University of Sydney
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 18 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Begin a pathway into psychology through study of human behaviour, mental health and research methods, completing an APAC-accredited Level 1 program that can lead to fourth-year Honours.
Course overview
The University of Sydney’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology is designed for graduates from any discipline who want to begin formal study in psychology. It introduces the science of human behaviour and mental processes, providing foundational study for people interested in further psychology education and the pathway towards professional registration.
The 60-credit-point course combines 48 credit points of core study with 12 credit points of selective study. Core topics include experimental, social and applied psychology, research methods, cognition, behaviour, mental health and individual differences, while selective study allows further exploration of areas such as developmental, social, cognitive or applied psychology.
The course is delivered face to face at Camperdown/Darlington and can be completed in 1.5 years full-time, with part-time study available. It is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as a Level 1 program in foundational psychology competencies. Graduates who successfully complete the course are eligible to apply for fourth-year Psychology (Honours), subject to admission requirements.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
2nd August, 2027
What you will study
To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, students must complete 60 credit points, including:
- 48 credit points of 5000-level core units
- 12 credit points of 3000-level selective units
Each unit is valued at six credit points.
Core units
- Introduction to Social and Applied Psychology
- Introduction to Experimental Psychology
- Applied Psychology Research Methods
- Brain, Behaviour, and Mental Health
- Think, See, Know: Cognitive Frontiers
- Understanding the Self and Others
- Applied Advanced Psychology Research Methods
- Mental Health in Clinical Contexts
Selective units
Students complete two 3000-level selective units from the approved Psychology unit list, subject to prerequisites and availability.
Visit the University of Sydney website for the complete list of selective units.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
For admission to this course, you must hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from the University of Sydney or an equivalent qualification.
Related study may be credited towards your degree. This may also include relevant work experience for some postgraduate courses.
English language requirements
Option 1
If English is your first language, you need to have:
- Citizenship or permanent long-term residency for a minimum of 10 years.
- Completed secondary or higher education (tertiary) studies in an English-speaking country recognised by the University.
The University of Sydney provides a list of recognised English-speaking countries on its English language requirements page.
Option 2
If English is not your first language, you may be able to prove English proficiency with an approved English skills test taken within 2 years of commencing the course.
- IELTS score: A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band.
- TOEFL - IBT score: A minimum result of 85 overall including a minimum result of 17 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- Pearsons Test of English: A minimum result of 64 overall and a minimum result of 60 in each band.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Related study may be credited towards your degree. This may also include relevant work experience for some postgraduate courses.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
Our graduates can be found working across a variety of roles, including:
- Clinical, Forensic, Organisational or Sports Psychologist (with Further Study)
- Neuroscientist
- Market Researcher
- School Counsellor
- Advertising Executive
- Management Consultant
- Social Policy Analyst
- Learning and Attention Researcher
Fees and CSP
Domestic full-fee paying prices
Published indicative yearly amount in 2027: $35,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
- Indicative price per 6-credit-point unit in 2027: $4,437.50
- Published annual tuition fee in 2027 (48 credit points): $35,500
- Indicative total course price at 2027 rates: $44,375
The indicative total amount is calculated based on the course requirement of 60 credit points, equivalent to ten 6-credit-point units. This assumes all units are charged at the estimated 2027 rate of $4,437.50 per unit.
Commonwealth supported prices
Published indicative yearly amount in 2027: $16,640 (Commonwealth supported place)
- Indicative student contribution per 6-credit-point unit in 2027: $2,080
- Published 2027 student contribution figure (48-credit-point annual load): $16,640
- Indicative total course contribution at 2027 rates: $20,800
The estimated total student contribution is calculated across 60 credit points, assuming ten equally priced units at the indicative rate of $2,080 each.
The Australian Government allocates a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) to universities. Students enrolled in a CSP pay a student contribution amount, with the Australian Government contributing towards the remaining cost of study.
A student's fees may vary depending on:
- The number of units studied per term.
- Choice of units and their fee bands.
- Recognition of prior learning or approved credit from previous study.
- Eligibility for government-supported funding and loans.
Student contribution amounts depend on the study area of individual units and are reviewed annually.
Government-funded loans
Eligible domestic full-fee paying students may access FEE-HELP to defer all or part of their tuition fees.
Eligible Commonwealth supported students may access HECS-HELP to defer their student contributions.
Additional fees
Students may also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which is not included in the indicative tuition fees.
Tuition fees are subject to annual review and may change. As the standard course duration is 1.5 years full-time, fees charged in later years may differ from the 2027 rates used in these estimates.