Graduate Diploma in Psychology Online
1.7 years part-time
GDPS
Eligible for Fee-HELP. Learn more
Jan, Mar, May, Jun, Aug, Oct
Online
Course Overview
Our 100% online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is your first step in a rewarding career of connecting with others. The program and curriculum are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and covers all the foundational knowledge you need to start your journey towards becoming a registered psychologist.
Our smaller, intimate class sizes ensure you’re able to forge those one-on-one connections and get the most out of your study program and you'll be supported every step of the way by our dedicated and highly qualified staff. Start an application today and join South Australia's #1 university for graduate employability (QS, 2022).
Why study psychology with us?
100% online
Study around your commitments and access content and assessments 24/7.
Engaging content
Discover what makes people tick through short instructional videos, readings and interactive activities.
Research excellence
We were ‘above world standard’ in the 2018 Australian Research Council (ARC) Excellence in Research Australia report.
Trusted support
Our dedicated Student Success Advisors and PhD-qualified tutors provide one-on-one support.
Stay connected
Our smaller, intimate class sizes ensure that you’ll get the most out of your online psychology program.
Study pathway
Complete our Graduate Diploma in Psychology then seamlessly transition into our honours-equivalent program.
Accreditations and ranking
Make your mark amidst a rich history of excellence spanning more than 140 years.
APAC
Our online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Group of Eight
Studying at one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities guarantees an exceptional quality of learning and global recognition.
Global top 1%
We're in the top 1% of universities worldwide (Times Higher Education, 2023).
Flexible online learning
Studying psychology online allows you the flexibility to understand how the human brain works in your own time.
How long is each psychology subject?
Six weeks.
What should I expect from the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology?
The ten online Graduate Diploma in Psychology courses cover the foundational knowledge you need to start your journey towards becoming a registered psychologist.
- weekly interactive webinar tutorials to ask questions and deepen your psychology knowledge
- weekend drop-in sessions with your tutors
- discussion forums with your peers and tutors
- course readings and guided psychology research
- three assessments over the six weeks.
The University of Adelaide has partnered with Boundless Learning, a leading global learning company, to deliver this degree 100% online. The Partnership has been established to deliver the very best experience and learning outcomes to all our students. Students will be awarded a University of Adelaide qualification and this degree meets the University's highest quality standards.
What skills will I gain?
What skills will I gain?
Upon successful completion of the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology, graduates will be able to:
- synthesise and critique psychological theory and contemporary knowledge
- apply psychological concepts to complex personal, social and societal issues
- formulate psychology research questions and design psychological research studies
- apply qualitative, quantitative and mixed methodology techniques to analyse psychological data
- produce reports and other materials in formats suitable for a variety of audiences and purposes
- reflect critically on the ethical issues, legislative requirements and evidence-based approaches underpinning psychological research and select areas of professional practice.
What our psychology students say
"All my tutors have been fantastic. They're always there to help if I need and check in regularly."
- Madison O'Brien, current online Graduate Diploma in Psychology student
What will my psychology assignments be?
Assessments will be real-world type assessments and will include but not limited to:
- small weekly psychology quizzes
- annotated bibliography
- literature review
- reports
- creative exercises
- group tasks
- reflective exercises
Download a Graduate Diploma in Psychology brochure to learn more about the online learning experience.
Contact us now
Contact us now
Get your questions answered
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm (ACST/ACDT), Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (ACST/ACDT).
We can help you with:
- entry requirements
- curriculum
- key dates & intakes
- your unique situation
- finance.
Psychology career paths and opportunities
Working as a registered psychologist is a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience. There are many ways and settings in which you can help people and make a positive impact. From schools to hospitals, community organisations and research institutions; psychologists make invaluable contributions to individuals and societies across the globe.
The broad range of skills you will gain from the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology are also essential for many roles in health, business, sport and community organisations. Whether you want to shift your career trajectory, boost your current job, or brush up on your education – your new critical thinking and people-orientated skills will empower you to answer your calling.
For students who wish to become a researcher or academic, successful completion of the psychology study pathway will also help you meet the entry requirements for psychology PhD or a doctorate. People working in academic psychology deepen our understanding of human behaviour and cognition by conducting scientific and scholarly research or educating the next generation of psychologists.
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Foundations of psychology - PSYCHOL 6500OL
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Learning and behaviour - PSYCHOL 6509OL
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Research methods, design and analysis - PSYCHOL 6501OL
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Developmental psychology - PSYCHOL 6502OL
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Psychological health and well-being - PSYCHOL 6503OL
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Applying research methods in psychology - PSYCHOL 6504OL
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Culture and context - PSYCHOL 6505OL
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Social psychology - PSYCHOL 6506OL
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Cognitive Psychology - PSYCHOL 6507OL
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Individual difference and assessment – PSYCHOL 6508OL
What is the total cost?
$40,230* or $4,023 per course (2025 fees).
Find more information on fees for domestic students, including annual fees and fee increases, in the Fees (domestic students) section.
Is there FEE-HELP available?
Yes, Australian citizens are eligible for a HELP loan. You must also be enrolled in a program with the University of Adelaide by the enrolment deadline (census), and have not reached the HELP loan limit.
Once you have been offered a place in the University of Adelaide program, you will be able to apply for a HELP loan as a part of the enrolment process. Please see our FAQs section for further details.
Academic entry requirements
To be eligible for the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology, you will need an undergraduate Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
English language requirements
In order to meet the English language proficiency requirements for our 100% online postgraduate programs, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English Language requirements.
Typically, if English is your first language you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. You will also not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident (visa status) or hold a passport from one of the following countries: Canada (English-speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
To learn more, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements for detailed information about these requirements, including acceptable English language tests.
We also recommend that you speak to an Enrolment Advisor to discuss options that are specific to your circumstances. You can schedule a call here.
When can I start the Graduate Diploma in Psychology online?
There are six intakes into the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology degree throughout the year: January, March, May, July, August and October. Applications typically close four weeks before the online teaching period commences. See the important dates section for further details on studying psychology online.
Get in touch
Get in touch
Our Expert Advisors are available
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm (ACST/ACDT), Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm (ACST/ACDT).
We can help you with:
- entry requirements
- curriculum
- key dates & intakes
- your unique situation
- finance.
Download a brochure now
Download a brochure now
Request a Graduate Diploma in Psychology brochure to learn more about:
- psychology study pathway
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology academic staff
- learning and psychology career outcomes
- complimentary support services
- application process
- psychology research project online
- assessments and more.
Apply now
Create an account to start your application
Applying for the online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is a quick and easy process. Find out if your application was successful in as soon as 2-5 days.
Want to better understand the application process?
Book a 1:1 call now with our enrolment advisors and we can walk you through the application process — from how to meet the entry requirements through to enrolling in your first subject.
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