Pathway to provisional registration
#1 Victorian university for psychology facilities and resources
Independent research thesis
Why choose psychology (advanced) at Deakin
Build on your undergraduate psychology studies and take the next step towards becoming a registered psychologist with the APAC-accredited Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced).
Designed for students seeking a recognised fourth-year psychology qualification, this course deepens your understanding of human behaviour while developing advanced skills in psychological assessment, counselling and research. Learn from experienced academics, explore contemporary areas of psychology and gain the analytical skills needed to formulate psychological opinions in professional practice.
Accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), the course allows eligible graduates to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). It also provides a pathway to further APAC-accredited postgraduate study required for general registration as a psychologist.
Study on campus or online and graduate with sought-after skills that can support careers across mental health, community services, public health and case management.
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Take the next step towards registration
Complete a fourth-year qualification that supports your pathway to provisional registration and postgraduate study in psychology.
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#1 in Victoria for psychology facilities and resources
Study in a leading learning environment designed to support advanced study and research.
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Develop advanced research capability
Design, conduct and communicate an independent research project, building the skills needed for further study and research-informed practice.
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Strengthen assessment and practice skills
Build advanced knowledge in psychological assessment, counselling and research methods through focused honours-level coursework.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) equips you with an understanding of human behaviour and the research, communication and critical thinking skills employers value.
Psychologist
Support individuals, families and communities to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Psychologists assess behaviour, deliver evidence-based interventions and help people navigate emotional, social and behavioural challenges.
- $108k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 16.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.3/5
Job satisfaction
Human resources adviser
Apply your understanding of human behaviour to support recruitment, employee wellbeing and workplace culture. Human resources advisers act as a trusted source of guidance for employees and managers across a range of organisations.
- $100k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 13.1%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Industries you may work in
- Healthcare
- Education
- Community services
- Government
- Public health
- Human resources
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 24 January 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)?
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) develops advanced knowledge and skills in psychology through a focused program of coursework and independent research. You will deepen your understanding of psychological theory, assessment and research while building the capability to apply evidence in professional contexts.
Complete advanced study and undertake independent research
Strengthen research knowledge
Build advanced understanding of psychological assessment and research methods, including systematic review and meta-analysis, to evaluate and interpret behaviour.
Develop applied practice skills
Build advanced counselling and communication skills to support professional psychological practice.
Complete an independent research project
Design, conduct and communicate independent research, from proposal through to final thesis, demonstrating your ability to apply research in academic and professional contexts.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), you must pass 8 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Part-time students wishing to deviate from the recommended structure should consult the course director.
Karolinska Institute exchange students must enrol in:
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) consists of 2 components: coursework and a thesis.
The coursework component (consisting of classes and seminars) contributes 50% to the final grade awarded. Part-time students must complete the coursework component in the first year of their course. As required by the accreditation guidelines of the Australian Psychological Society, the coursework covers:
- research methods;
- issues in psychological assessment; and
- Applied Counselling Skills (Advanced)
For further details of the coursework component, see the unit description for HPS715, HPS742, HPY710 and HPY712.
The thesis component (see HPY720 and HPY721) contributes 50% to the final grade of honours awarded. The thesis is a write-up of an individual research project based on an original piece of empirical research. A range of types of data (qualitative, quantitative, subjective, objective) and a range of data-collection settings and methodologies can be used as the basis of the thesis component. The Fourth Year Thesis consists of 4 components:
Research Project A in Trimester 1
1. Thesis literature review draft (1500-2000 words; 0% hurdle assessment)
2. Thesis proposal presentation (10-minute oral presentation; 0% hurdle assessment)
Research Project B in Trimester 2
3. Thesis poster (A0 research poster; 0% hurdle assessment)
4. Thesis (5500-6000 words; 4 credit points; 100%).
Students are encouraged to attend at the annual School Fourth Year Conference online.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised for registration purposes by the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) and is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). As a graduate, you will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist and for entry to APAC accredited master or doctoral level training programs that lead to registration as a psychologist.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
As a student in the Faculty of Health you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Not applicable
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
NOTE: Online is available to Domestic students only, limited places available.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply and integrate advanced theoretical, empirical, and practical knowledge in psychological assessment, counselling, and research methods to inform evidence-based reasoning, research design, and pre-professional psychological practice. |
| Demonstrate clear and effective written and oral communication skills to convey complex psychological knowledge and ideas tailored to diverse audiences including laypeople, professionals, and researchers. |
| Apply advanced skills and ethical principles to select and use digital tools to collect, interpret, adapt, analyse, and communicate discipline-specific psychological information in the context of pre-professional psychology practice. |
| Critically evaluate, integrate, and synthesise complex scientific evidence, and apply this knowledge to assessment, counselling, and case management to support evidence-based pre-professional psychology practice. |
| Use critical thinking, sceptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to collaboratively interpret, analyse and respond to problems in psychological research and practice including psychological assessment, counselling, and case management. |
| Demonstrate professional reflexivity and self-management through critical reflection, self-care and purposeful learning, emphasising accountability for pre-professional development in psychology. |
| Work effectively and respectfully with others across diverse cultural, disciplinary, and professional contexts, in preparation for interprofessional psychological practice. |
| Apply ethical principles and cultural responsiveness to work collaboratively and reflectively in diverse social, cultural, and global contexts relevant to psychology. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H650
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$34,400
for 1 yr full-time - Full-fee paying place
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin. Places in this course are limited and entry is competitive, so we encourage you to submit your application early.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 24 January 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Students who have completed components of an APAC-accredited fourth year course may apply for Recognition of prior learning for up to four credit points. Recognition of prior learning can only be granted for units that are determined by the unit chairs and course directors to be equivalent to units in the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) in content and assessment requirements. Recognition of prior learning cannot be granted for the thesis units or for studies completed as part of courses that are not APAC-accredited.
Pathways
This course provides a pathway to higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.