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Postgraduate

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Learn foundational psychological theories and diverse perspectives from registered psychologists, academics, and thought leaders. 

Please use plan code GD214O in the application system for this program. 
Applications close
9 Dec 2024
Duration
24 months
Number of courses
10
Applications close
9 Dec 2024
Duration
24 months
Number of courses
10

Program Overview

Why study

According to the Australian Psychological Society, psychology is a science and profession dedicated to understanding how people think, behave, feel, and learn. Psychology is a rapidly growing profession, ideal for those looking to make an impact-driven career with highly transferable skills. 

Our Graduate Diploma in Psychology will give you a comprehensive APAC accredited* introduction to the theories and practices of psychology. You’ll explore a variety of psychological perspectives including developmental, biological, cognitive, and social psychology, alongside counselling and research skills. You’ll gain perspectives from practising psychologists, academics, and industry thought leaders. Importantly, you’ll have the flexibility to customise your study with a choice of two contemporary electives in health and wellbeing, motivation and work, or applied virtual care.

As part of this program, potential employment pathways you may be able to work in include social research, mental health, organisational behaviour, human resources, welfare resources, market research, and communications. Furthermore, students with an average grade of 75% are eligible for entrance into RMIT's on-campus Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) (Honours)

*This program has been accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Visit the APAC website for more information on what this means for graduates of the program.

Program outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the broad foundational theory in psychology and an ability to apply that knowledge in various real-world settings using a scientific approach.
  • Communicate interpersonally in an effective, culturally appropriate and sensitive way through a broad range of mediums (written, electronic, graphic, oral) with individuals of diverse backgrounds and values.
  • Critique theory and apply evidence-based knowledge to conceptualise and solve problems in a variety of contexts, independently and collaboratively.
  • Reflexively implement the values and ethics of psychology through scientific enquiry that is tolerant and respectful of individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds and values.
  • Generate and evaluate complex solutions in the autonomous pursuit of scholarly inquiry in psychology.

Course overview

Learn more about our Graduate Diploma in Psychology course in the video below.

Program structure

Our Graduate Diploma in Psychology will deep dive into the theories and practices of modern psychology over eight core courses. The two option courses can be tailored to your interests and career outcomes.

  1. Part A are pre-reqs for Part B; Part B are pre-reqs for Part C; Part A are pre-reqs for Part D except Applied Telehealth & Virtual Care (no pre-req)
  2. The prerequisites for BESC1519 (Health and Wellbeing Psychology - RMIT University) are as follows:
  • BESC1517 Fundamentals of Psychology 1 (Course ID 054218)
  • BESC1518 Fundamentals of Psychology 2 (Course ID 054219)

Note: Completion of this program in 2 years (24 months) means studying an average of 5 courses over four teaching periods. If you choose to study part-time with a 50% study load, you'll complete this program in 2.5 years (30 months).

This course is one of two introductory psychology courses providing foundational knowledge of the primary subdisciplines of psychology. Topics covered include biological bases of behaviour; learning and memory; emotion and motivation, and developmental psychology. You’ll also be introduced to research methods and their applications.

Learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise academic literature in psychology and evaluate its significance regarding foundational psychology across cultures.
  • Evaluate the major theories of biological bases of behaviour, learning, memory, motivation and emotion.
  • Critically review key theoretical psychological perspectives on the stages of human development.
  • Exemplify effective written communication skills, including knowledge of APA style.

Fee Summary

Admission Requirements

Learn with industry experts

Dr. Russell Conduit
Dr. Russell ConduitProgram Manager, RMIT

Dr Russell Conduit is a psychology program manager at RMIT University. He is an active researcher in psychology, with publications and grant funding in sleep disorders and the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive functioning. Russell has over 20 years of psychology teaching and course management experience in the

Professor Jane Burns
Professor Jane Burns Subject matter expert

Jane is an industry thought leader on this program, contributing her perspectives via video within courses. Jane has over two decades of experience in mental health and suicide prevention and has a strong passion for digital health solutions and the profit for purpose sector. Jane is a respected industry and

Dr. Amantha Imber
Dr. Amantha Imber Subject matter expert

Amantha is an industry thought leader on this program, contributing her perspectives via video Psychology of Motivation and Work course. Dr Amantha Imber is an organisational psychologist and founder of behavioural science consultancy Inventium. Amantha is also the co-creator of the Australian Financial Review’s Most Innovative Companies list and the

Student Success Team
Student Success TeamRMIT Online

Our student success team are here to help you with 1:1 coaching, tips on how to successfully study online, and any questions or concerns you may have.

Why choose RMIT Online

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Flexible delivery

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Supported community

Be guided by a network of industry experts and peers, and supported by our dedicated success team.

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