Why study the Graduate Diploma in Psychology with UTS Online?
Top 100 University globally1
Informed by the latest APA Guidelines and the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project
Accredited without conditions* by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) to provide the necessary qualifications to advance towards becoming a registered psychologist
1QS World University Rankings, 2025
*A student who successfully graduates from a program of study that holds APAC accreditation (either with or without conditions) at the time of their graduation is considered to have completed an APAC-accredited program of study.
Forge your path in psychology
UTS Online's Graduate Diploma in Psychology provides quality education, ensuring a seamless path to provisional and general registration. Accredited without conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) to provide the necessary qualifications to advance towards becoming a registered psychologist.
You’ll gain contemporary knowledge and practical skills, preparing you to harness the power of psychology in your work. You can apply psychological science in a range of disciplines, including health care, business management, HR, urban planning, sport performance, public service, and more. Upon successful completion of this 100% online course, you may apply for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), which is the next step in your pathway to becoming a registered psychologist or researcher.
Who is this course for?
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is for professionals who want to effect positive change – whether it be in the lives of individuals, your workplace or the community.
Students of this course may come from various fields such as education, human resources, business management, accounting, marketing, communications, social work and counselling. The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is for professionals who are:
- From a diverse range of backgrounds and industries with no qualification in psychology.
- Have a passion for helping others and making a difference.
- Ready for a new challenge.
- Lead busy lives and are seeking work-life balance while studying online.
See entry requirements under course information for more eligibility information.
What you will study
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology comprises 10 subjects (60 credit points [CP] in total) and can be completed in as little as 20 months.
Complete all of the following subjects:
- Introduction to Psychology Foundations
- Introduction to Psychological Science
- Brain and Behaviour*
- Psychological Disorders and Interventions*
- Development Across the Lifespan*
- Research Methods and Theory in Psychology*
- Research Design and Analysis in Psychology
- Psychological Assessment, Ethics and Professional Skills
- Society, Psychological Health and Wellbeing
- Cognitive Psychology
*Students who complete Introduction to Psychology Foundations, Introduction to Psychological Science and any two additional subjects will be eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Psychology.
Important: To be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), students must complete both Introduction to Psychology Foundations and Introduction to Psychological Science—these are the only subjects that can be credited through RPL. Both must be successfully completed before students can progress to any other subjects in the course.
Note: Most UTS Online subjects are valued at 6 credit points each. For detailed subject descriptions and further information, please download a course guide.
Interested in becoming a registered psychologist? This course, followed by the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), can form part of your pathway.
Flexible course options
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology comprises 10 online subjects (60 credit points (CP) in total).
Students who complete the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, may qualify to advance to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), requiring only 6 additional subjects to complete.
Graduate Certificate
4 Subjects
Or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+6 Subjects
Earn you degree and consider further study
Graduate Diploma (Advanced)
+6 Subjects
Earn your degree
For more information, download your course guide or speak with a Student Enrolment Advisor.
Learning outcomes
Understand human behaviour
Learn psychological approaches to the study of the mind and behaviour. Focus on core concepts and methods of psychological science, including theories related to biology, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion.
Social and biological influences
The mind is a complex system influenced by social and biological factors. Develop an understanding of the principles of learning and neuroscientific bases of behaviour, while exploring clinical case studies and experimenting with applied psychological techniques.
Historical perspectives and contemporary models
Critically evaluate historical perspectives and contemporary theoretical models of the development, classification, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. Learn how various socio-cultural factors and scientific developments have shaped dominant models of practice and apply your knowledge and skills to case examples.
Research, theory and ethical practice
Compare and contrast specific research methods and various types of research design to develop an understanding of what distinguishes the scientific approach from pseudoscience. Engage with key ethical issues, questions and principles that guide the work of the scientist-practitioner in psychology.
Course information
Entry requirements
Applicants must have completed one of the following UTS-recognised qualifications or an overseas equivalent (in any discipline):
- Advanced Diploma (AQF 6)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Graduate Certificate
- Graduate Diploma
- Doctorate or Master's (Research or Coursework)
Want to check your eligibility?
Not only do we have the right tools and support teams to help you – we have people who care about your success.
Career outcomes
The UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology offers foundational knowledge for professionals seeking to understand human behaviour and apply psychological principles in diverse fields. This course is ideal for those looking to transition into psychology or enhance their expertise in people-focused roles.
Upon completion, graduates can explore roles such as:
- Human Resources Specialist
- Behavioural Insights Officer
- Market Research Analyst
- Community Support Worker
- Organisational Development Coordinator
$93,000 Average salary
Psychologists in Australia earn an average annual salary of $93,000, reflecting the strong financial rewards in the field.
(Indeed)
88%
Increase in service demand
Over the past three years, 88% of psychologists in Australia have reported increased demand for their services, highlighting the growing need for qualified professionals.
(Australian Psychological Society)
49%
Part-time employment
Around 49% of clinical psychologists in Australia work part-time, offering flexibility and diverse career opportunities.
(Jobs and Skills Australia)
Upcoming intakes
UTS Online courses have 6 intakes per year. The diagram below shows all upcoming intakes. Our next intake is highlighted below.
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Jan
2025 -
Mar
2025 -
May
2025 -
Jun
2025 -
Aug
2025 -
Oct
2025
Meet our Course Director
"The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (online) prepares students for diverse career pathways in the workforce of the future. Our online psychology courses offer a modern curriculum guided by the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project and the latest American Psychological Association Guidelines."
"In the next 10 years, employers will increasingly demand technological, social, emotional and advanced cognitive skills – all of which are key outcomes of our graduate diploma courses."
Dr Phoebe Bailey
Associate Professor of Psychology
Download a course guide
Download a course guide to explore detailed subject descriptions, entry requirements, pathway options and fee information.
“Knowing that I've got the research behind me through the Master's course is going to give me a lot more confidence when I step into a room where decisions need to be made.”
Joel G, UTS Online Student
“Participating in the course has given me more opportunities at my workplace and has led to me being offered a new role. I absolutely love the flexibility of learning online. Being able to join evening classes; really adaptable to my lifestyle”
Kim M, UTS Online Student
“The flexibility to be able to do it any time, anywhere, just made completing the Masters so much easier.”
Bianca N, UTS Online Student
“I'm really impressed by how the course was structured and the way that I could connect with my peers. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to connect what I was learning, all of the theory to my professional world.”
Sonia D, UTS Online Student
“To be able to connect with these industry experts and also so many different students from so many different industries really allowed you to get stuck in and just explore what else is out there.”
Lauren S, UTS Online Student
Frequently asked questions
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology provides foundational knowledge and literacy in psychological science that you can apply across various roles and industries. This qualification broadens your career prospects by enabling you to integrate psychological theory and science into your current or future roles.
No, a psychology background isn’t required to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology. You may be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology if you hold a UTS-recognised qualification in any discipline, such as:
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Advanced Diploma (AQF 6)
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Bachelor's Degree
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Graduate Certificate
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Graduate Diploma
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Doctorate or Master's (Research or Coursework)
This program is suitable for professionals from diverse industries with no prior qualification in psychology.
Yes, the Graduate Diploma in Psychology is a bridging program (Years 1–3) and the first step toward becoming a registered psychologist. After completing this course, you can apply for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), which is equivalent to an honours year in psychology.
From there, you can pursue pathways like:
Graduate Diploma in Psychology > Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) > 1-year Fifth-Year Psychology program > 1-year internship > PsyBA National Exam > General Registration
OR
Graduate Diploma in Psychology > Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) > Master of Clinical (or equivalent, 2 years) > General Registration > PsyBA Registrar Program > Final Registration with AoPE (Clinical or equivalent)
Yes, the Graduate Diploma in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) without conditions. Graduating from an APAC-accredited program ensures your qualification is recognised and aligns with professional psychology standards.
At UTS Online, your success is our priority, and that doesn't change when you study remotely. We're committed to providing you with a comprehensive range of student support services, guiding you from enrolment right through to graduation.
As a UTS student, you'll enjoy access to an array of support services, including:
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Your own dedicated Student Success Advisor, available to answer any course-related questions you may have to keep you on track
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UTS Career Hub for work experience and networking opportunities
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Assignment writing and academic support from teachers & lecturers
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Public speaking and peer learning support
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Confidential medical and mental health services.
Connect with us to learn more about how we support your success while studying for a Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UTS Online.
Assignments in our subjects are authentic, relevant and often grounded in your personal clinical context. They vary according to the subject and include, but are not limited to clinical reports, posters, online quizzes and vivas (oral assessment), podcasts, recorded presentations, education tools, proposals, protocols and professional portfolios. You will not be required to complete exams or group assignments to graduate the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
When studying the Graduate Diploma in Psychology, your online study experience includes:
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Tools to develop foundational psychology skills
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Flexible schedules designed for part-time learners
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Resources for collaboration with peers and industry experts.
Here’s a video example showcasing key features of our online learning platform, including tools designed to enhance your study experience.
For practical tips on balancing your studies with work and life, click here to learn how to achieve your goals. Remember, our team is just an email or call away to support you every step of the way.
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