Bond University
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Bridging)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Build foundational psychology knowledge through an accredited pathway designed for graduates from psychology and non-psychology backgrounds.
Course overview
Psychology is the science of human behaviour. Delving deep into the processes of the mind, it helps us explain why we act the way we do as individuals and how we operate collectively as a society.
Bond University’s School of Psychology has earned a reputation as a leader in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research. It offers the full suite of psychology qualifications required to gain registration as a practising psychologist; all of which are accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Bridging) is the first step on that pathway for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than psychology (non-cognate). It is also an alternative for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in psychology but have not met the entry criteria for Fourth Year programs (cognate).
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Bridging) is equivalent of the first three years of the six-year psychology training pathway. With Bond’s accelerated three-semesters-per-year timetable, you can complete the cognate option in just eight months (eight subjects taken over two semesters) and the non-cognate option in one year (10 subjects over three semesters).
Key facts
May, 2027
What you will study
To earn the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Bridging), students are required to complete a total of 100 credit points.
Students must complete the following seventy credit points (70 credit points) of subjects.
- Foundations of Psychology: Development, Learning and Social
- Statistics and Data Analysis 1
- Statistics and Data Analysis 2
- Psychopathology
- Statistics and Data Analysis 3
- Personality, Assessment and Individual Differences
- Research Methods in Psychology
Entry requirements
Admission to this program is based on either:
- Successful completion of a recognised Bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in an unrelated discipline (non-cognate option)
- Successful completion of a three-year APAC-accredited undergraduate sequence (or equivalent), whereupon assessment for the fourth-year program, the GPA has not met the minimum entry requirements for entry (cognate option).
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
You may be able to get credit for your course based on prior formal, non-formal or informal learning. To apply, you will need to provide supporting documentation outlined by the university. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
- Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with a depth of understanding of the discipline's underlying principles, theories and concepts, using a scientific approach.
- Apply psychology knowledge and skills reflexively, culturally appropriate and sensitive to individual diversity.
- Analyse and critique theory and research in Psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
- Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
- Demonstrate interpersonal skills and teamwork.
- Demonstrate self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of cultural responsiveness, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Career outcomes
Once fully registered as a practising Psychologist, graduates can specialise and be endorsed in nine areas of practice, including:
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Community Psychology
- Educational and Developmental Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Organisational Psychology
- Sport and Exercise Psychology
Possible career roles:
- Clinical Psychologist
- General Psychologist
Fees and FEE-HELP
Full-fee paying place
Indicative unit fee in 2027: $5,014 (10-credit-point unit)
Indicative annual fee in 2027: $50,140
Indicative full-course fee: $50,140
The average full-course fee shown is calculated based on the 100 credit point (10 units) course structure completed over one year.
Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.
A student’s annual fee may vary by:
- The number of units studied.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.