Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Course summary for international students
"The fantastic thing about my course was that it exposed me to a wide variety of counselling strategies that I was able to utilise in my workplace and in various professional positions since."
G = Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
S = Geelong Waterfront Campus
W =Warrnambool Campus
X = Off campus
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Psychology |
|---|---|
| Campus | Offered at Melbourne Burwood Campus, Geelong Waterfront Campus |
| Next available intake | March (Trimester 1) |
| Indicative annual fee 2013 | $23,350* AUD |
| Level | Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma) |
| CRICOS course code | 021256B |
| IELTS Requirement | Overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0. More information is available at www.ielts.org |
| Deakin course code | H650 |
| Faculty contacts | Deakin International Tel +61 3 9627 4877 Online enquiry |
Course structure applies to students who commenced in 2012 onwards. Students who commenced before 2012 should refer to the course structure in the 2011 online handbook. | |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Professional recognition
- Fees and charges
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Entry requirements - general
- Entry requirements - specific
- Credit for prior learning - general
- Credit for prior learning - specific
- How to apply
Course overview
Following successful completion of an undergraduate degree in psychology or Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies, students may complete an approved ‘fourth year’ of study in psychology (either the Graduate Diploma of Psychology or honours in psychology) in order to seek provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology offers you the opportunity to complete a combination of core units comprising both coursework and research.
- You will also undertake a research project which develops your ability to critically evaluate theory and empirical studies; advanced skills in research design, implementation, analysis and reporting; as well as your understanding of professional responsibilities, standards of performance and ethical issues.
Professional recognition
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), recognised for registration purposes by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and meet the requirements for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
In addition, it provides a basis for students wishing to apply to undertake higher degree studies in a more specialised field of applied psychology.
Fees and charges
Fee paying place - International (IFP)A Fee paying place is one for which the University does not receive any government funding. As such, students enrolled in these places are required to contribute the full cost of their course.
Fees for international students apply to persons living in Australia with Temporary Resident status, provided that there is no limitation on study and persons living abroad who are not Australian citizens and do not have Permanent Resident status in Australia.
Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL)
EFTSL is the standard annual full time load. Eight credit points is the standard full time load for one year of study.
* The 'indicative annual course fee' cited has been provided as a guide only. It has been calculated on the basis of a typical enrolment of a student undertaking the course in 2013, and reflects the cost involved in undertaking a full-time quota of units within the specified discipline.
The actual fees charged by Deakin University will depend upon the discipline from which each individual unit is chosen, and may vary from the indicative course fee cited, particularly if units are chosen from a number of disciplines. The cost of each unit offered in 2013 can be viewed from the Unit Search.
Please note that the fees per unit/credit point may increase annually due to rises in the cost of course delivery and service.
Deakin assumes no responsibility for persons relying on 'indicative course fees' to calculate the total future cost of their course.
Course rules
The course comprises six units, totalling 8 credit points. The Research Project runs over two trimesters (units HPY720 and HPY721) and is worth 4 credit points. There are four trimester-long units, each worth 1 credit point: HPS715, HPS742, HPS743 and HPS744.
Attendance and presentation at the annual School Honours Conference and attendance at the weekly School Research Colloquia are hurdle requirements.
Course structure
Trimester 1
| HPS742 | Research Methods in Psychology C |
| HPS743 | Professional and Conceptual Issues in Psychology |
| HPY720 | Research Project A |
Trimester 2
| HPS715 | Issues in Psychological Assessment |
| HPS744 | Counselling and Interpersonal Skills |
| HPY721 | Research Project B |
Part time students wising to deviate from the recommended structure should consult the course coordinator.
Registration as a Psychologist
The current requirements for registration as a provisional psychologist include the completion of four years of academic study of psychology that is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA). The academic program usually consists of an approved undergraduate psychology sequence followed by an approved fourth-year of study, such as Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology or honours in psychology.
Following successful completion of an approved fourth-year of psychology study, you may apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychology can lead directly to provisional registration provided the honours year is completed within this four-year course.
In order to gain full registration, provisional psychologists must then complete either two years of supervised practice, or a minimum two years of further study, which may include: Master of Psychology, Doctor of Psychology or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (with supervised practice completed outside the degree).
Entry requirements - general
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories.In all categories of admission, selection is based primarily on academic merit as indicated by an applicant's previous academic record.
For more information on the Deakin Admissions Policy visit The Guide.
Entry requirements - specific
Applications are invited from graduates holding a degree with an approved three-year sequence in psychology or Deakin University's Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies. Selection is based on applicants' qualifications and grades and relevant experience. A mid-credit in a third level research methods component is a prerequisite for entry. Applicants are to provide a written personal statement outlining motivation and commitment to study, knowledge of the course, desire to pursue a career in a related field and evidence of clear and concise written English ability. Deferment of enrolment is not available.
International students must also meet the English language requirements.
Please refer to the Faculty of Health section of the Future Students website and download appropriate forms for your course.
Credit for prior learning - general
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit for prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit for prior learning.Your credit for prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Credit for Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Credit for prior learning - specific
Students who have completed components of another APAC-accredited fourth year program may apply for credit for prior learning for up to four credit points. Credit for prior learning can only be granted for units that are determined by the unit chair and course chair to be equivalent to a unit in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology in content and assessment requirements. Credit for prior learning cannot be granted for studies completed as part of courses that are not APAC-accredited.
How to apply
- Applicant Portal: Use our online application system to submit and track your application now OR
- Apply through a Deakin International office: Fill out an application form and submit it to a Deakin International office OR
- Apply through a Deakin representative: Take your application form to your preferred agent for assistance.
Tracking your application
If you have already applied and wish to enquire about your application please refer to the relevant area through which you originally applied.
- If you applied through a Deakin representative please contact your representative.
- If you applied through a Deakin International office please contact deakin-int-admissions@deakin.edu.au
