides an effective means of getting an accredited undergraduate major in psychology to satisfy personal interest, or in order to pursue subsequent studies in psychology at fourth year and beyond for academic or professional reasons. With no former university units in psychology this degree involves 10 units that can be completed in a minimum of 1 year (if study commences in Trimester 3 and finishes in Trimester 2 of the following year). If an applicant has already completed Introductory Psychology units in a previous degree then they only need undertake 8 post-introductory units; which can be completed within two trimesters full-time. Advanced standing on up to fifty percent (50%) of the units in this course is available.

Candidates who complete a GradDipPsych and wish to pursue further study are eligible to apply for fourth year programs at UNE or elsewhere. At UNE there are quotas on our fourth year programs. The most recent cut-off for acceptance into UNE's Psychology Honours program was an average grade in the low Distinction range, and for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) it was an average grade in the mid-Credit range.

Career Opportunities

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology allows you to apply for employment positions that use psychological knowledge. Positions are available in a wide range of public, private and non-profit settings. Examples include human service organisations, employment agencies, counselling services, personnel management, market research, health and community services.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1.5 Years Full-time
Up to 5 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
Full Fee
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation

GradDipPsych

Course Type

Postgraduate

CRICOS Code

073213E

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Online
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Online
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 3	Online

Course Duration

1.5 Years Full-time
Up to 5 years Part-time

Fees

CSP (quotas apply) / Full Fee / International

Total Credit Points

Intensive Schools

In online mode, no units in this course have mandatory intensive schools, although some do offer non-mandatory intensive schools. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in any discipline.

Applicants must meet the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule.

Advanced Standing

The Course Coordinator may approve a maximum of 30cps of Advanced Standing for psychology units including those undertaken as part of a previously awarded qualification used for Admission to the Graduate Diploma. This Advanced Standing shall be for units that are deemed to be equivalent to PSYC101, PSYC102 and a maximum of 18cps shall be for units at 200 or 300 or 400 level in Psychology.

There shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of Psychology units completed at this University that have not counted towards a completed qualification.

Exemptions from core units completed at UNE within the previous 10 years may be approved. Candidates with exemptions will complete equivalent credit points in other units at 300 level in Psychology. Prior learning must be less than 10 calendar years old to be eligible for advanced standing.

Honours

Graduates who have achieved sufficient grades are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology.

Academic Colours

Old Rose (BCC 157)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor qualification in any discipline.

Students must meet the University's English Language Requirements for Admission Rule.

Advanced Standing

The course coordinator may approve a maximum of 30 credit points for psychology units including those undertaken as part of a previously awarded qualification used for Admission to the Graduate Diploma. This advanced standing shall be for units that are deemed to be equivalent to PSYC101, PSYC102 and a maximum of 18 credit points shall be for units at 200 or 300 or 400 level.

There shall be no maximum advanced standing on the basis of Psychology units completed at this University that have not counted towards a completed qualification.

Exemptions from core units completed at UNE within the previous 10 years may be approved. Candidates with exemptions will complete equivalent credit points in other units at 300-level in Psychology. Prior learning must be less than 10 calendar years old to be eligible for advanced standing.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) 1.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to five years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award, a candidate must pass units to the value of 60 credit points with not more than 12 credit points at 100-level and at least 18 credit points at 400-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure	Credit Points
Core Units	54 cps
Listed Units	6 cps
Total	60 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Course Aims	The aim of this course is to provide an accredited major in psychology for students who have completed a bachelor degree or equivalent. Students who achieve the required grades will be eligible to apply for entry into fourth year programs in psychology.
Learning Outcomes	Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of the core topics of psychology, including: biological bases of behaviour, cognition, information processing and language, individual differences, testing and assessment, learning, lifespan development, perception, social psychology, and the history and philosophy of psychology; describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods used by psychologists and demonstrate practical skills in psychological research design, data analysis, and report writing using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions; critically evaluate psychological literature, question claims that arise from untested assumptions, and recognise the link between theory and practical application of that theory in the world; demonstrate effective oral or written communication skills in various formats (eg debate, group discussion, presentation) to share or impart psychological knowledge; observe the principles of ethical behaviour in research and professional practice in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society's Code and Guidelines, as well as the Australian 'National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce'; and demonstrate cognitive, technical and communication skills for independent learning to sustain life-long personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology.
Graduate Attributes	Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates will possess an in-depth body of knowledge in the discipline of psychology and have a well-developed understanding of the key principles, practices and boundaries of the discipline from a global perspective. This knowledge will be taught in lectures, unit materials and online activities and will be assessed throughout the course through a range of different activities appropriate to the discipline. Communication Skills Graduates will have skills that enable them to investigate, synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from their studies in psychology. These skills will be taught through written and oral feedback on assessment tasks and through online and in-class discussions and activities. They will be assessed on their communication style, clarity of expression, development of ideas, referencing and ability to communicate the results of their study in a variety of formats appropriate to the discipline. Global Perspectives Graduates will demonstrate an understanding, and appreciation, of the processes through which current knowledge has evolved in the discipline. Information provided within each unit embeds current global knowledge within the discipline of psychology. Information Literacy Graduate through the writing of essays and research reports, will develop the skills with which to discover and process relevant information and to present it in a coherent fashion. Life-Long Learning Graduates will have the skills to continue to research, critically evaluate issues and undertake further learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will be taught in lectures, unit material and online activities. Through the completion of assessment tasks, students will develop the necessary life-long skills to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of issues. These skills are transferable and essential life-long skills. Problem Solving Graduates will have a sound understanding of key problem solving strategies in the discipline and be able to apply these skills to develop their own responses to particular problems in different environments, topics and issues. Most post-100 level units include data collection in order to address a problematic issue in the literature. Social Responsibility Graduates will be taught to understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with the discipline. They will understand and be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment. Team Work Graduates will have developed group participation skills and the ability to work collaboratively. These skills will be developed through on-campus and online interactive teaching, where they will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.