Western Sydney University

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Complete an APAC-accredited fourth year in psychology through advanced coursework and an original research thesis, taking the next step towards professional psychology training or higher degree research.

Course overview

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is an accredited fourth-year program for students who have completed an approved three-year psychology sequence at another institution within the past 10 years. Equivalent to Western Sydney University’s psychology honours year, it provides a pathway towards further professional psychology training or higher degree research.

Across 80 credit points, students examine advanced contemporary psychology, counselling and consultation, psychological assessment and intervention and research methods. The program also includes a 30-credit-point supervised thesis, enabling students to design and complete an original psychology research project while applying critical analysis and research communication skills.

Study is available on campus at Bankstown City, Parramatta and Penrith, with full-time completion in one year or part-time completion in two years. The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council as a fourth year of psychology study. Completion does not itself confer registration as a psychologist – further training and registration requirements apply.

Applications for this course are competitive and close in October of the year prior to commencement. 

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $2,174
Campus
Bankstown
Parramatta
Penrith
Intake
1st March, 2027
Units
More Information
You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
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FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university program.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 80 credit points, including:

  • 20 credit point research methods subject
  • 30 credit point thesis
  • Three 10-credit-point subjects

Core subjects

  • Advanced Topics in Contemporary Psychology
  • Counselling and Consultation
  • Theory and Practice of Psychological Assessment and Intervention
  • Research Methods Seminar (20 credit points)
  • Psychology Research Thesis (30 credit points)

Entry requirements

Entry into the Graduate Diploma in Psychology is limited to students who have completed an approved, accredited three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology at an institution other than Western Sydney University in the last ten years.

In addition, students must have obtained an average mark of 75+ in core accredited Level 2 and 3 psychology subjects (or equivalent).

English language requirements

Applicants who have undertaken studies in other countries may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Details of the minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof can be found on the University Admissions Centre website.

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have previously studied or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. If your application is successful, you can reduce the number of subjects you need to study, saving you time and money. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to many exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Psychologist in private practice.
  • Government departments such as the Department of Family and Community Services and the Department of Ageing and Disabilities.
  • Occupational Psychologist.
  • Human Resources.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated first-year tuition fee in 2026: $17,399(domestic full-fee paying place).

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 80 credit points (normally eight units) per year.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

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.