Graduate Diploma of Positive Psychology

Duration
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Location
Online
Next start term
Term 1, 2026
Study mode
Online
Course code
CL19
First-year fee
$28,992 (Indicative) (FFP)
This course offers Commonwealth Supported Places from 2026, meaning you may be eligible for significant fee savings. Indicative fees currently displayed should be used as a guide only. Fees for 2026 are expected to be available in September.
Positive Psychology students sitting in a circle with their tutor

Overview

Learn how to design, deliver and evaluate positive change interventions and programs suitable for individuals groups, organisations and communities. The Graduate Diploma of Positive Psychology will allow you to work with children, teenagers and adults across a range of local and international contexts, with a focus on enhancing wellbeing, capacities, resilience and strengths.

Positive psychology is the scientific study of wellbeing and resilience, with a focus on the conditions that enable individuals and communities to thrive. This rapidly growing field has emerged in response to the realisation that wellbeing is not simply the absence of disease, but is related to multiple factors that enable humans to flourish. In this course, you will learn how to design, deliver, and evaluate positive change interventions and programs suitable for individuals, groups, organisations, and communities. The course will prepare you to work with adults, teenagers, and children across a range of local and international contexts, with a focus on enhancing wellbeing, capacities, resilience, and strengths.

The curriculum draws on evidence-based theories, models, and best practices from disciplines including positive psychology, coaching psychology, health promotion, positive education, counselling, eco-psychology, and social innovation. 

Study Experience

Discover more about your online positive psychology degree, offering flexible study options and seamless pathways to advance your skills and knowledge. Click 'Explore Study Experience' for more information.

Career Opportunities

Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma of Positive Psychology, you will have access to a range of career options. You will be well equipped to develop and implement positive interventions aimed at improving the mental health of the population in a range of settings including:

  • clinical settings
  • communities and organisations
  • coaching and consulting
  • health care settings
  • teaching and education.

This course is an ideal course to advance your skills and knowledge in positive psychology principles. It won't lead to a career as a psychologist, so if you are seeking a career as a registered psychologist, please explore our other psychology course options.

Structure & Availability

The course structure and available locations can change depending on when you want to study. You can choose the intake that best suits you in the drop-down menu below.

Available Locations

Your Course

You must complete eight units (48 credits):

  1. 1
    The core structure (8 units)

Unit Details

The units you'll study are listed below. Click on a unit to learn more.

Course Planner

To help you plan your studies and see which unit comes first, if one unit should be completed before another and when you will study each unit, check out our course planners.

Browse course planners

Additional Information

If you have completed prior study relevant to units within this course, you may be eligible for credit for your past studies. Learn more about credit and recognition of prior learning.

Requirements

To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements. 

During Your Study

While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies. 

Fees & Scholarships

Indicative First-Year Fee

The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) depending on the type of place you are offered, for example, a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) or Full Fee Paying (FFP) Place. The indicative fee provided should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the Cost per Unit spreadsheet available on our Understanding Course Fees webpage

Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Fee estimates for the following year are expected to be available in September each year.

Commonwealth Supported Places

With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course from 2026, you may be eligible for significant fee savings, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.

If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees.

HECS-HELP

You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. 

Learn more about paying for university.

Part of your course costs will include Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). SSAF is charged in addition to your student contribution or tuition fees and is used to help enhance your study experience. There may also be other costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, uniforms, or vaccinations. 

Explore other study costs.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Check what you need to do to apply to study this course. 

Your Application Options

Extra Admission Information

Learn about the assessment of applications and everything you need to know about receiving and accepting an offer to study with CQU.

Start Your Application

Use the Apply button below to access our Apply Online portal and start your application.