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
Designed for students who have completed foundational studies in psychology, the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology offers an equivalent alternative to a one-year psychology Honours program. This online program is fully accredited as a Level 2 program with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), and acts as the second step on the six-year sequence to becoming a registered psychologist*.
Through coursework and a major research project, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of advanced psychological theories, research methods and practical applications. Guided by expert practitioners and academics, you’ll explore a wide range of topics, including cognitive processes, developmental psychology, social psychology and psychological assessment.
*With this qualification, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and pursue further study on the pathway to general registration (e.g. UNSW master’s level programs).
Key features
Focus on real world application of psychology
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology is practically focused on the application of psychology themes in clinical, occupational and social settings to truly prepare students for life in the field.
Make real-world impact while you study
The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology emphasises real-world application to prepare you for life in the field. Both the coursework and your major research project will focus on a contemporary challenge or development across a range of clinical, occupational and social settings.
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
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. In addition, the 2023/24 Federal Budget committed $91.3 million in additional funding to get more psychologists in the field. These circumstances provide graduates with strong earning potential and job security.
A career that drives progress
At UNSW, we’re committed to improving the quality of life of our communities. For psychologists joining the workforce today, this extends beyond the traditional one-to-one clinical setting. Contemporary psychologists can unlock opportunities across a range of environments, such as health, business, sport, marketing, human resources, education and more.
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
As a graduate of the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology, you’ll be on your way to establishing a meaningful career in psychology. The program is accredited by APAC, meaning you will be eligible for provisional registration with PsyBA, and qualified to apply for entry to higher level programs (e.g. UNSW master’s) if you choose to pursue further study.
The demand for psychology professionals continues to rise, which often translates into competitive salaries and diverse career opportunities.
At UNSW, our emphasis on building employability means you’ll have the technical knowledge and practical skills to hit the ground running after graduation. Whether you go on to complete further study, take the research path, or get stuck into work right away, your comprehensive education will prepare you to make a significant, positive impact throughout your career.
Potential careers
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.
Featured scholarship
Featured scholarship
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