Why Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)?
Combine your interest in human behaviour with impactful research.
Are you interested in how people behave? Do you have a knack for analysis and investigation? Do you want to make a positive impact on individuals, communities and organisations?
Studying our 100% online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) will equip you with industry-relevant skills for practice and research roles. Learn the psychology of why people behave in particular ways and meet their needs with empathy and insight. Plan and deliver a research project tackling an issue in modern psychology. Graduate with interpersonal and investigative skills applicable into many modern industries. Or, use this diploma as your stepping stone towards becoming a registered psychologist.
Overview
Adelaide University’s 100% online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) will prepare you to use your knowledge and skills in human behaviour in roles spanning industry and research.
Equivalent to an Honours year of psychology, this qualification focuses on building career-ready skills. You’ll learn how to conduct high-quality research that contributes to this growing field and sets you up for success in further postgraduate studies.
You’ll be prepared to become a forward-thinking and ethically minded professional. Develop refined interpersonal skills, use best practice in modern interventions, and ensure your skills are applied in a way that is easily understood to different groups.
Refine your evidence-based practice by developing a critical eye. Review different data sets and research and explore different methods of conducting research. Then put your knowledges and skills into practice by conducting your own research project.
You’ll graduate ready to work in people-centred roles, step into research or continue towards clinical registration.
Key features
Study when it suits you – 100% online and with six intakes per year. - Learn from experienced academics in an accessible online format.
- Understand psychological concepts and how they apply to everyday settings.
- Conduct high-quality research into a project of your choice using a variety of research methodologies.
- Improve mental health outcomes for individuals, communities and organisations in private and public industries.
- Use this degree to continue down the path to registration as a clinical psychologist.
What you'll learn
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is a part-time degree preparing you to work in psychological fields. Balance your work and life commitments with study that can take you into a variety of different industry areas including private industry, the public sector, research or academia.
You’ll expand your capabilities in professional practice and learn how to conduct valuable research. Use critical thinking, communication and advocacy to help people work at their best.
For topics on professional practice, you’ll learn skills in areas like:
- Interpersonal communication and interviewing skills, including how to become an empathetic and clear communicator
- How to measure and assess individuals, and how to meet peoples’ psychological needs in a modern age – including ethical and culturally responsive practice and using emerging technologies like telehealth
- How to apply these skills into health, legal and organisational settings, including translating psychological knowledge into real-world practice.
For topics on research, you’ll learn skills in:
- Making sense of evidence-based practice, including how to comprehend and synthesise data and research into everyday situations
- Quality use of data and data analysis, using qualitative and quantitative sources and mixed methodologies
- How to plan and deliver high-quality, ethical and informed research.
These combined knowledges culminate in delivering a research project of your choice. Investigate a research question, then present your findings to industry standard.
Upon graduating, you’ll have an advanced understanding of the human brain and behaviours.
Students interested in becoming a registered psychologist can use this diploma to progress into a master’s program.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for all Core courses
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Professional and Interpersonal Skills
|
Course code
PSYC5037
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Understanding & Synthesising Psychological Evidence
|
Course code
PSYC5038
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Methods
|
Course code
PSYC5039
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Applications and Interventions
|
Course code
PSYC5040
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychological Measurement and Assessment
|
Course code
PSYC6029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project Planning, Managing and Analysing Data
|
Course code
PSYC6030
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project A
|
Course code
PSYC6031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Research Project B
|
Course code
PSYC6032
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Psychological Measurement and Assessment
|
Course code
PSYC6029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Project Planning, Managing and Analysing Data
|
Course code
PSYC6030
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Project A
|
Course code
PSYC6031
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Research Project B
|
Course code
PSYC6032
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Psychological skills are in demand across many Australian industries. By understanding how people work, graduates can apply their skills into a variety of impactful careers, helping people live and work at their best. Meanwhile, your strong research abilities can deliver far-reaching impact and ensure we’re keeping up with modern issues.
You may apply your skills into different industries including:
- Business
- Community services and counselling
- Education and academia
- Forensic psychology and protective services
- Government, policy and research
- Health
- Human resources and marketing.
You may find yourself working in people-centred roles in industries like health and business, improving the customer experience or addressing grievances. Or you can step into research and academia, using your analytics skills to identify which industries can improve morale and workflows. Perhaps you’ll work between the two in a not-for-profit like Beyond Blue, translating new research findings into easily understood initiatives.
Students interested in becoming a registered psychologist are well-equipped to continue studying in a further postgraduate qualification.
Industry trends
Psychologist roles are in high demand across Australia, with annual employment growing by 5,300 people per year (Jobs and Skills, 2024). Graduates with this skill set also benefit from broad applicability into complementary fields.
By understanding the research that underpins practice, how to respectfully engage with different types of people and how to influence change, Adelaide University’s curriculum will prepare you to step confidently into practice with a forward-thinking approach that can drive change and improve existing structures.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside at least 22 hours per week per course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
