Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology
- Commencing Terms
- Hexamester 1 & 4
- Duration
- 1 Year
- Delivery Mode
- Online
- Campus
-
Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 5332
- CRICOS code -
-
2026 Indicative first year full fee
- $39,000*
-
2026 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $39,000*
- $58,500*
- $58,500*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
-
Flexible, online program
-
Real-world applications
-
Leading researchers
Application closures for 2026
Undergraduate programs for 2026 intakes are closed for New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) applications. Applications for postgraduate programs remain open. Find out if this closure applies to you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Want to work as a registered psychologist in Australia? The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology from UNSW is ranked #2 in Australia and #32 in the world for psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025), and will set you on the path to professional registration.
This APAC-accredited Level 2 program is designed for students who have completed foundational studies in psychology and want to advance their knowledge, research skills and professional readiness. Equivalent to a one-year Honours program, this graduate diploma in psychology is a key step towards becoming a registered psychologist in Australia.
Through advanced coursework and a major research project, you’ll build expertise in cognitive processes, developmental psychology, social psychology and psychological assessment – guided by leading academics and expert practitioners. You'll also gain practical research experience through world-class clinical training environments.
Upon successful completion, you’ll be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and pursue further postgraduate study, such as the Master of Psychology (Clinical) or Master of Psychology (Forensic), on the path to general registration.
Key features
Focus on real-world applications of psychology
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology is practically focused on the application of psychology themes in clinical, occupational and social settings to prepare students for life in the field.
Conduct research in the field
Get experience conducting in-depth research in an area that interests you. The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology includes a significant research project where you’ll be supported by UNSW’s leading psychology academics.
Flexible, online delivery
This program is delivered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to complete your studies in your own time, while balancing other commitments. You’ll participate in weekly lectures, complete coursework independently and undertake your research project under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor.
Why study at UNSW?
Join the forefront of psychology education and research
UNSW is globally renowned for its contributions to the field of psychology. We’re a proud member of the prestigious Group of Eight Universities – a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities. We’re ranked #2 in Australia for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025), and our School of Psychology attracts more research funding than any other psychology school in Australia.
Join an in-demand profession
Psychologists are in high demand in Australia, so you'll be entering a career with strong earning potential. According to the Australian Psychological Society, the current number of psychologists in the workforce only meet 35% of the national demand for mental health services in Australia.
Accredited psychology qualification
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This means the program satisfies the conditions of a Level 2 pre-professional program required for students wishing to pursue professional practice. If successful, students who complete the program will be eligible to pursue higher-level study (e.g. a master’s degree), which is required to progress towards general registration as a psychologist.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
Applicants must have successfully completed an APAC-accredited Level 1 program within the last 10 years with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65.
Important notes:
- Admissions are highly competitive, applications will be assessed based on academic merit, students' preference nominations, supervisor availability and the School's resources. While meeting the entry requirements is a significant achievement, it does not automatically secure a place in the program
- Submitting preferences is an important step, though it does not guarantee allocation to any specific research topics
- The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology program does not offer credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Deferment is not available for this program
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
UNSW Global offers courses and programs designed to help you reach the English language level required for entry into your chosen degree. Different options are available depending on your current English language level. Learn more.
What will I study?
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We are moving to a new flex-semester calendar. What does this mean for your studies?
Program structure
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology is an online program that takes one year to complete. Students will complete a total of 48 units of credit (UOC). This comprises 24 UOC of advanced-level coursework, including core courses and a prescribed elective, and a 24 UOC independent research project, conducted under the guidance of an academic supervisor.
Full program structure
This program consists of 3 core courses, 1 elective, and 6 research courses. Students must complete all 10 courses to be awarded this degree. Each course will be delivered 100% online and will run for 6 weeks. The content will be delivered over 6 weeks, with several assessments due within this period.
Core courses
Students must take 18 UOC of the following courses:
- Advanced Research Methods and Statistics (6 UOC)
- History and Professional Ethics in Psychology (6 UOC)
- Application of Psychological Practice (6 UOC)
Elective
Students must take 6 UOC of the following courses:
- Behavioural Neuroscience (6 UOC)
- Mental Health and Illness (6 UOC)
- Cognitive Science (6 UOC)
- Social Psychology (6 UOC)
Research courses
Students must take 24 UOC of the following courses:
- Research Project: Introduction Part 1 (3 UOC)
- Research Project: Introduction Part 2 (3 UOC)
- Research Project: Methods (6 UOC)
- Research Project: Results Part 1 (3 UOC)
- Research Project: Results Part 2 (3 UOC)
- Research Project: Thesis (6 UOC)
Future careers
A graduate diploma in psychology from UNSW will set you up for a rewarding career in psychology and related fields – from mental health and education to marketing and research.
This APAC-accredited Level 2 qualification makes you eligible for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and gives you the credentials to apply for advanced postgraduate programs, including the UNSW’s Master of Psychology (Clinical) or Master of Psychology (Forensic).
UNSW graduates are known for their career success. We’re ranked #1 in Australia for career outcomes (AFR Best Universities Ranking, 2025) and recognised as Australia’s most employable students for six years in a row (AFR Top 100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025).
Psychology is a growing field in Australia, with demand for psychologists projected to rise 13.3% over the next five years (Seek, 2025). Salaries typically range from $100,000 to $115,000, with experienced professionals earning even more.
Jobs in psychology
Here are some potential roles you might undertake:
- Career counsellor
- Clinical psychologist*
- Counsellor
- Forensic psychologist*
- Guidance counsellor
- Human resources (HR) specialist
- Management consultant
- Market research analyst
- Marketing specialist
- Neuropsychologist*
- Organisational psychologist*
- Policy advisor
- Researcher
- Social worker*
*Further training and/or qualifications required
Accreditation
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). This means the program satisfies the conditions of a Level 2 pre-professional program required for students wishing to pursue professional practice. If successful, students who complete the program will be eligible to embark on the higher-level study (e.g. master’s) required to progress towards general registration as a psychologist.
How to apply
Submit application: Use the Apply Online portal to submit your application as early as possible
Initial review: Admissions checks if minimum entry requirements are met. If yes, the application is put on hold.
Topic preferences: After the application period closes, the School contacts eligible students to choose their preferred research topics.
Shortlisting: The School shortlists applications and informs Admissions of the offers to be issued.
Offer acceptance: Students who receive offers must accept and self-enrol in courses by the deadline specified in the offer letter, which is usually earlier than the standard hexamester deadlines.
Applications are typically open until mid-November for entry in Hexamester 1 in the following year and mid-May for Hexamester 4 entry. Please refer to the program’s key dates available on our postgraduate coursework page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading university
Top 20 Worldwide
Ranked in the global top 20 for three consecutive years
QS World University Rankings, 2024–2026
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University Award six years in a row
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020–2025
Australia's #1 for Innovation
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
The student community collectively inspire and encourage my individual career goals.
