Graduate Diploma of Psychology

CQUniversity’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology is designed for graduates who have, as part of their undergraduate degree, completed a previously accredited three-year program in psychology and now need to complete a fourth year for the purpose of being qualified to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist in an Australian state or territory.

During the program, you will undertake advanced research training and be introduced to applied and professional uses of psychology. You will also learn about professional ethics and the social and cultural contexts of psychological research and practice.

What am I studying?

Psychologists study human behaviour, conduct research and provide treatment and counselling in order to reduce distress and behavioural and psychological problems, and to promote mental health in individuals and groups. Typically, psychologists conduct academic and applied research, are involved in counselling or interviewing clients, design and implement programs to modify and improve behaviour, evaluate the efficacy of psychological treatments or programs, assess and treat psychological problems and design and administer a wide range of tests to assess and predict how people think, feel and behave. Clinical psychologists are specifically concerned with preventing, assessing, diagnosing and treating people who have psychological problems or mental illness.

To become a registered psychologist you must complete a relevant undergraduate degree and then undertake the required industry supervision (approximately two years) or relevant postgraduate study. Students who complete an undergraduate psychology degree and do not go on to become registered psychologists are able to use their skills to go on to work in areas such as research and statistics, human resources, policy and planning, welfare, counselling, employment services, training and education and marketing. If you have an inquisitive mind, enjoy working with people and want diversity in your job then a career in psychology could be for you. 

Please note, the program is not available at CQUniversity Sydney. The program is available to domestic students on-campus at CQUniversity Rockhampton.

Why Study at CQUniversity

CQUniversity offers programs in humanities, psychology and social sciences in the areas of arts, professional communication, social work, psychology and human services.

These programs are dynamic and diverse, providing a solid basis for a range of career options. Our programs assist in developing your critical-thinking skills, oral and written communication techniques, research ability and capacity for further independent study.

Work experience and practical projects have also been integrated into many of our programs to ensure that your learning is relevant to your chosen career and provides you with the skills you will need in the workforce.

Our lecturers and academics are leaders in their respective fields and bring a wealth of practical knowledge and real-life experience from which you can learn. Our programs have been designed as a way to launch your career or to allow you to pursue specialist postgraduate studies and higher research degrees, which are also offered at CQUniversity. 

Entry Requirements

Students must have completed, as part of their undergraduate degree, an accredited three-year program in psychology that includes a third level statistics course, and who wish to complete an accredited fourth year in psychology. Usually a GPA of five or greater is required.

If you intend to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist you are required to have completed the fourth year of your qualification in psychology within 10 years of completion of the first three years of your undergraduate degree.

Career Opportunities

On completion of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology you will be qualified to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. Provisionally registered psychologists are required to undertake a minimum of 2 years industry supervision or a relevant post-graduate program, such as the CQUniversity Master of Clinical Practice to be eligible for professional accreditation as a registered psychologist.

As a registered psychologist the opportunity exists to gain employment in a wide range of fields such as counselling, clinical neuropsychology, clinical and child counselling, educational, forensic, health, organisational and sports psychology, as well as teaching and research. The research and report-writing skills you will develop will also prepare you for a wide range of alternative careers.

Program Structure

When completing the Graduate Diploma of Psychology you are required to complete a total of six core courses. All students must attend a residential school that may be held in Rockhampton or Bundaberg.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Residential School and Study Requirements

You must attend a residential school held in either Rockhampton or Bundaberg.

Professional Recognition

Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation has been granted for recognition of the Graduate Diploma of Psychology as a fourth year award in Psychology.