The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is an APAC Level 2 psychology qualification that builds on accredited Level 1 psychology study.

Equivalent to a fourth-year or honours-level psychology course, it develops advanced capability across professional and ethical practice, psychological assessment and intervention, research methods and independent psychological research.

Completing an APAC Level 2 qualification can also prepare you to apply for eligible postgraduate psychology courses, including master’s-level study, as you continue along the pathway towards professional psychology practice or research.

The course is designed for students who have already completed APAC-accredited Level 1 psychology study, or an equivalent qualification, and want to progress to the next academic stage of the psychology pathway.

It can suit students preparing for further accredited postgraduate psychology training or research, as well as professionals who want to strengthen advanced psychological science, assessment, intervention and research capability.

Yes. You must have completed an APAC-accredited Level 1 psychology program, or equivalent, within the required timeframe.

If you have not completed Level 1 psychology study, the UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is the earlier-stage bridging qualification and may provide a pathway to the Advanced course, subject to meeting the Advanced entry requirements.

Current entry requirements include a completed Australian bachelor’s degree or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent, plus an APAC-accredited Level 1 psychology course or equivalent completed within the previous 10 years with a minimum GPA of 5/7.

Overseas psychology qualifications must be assessed by the Australian Psychological Society as equivalent to an APAC-accredited Level 1 psychology course, and that assessment must be included in your application.

English language requirements also apply. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of a place.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the entry requirements, speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor to confirm your eligibility before applying.

Places in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) are limited and current UTS Online information describes intakes as highly competitive.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer, and availability may affect which study period you can commence in.

To give your application the best chance of being assessed for your preferred intake, you’re strongly encouraged to have your final degree transcripts ready before submitting your application.

If your final transcripts are not yet available, speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor before applying to discuss which upcoming study period may be the best fit.

You’ll build advanced capability in psychological theory and practice, professional and ethical decision-making, psychological assessment and intervention, advanced research methods and independent research.

You’ll also strengthen communication and interview skills relevant to psychological practice, apply psychometric principles, interpret psychological tests and complete a substantial two-part research project.

The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) comprises six subjects totalling 48 credit points:

• Psychological Science Career Readiness
• Advanced Professional Skills and Ethical Issues in Psychology
• Advanced Psychological Assessment and Intervention
• Advanced Research Methods
• Research Project A
• Research Project B

Research Project A and Research Project B have double the usual credit-point weighting and duration of a standard six-credit-point subject.

The course includes a two-part independent research project completed through Research Project A and Research Project B.

The research sequence is designed to develop advanced capability in qualitative or quantitative research methods, data analysis and the communication of psychological research. Together, the research subjects have greater credit-point weighting and duration than standard subjects.

APAC Level 2 is the fourth-year-equivalent stage of accredited psychology study in Australia.

It builds on APAC Level 1 and develops advanced competencies in psychological science, research, ethical practice, assessment and professional skills. Completing Level 2 is an academic requirement for progression to further accredited postgraduate psychology training.

For a more detailed explanation of how Level 2 fits within the psychology study pathway, read our guide to the difference between APAC Level 1 and Level 2 psychology.

Yes. The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a Level 2 psychology qualification.

The course is equivalent to a fourth-year or honours-level psychology qualification and forms part of the recognised academic pathway towards further accredited psychology study. Accreditation status should be checked at the time of application or publication, as accreditation details can change.

The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is an APAC Level 1 bridging course that provides the foundational psychology sequence for students who have not previously completed accredited psychology study.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is APAC Level 2 and is equivalent to a fourth-year or honours-level psychology course. It builds on Level 1 with advanced professional skills, psychological assessment and intervention, research methods and an independent research project.

Students must complete eligible Level 1 psychology study before applying for the Advanced course.

For a more detailed comparison of the two stages and how they fit within the psychology study pathway, read our guide to the difference between APAC Level 1 and Level 2 psychology.

No. Completing the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) does not by itself give you general registration as a psychologist.

The course completes the APAC Level 2 academic stage. Graduates may then be eligible to apply for further APAC-accredited postgraduate psychology training, subject to the entry requirements of the course and the registration requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia.

For a visual overview of the study and registration pathway, see the APAC psychology pathway infographic in the course guide.

Completing APAC Level 2 is an important academic stage towards provisional registration, but the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) does not automatically confer provisional registration.

Current UTS Online information states that students who are offered a place in an accredited postgraduate psychology course involving direct client work must apply to the Psychology Board of Australia for provisional registration before commencing that study.

After successfully completing the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), you may be eligible to apply separately for further APAC-accredited psychology training, such as a Master of Clinical Psychology or Master of Professional Psychology.

Admission to further study is competitive and subject to the entry requirements of the particular course. Further accredited study and training are required before general registration as a psychologist.

No. Current UTS Online course information states that Recognition of Prior Learning is not available for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced).

All students complete the full six-subject Level 2 curriculum to meet the course learning outcomes and develop the required advanced professional and research capability.

The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) has a minimum advertised duration of 16 months, but current 2027 course-guide information notes that completion can vary from 16 to 22 months depending on Research Project subject timetabling and course sequencing.

The course comprises six online subjects totalling 48 credit points. Research Project A and Research Project B are double-weighted subjects.

For more information about study schedules, subject sequencing and how the Research Project subjects fit into the course, download the course guide.

Yes. The course is delivered online and is designed to support students balancing postgraduate study with other commitments.

You’ll work through structured online modules and complete advanced professional, assessment and research activities. The two research-project subjects have greater weighting and duration than standard subjects, so it is important to plan for the workload associated with the research component.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) can support psychology-related and research-focused roles while also preparing graduates to apply for further accredited postgraduate psychology training.

Career directions identified by UTS Online include:
• Research Assistant, Psychology
• Behavioural Consultant
• Wellbeing Program Coordinator
• Clinical Support Officer
• Mental Health Program Officer
• Community Wellbeing Officer
• Psychology Research Officer
• Human Services Practitioner
• Research Officer, Behavioural Science

The qualification does not by itself qualify you for general registration as a psychologist. Further study is required to qualify for more senior roles as a registered psychologist in Australia.

The course develops advanced psychological science, research, assessment, ethical practice and communication capability that can strengthen work across psychology-related, research, wellbeing, behavioural and human-services settings.

For students pursuing psychologist registration, its most important role is as the APAC Level 2 academic stage that can support applications to further accredited postgraduate psychology training.

Whether the course is worthwhile depends on your goals and where you are in the psychology study pathway.

For students who have completed APAC Level 1 and want to continue towards postgraduate psychology training, the course provides the accredited Level 2 or fourth-year-equivalent study required for the next stage.

It can also build advanced research, assessment and professional skills relevant to psychology-related roles, but further accredited study and training are required for general psychologist registration.

The current indicative tuition fee for the TS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is $36,010 in total, with an indicative fee of $4,501 per subject.

Fees are indicative and subject to change. Your total course fee may vary depending on your study plan, Recognition of Prior Learning and the fees applicable at the time of enrolment, so refer to the UTS Online fees page for the latest information.

Yes. FEE-HELP is available to eligible students studying the UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced).

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that can help eligible full-fee-paying students cover some or all of their tuition fees.

Eligibility requirements apply, so check the current FEE-HELP information before enrolling.

UTS Online offers six intakes per year for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), but places are limited and current course information notes that intakes are highly competitive.

Intake dates can change from year to year and availability may affect your immediate start date, so refer to the course page for the next available intake and current application dates.

For a standard six-credit-point UTS Online subject, you should typically allow around 15–20 hours per week for study.

This can include working through weekly learning materials, completing readings and activities, participating in online discussions and preparing assessments. Your actual study time may vary depending on the subject, your previous experience and assessment deadlines.

UTS Online students generally study one subject at a time, helping you focus your study around your professional and personal commitments.

For more information, read our guide to study resources with an example study schedule.

Assessment in the UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) varies by subject and is designed to develop advanced psychological science, professional and research capability.

Current course information lists assessment formats such as written reports, posters, online quizzes, oral assessments, podcasts, recorded presentations, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. The research sequence also involves substantial independent research work.

Assessment requirements, including whether exams or group assessments apply, are subject-specific, so refer to the individual subject information in the UTS Handbook for current details.

The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is delivered online through Canvas, with students studying through structured weekly modules. You’ll engage with advanced psychological theory, professional and ethical practice, assessment and intervention, research methods, peer discussions and a two-part independent research project.

Throughout the course, you’ll also have access to support including:
• A dedicated Student Success Advisor
• Academic and assignment support
• UTS Career Hub resources and networking opportunities
• Peer learning and presentation support
• Confidential health and wellbeing services

Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.

Or read our tips for balancing postgraduate study with work and life: https://studyonline.uts.edu.au/blog/balancing-postgraduate-study-and-life-commitments-practical-tips-success