Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science

If you already hold a bachelors degree in another subject, the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is designed to allow you to undertake an accredited full-time three-year program in psychology over 8 terms part-time for the purpose of establishing your eligibility for entry into a fourth-year degree or postgraduate diploma program.

By studying at CQUniversity you will gain a broad knowledge of the discipline of psychology and its applications and learn about the range of research areas making up the psychology discipline. 

The program will equip you with a sound understanding of psychological principles and the critical-thinking skills necessary to become an effective psychologist. You will also develop a range of transferable skills such as data analysis and report writing that will equip you for a wide range of careers. We provide a high-quality learning experience and our staff utilise innovative teaching methods and technology to support you, whether you are studying on-campus or by distance education.

Another one of the benefits of studying at CQUniversity is that our program is delivered by high-calibre staff from all over the world. Our academic staff have diverse areas of expertise, including the social psychology of gambling, animal-human interactions, the psychological effects of natural disasters and the interaction between psychology and technology. Our student body is equally diverse, both geographically and ethnically, allowing for informative discussions of cultural and other influences on psychological processes.

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 available to domestic students only 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 hold a relevant undergraduate degree from a recognised university to undertake this program. 

Career Opportunities

On completion of the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science you will be qualified to complete further study in psychology, such as the Graduate Diploma of Psychology which can lead to a career as a psychologist, subject to you successfully gaining professional accreditation.

Psychology graduates possess transferable skills that allow them to pursue careers in a wide variety of areas, including local and national government, education, community agencies, health and welfare services, human resources, the police and defence forces, research institutions and training and development services. 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.

Work Intergrated Learning

Four day residential school is required prior to the commencement of unit PSYC13015 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology.

Program Structure

To meet the requirements of the award, students must complete 12 courses/72 units of credit as outlined below.

You are required to complete two x level one courses, four x level two courses, six x level three courses. Units PSYC12047, PSYC1204, PSYC 13015. PSYC13017, and PSYC13020 are compulsory courses.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science 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.

Professional Recognition

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