This is your next step in the journey to be a professional psychologist.
This is a high value program that provides a lot of practical training in conducting psychological assessments and advances your knowledge of theory and method.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
This is a high value program that provides a lot of practical training in conducting psychological assessments and advances your knowledge of theory and method.
You learn evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention and develop skills in clinical history taking. The program helps you develop skills at interviewing and listening, scoring and interpreting psychological tests, and in professional report writing.
You are introduced to the ethical standards expected of a psychologist and the legal framework governing professional practice. At the end of this program, you can apply for registration as a psychologist, with probationary conditions.
Please visit Study in Psychology for more information.
Career opportunities
You can either seek to work as a psychologist whilst pursuing further postgraduate studies, or make use of the numerous valuable graduate attributes and skills developed during your study of psychology in any number of occupational areas. This program can lead to working in health and education services, science, and many types of research.
Admission requirements
Entry to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology will normally require:
- Completion of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited three-year undergraduate degree in psychology (or equivalent) within the last 10 years.
- Applicants will be required to have achieved a minimum Credit average in all second and third year courses. This will be based on the student's best attempt at all required undergraduate courses.
Professional membership
Graduates may seek registration as a psychologist with probationary conditions with the Psychologists Board of Australia.
Accreditation
The Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) has accredited the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
Program structure
Required courses (6)
PSY400 Advanced Statistics in Psychology
PSY401 Advanced Theoretical Issues in Psychology
PSY402 Professional Practice of Psychology
PSY403 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology
PSY406 Group Research Project in Psychology A
PSY407 Group Research Project in Psychology B
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 96
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 96 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- This program consists of two major required components, as follows:
- 50 percent coursework (4 courses) 48 units
- 50 percent research project and thesis (2 courses) 48 units