Course overview
Expand your understanding of psychological science, develop your pre-professional skills and continue the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist with ECU’s 100% online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced).
This program will empower you with the advanced skills you need for this rewarding career. Learn to apply theory to practice, build your professional network and, upon enrolment in further study, be prepared to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist.
Never studied psychology before? We also offer a Graduate Diploma of Psychology, as well as a Graduate Certificate of Psychology, so you can gain a strong foundation in the field.
Why study a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) with ECU Online?
Developed by Industry Experts
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is designed and delivered by experienced psychology researchers and practitioners. Benefit from close support from engaged academics and build your professional network as you continue your journey to becoming a registered psychologist.
Flexible, accelerated and 100% online
Our degrees allow you to tailor your study to your busy schedule and complete your degree sooner than traditional on-campus study. Experience our engaging online learning environment with support from academics, Student Success Advisors and fellow students.
Support while you study
At ECU, you will receive the support you need to succeed when fitting study into your already busy life. Not only are our teaching staff supportive and attentive - you will also have a dedicated Student Success Advisor to support you every step of the way at ECU.
APAC accredited
Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Professional recognition
2022 Good Universities Guide
ECU was rated 5 stars for overall educational experience and student support in the postgraduate Psychology discipline. ECU was also rated five stars for postgraduate overall experience.
2022 THE Young University Rankings
ECU has again been ranked in the world's top 100 universities under 50 years old.
THE Impact Rankings 2021
ECU has been ranked in the top 50 in the world for Quality Education, as well as the top 25 in the world for Health and Wellbeing and Gender Equality.
What you will learn
Understand and apply the principles and underlying theories of contemporary psychological interventions.
Gain advanced skills as you design, analyse, conduct and critique research in psychology.
Learn core communication and interviewing skills for use in a range of professional contexts. Be empowered to apply these skills when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What you will study
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) online consists of eight units.
Foundations of Client-Centred Psychological Practice
Learn core interpersonal communication, interviewing and counselling skills for use in a range of professional contexts.
Applications of Psychological Assessment
Learn about psychometric theory and the principles of the construction, implementation, and interpretation of some of the most widely used standardised test instruments.
Applications of Psychological Interventions
Learn the principles and underlying theories related to a range of contemporary evidence-based psychological interventions strategies.
Applied Psychological Practice
Gain skills in analysing applied psychological problems and applying basic psychological assessment and intervention strategies.
Qualitative Research Skills and Applications
Learn about theoretical frameworks and methodologies and practical skills for designing, conducting and analysing qualitative research in psychology.
Evidence Based Practice in Psychology
Learn advanced skills for designing, analysing and critiquing research in psychology.
Applied Psychological Research Design
Work under supervision to develop a proposal for a research project.
Applied Psychological Research Design
Work under supervision to collect and analyse data to explore one or more research questions related to an area of enquiry in psychology.
Course information
Admission requirements
To gain entry to the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) online, applicants must have:
- All applicants are required to have completed an APAC accredited Level 1 qualification in psychology (either a Bachelor degree or Graduate Diploma of Psychology or equivalent) with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 65 or above (or equivalent).
- Applicants with qualifications obtained overseas must provide evidence that their psychology qualification has been assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as equivalent to an APAC- accredited Level 1 qualification in psychology.
Not sure if this course is right for you?
Get personalised course advice before you apply
Career outcomes
Upon successfully completing the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) online, you will be able to fulfil the education requirements you need to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia^. You will also be eligible to continue your postgraduate studies to become a registered psychologist.
Want to know more about the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist? We explore how to become a psychologist on our blog.
Alternatively, you can apply the skills you gained in your Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) to a variety of roles in human-centred fields including:
- Education
- Human Resource Management
- Marketing
- Human Services
- Healthcare
^Please note, students must be enrolled into a Higher degree pathway or 5+1 pathway course before applying for provisional registration.
Frequently asked questions
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) will expand your understanding of psychological science and develop your pre-professional skills. It will prepare you to enrol in a Higher Degree or 5+1 pathway course and apply for provisional registration as a psychologist.
Yes, ECU offers three postgraduate psychology programs which can be completed 100% online. These are the Graduate Certificate of Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Psychology and Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced).
After successfully completing your Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced), and enroling in a Higher degree or 5+1 pathway course, you will fulfil the education requirements you need to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. You will then be able to follow the 5+1 pathway to gain general registration as a psychologist. You can find more information on the APAC website.
Training to become a registered psychologist requires (the equivalent of) 6 years of full time study and supervised practice. The first step in the pathway is an APAC-accredited three-year undergraduate sequence, or a postgraduate bridging program like our Graduate Diploma of Psychology. Upon completion, you can complete a fourth year program like the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced). Upon successfully completing your fourth year program, you can enrol into a Higher degree or 5+1 pathway course and apply for provisional registration. As a provisionally registered psychologist you need to complete either the Higher degree or 5+1 pathway, including supervised practice in the workplace, in order to gain general registration as a psychologist. Learn more about how to become a psychologist on our blog.
If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for the Graduate Certificate of Psychology if you have at least five years of relevant work experience. Upon successfully completing your graduate certificate, you can use that as a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology. Upon successfully completing your graduate diploma, you can apply for the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced).
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and relates to understanding the behaviour of individuals and groups in societies. It can be applied in many different areas, not just mental health. Psychologists are trained in diagnosis and assessment of mental health issues. To become a registered psychologist, you will require at least six years of study and will need to fulfil APAC’s professional and education requirements.
Counselling takes a more person-centred approach. Counsellors help people identify and effectively respond to emotional challenges. Counsellors do not need specific qualifications, however to gain accreditation with the Australian Counselling Association, you are required to have a relevant qualification.
Learn more about the difference between counselling and psychology on our blog.
Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology is a bridging qualification that is the first step towards becoming a registered psychologist. It is designed for students who have not studied psychology before and is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology. It will build your foundational understanding of psychological science.
Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is the next step towards becoming a registered psychologist. It is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree with a major in psychology or a postgraduate bridging program. It will expand your understanding of psychological science and build your pre-professional skills.
Yes, ECU's Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is APAC accredited.
A graduate diploma in psychology is a postgraduate qualification designed to build advanced knowledge and practical skills for careers in psychology. It provides a pathway for students to deepen their understanding of psychological theory, research, and applied practice without committing to a full master’s degree. Graduate diplomas are valuable for career progression, skill enhancement, and as a stepping stone toward professional registration. The ECU Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) Online offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the skills needed to progress toward provisional registration as a psychologist. The program develops pre-professional competencies, professional networking opportunities, and practical application of psychological theory.
Admission to a graduate diploma in psychology generally requires completion of an undergraduate degree, typically in psychology or a related discipline. Programs may also consider relevant work experience, academic performance, and prior study in foundational psychological science. The ECU Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) Online requires applicants to have completed prior tertiary study in psychology or a related field, ensuring students have the foundational knowledge to engage with advanced content and applied professional practice.
Still have questions?
Download a course guide or speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor. Our team can assist you with:
- Eligibility & enrolment enquiries
- Course duration & fees
- Flexible entry & study pathways
- How online study will fit with your schedule
