Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology is designed to enable students who have completed a foundational sequence in Psychology to consolidate and extend their existing knowledge of the theories, perspectives, and practices in psychology, in addition to undertaking a significant research project. A key purpose of the program is also … For more content click the Read More button below. Students will conduct a year-long, 24 unit of credit (UOC) independent research project under the guidance of an academic supervisor. This is to culminate in the production of a written thesis based on the project, which is subject to independent assessment. In addition, students will undertake 24 UOC of advanced-level coursework, comprising 3 core courses and 1 elective.   The research project is conducted over 6 Hexamesters, and is divided into 6 units aligning with the major components of a research thesis: Introduction (over 2 hexamesters), Methods, Results (over 2 hexamesters), and Discussion/Thesis production. Potential options of focus area for the research project may include: psychopathology, mental health and well-being, social psychology, learning, cognition, personality, or developmental psychology. Content of the core coursework comprises statistical methods, the history of psychology, professional ethics, and evidence-based practice. The elective coursework component comprises advanced coverage of contemporary research and theory in a select range of topic areas that align with the expertise and research specialisations of academic staff.    The program is conducted 100% online, and may be undertaken in one year full-time. Completion of the GDipAdvPsych will qualify students to apply for entry into APAC-accredited Level 3-4 programs (e.g. Masters or PhD).  The Graduate Diploma is designed to provide the appropriate training in level 2 pre-professional competencies as defined by the accreditation standards published by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) on behalf of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA). In doing this, it is specifically targeted at students seeking a pathway into professional practice (by subsequent training in a Masters-level program). Students wishing to progress instead to PhD programs are recommended to apply for the full-time, face-to-face Psychology Honours programs offered by the School of Psychology at UNSW. 

Learning Outcomes

1.
Contribute to psychological discourse and practice in a manner that is culturally appropriate, sensitive to the diversity of individuals, and upholds the values and ethics of psychology.
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Produce original work in a variety of formats that synthesises a broad range of psychological concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings.
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3.
Adapt high-level knowledge of psychological principles and practice for application across diverse, real-world contexts.
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4.
Communicate in a clear, empathetic, and responsive manner in the context of psychological practice and research via the application of foundational interviewing skills such as active listening, effective questioning, clarifying and reflecting, summarising and paraphrasing, and developing rapport.
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5.
Describe basic strategies for psychological assessment and critically evaluate the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning construction, implementation and interpretation of some of the more widely used psychological test instruments.
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6.
Compare how psychological intervention strategies can be applied across a range of contexts, and construct a critical analysis of these strategies with reference to relevant frameworks for legal and ethical practice.
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7.
Implement advanced research skills in the investigation of empirical questions relevant to the discipline of psychology, including review and consolidation of existing evidence, generating novel ideas and formulating solutions to complex problems with intellectual independence.
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8.
Apply critical and creative thinking skills to communicate a clear and coherent exposition of advanced theoretical knowledge and ideas within a specialised domain of psychology to a broad audience.
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Program Structure

Students must complete 48 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

  • 24 UOC Coursework courses
  • 24 UOC Research courses

This program consists of 3 core courses, 1 elective, and 6 research courses. Core courses, electives, and two of the research units (Methods and Thesis) are each worth 6 units of credit. The other four research units (Introduction Part1 and Part2, and Results Part 1 and Part 2) are each worth 3 UOC. This amounts to 48 UOC in total. Students must complete all 10 courses to be awarded this degree. Each course will be delivered 100% online and will run for 6 weeks. The content will be delivered over 6 weeks, with several assessments due within this period

Students must complete the research courses in order (PSYC5208 – PSYC5209 – PSYC5210 – PSYC5211 – PSYC5212 – PSYC5213). Students must complete the Advanced Research Methods and Statistics course (PSYC5201) before commencing the Research Project: Results Part 2 unit (PSYC5212).

 

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements
Limitations on Recognition of Prior Learning

Program Requirements

Progression Requirements

Progression rules are in accordance with university policy.

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Similar Program

Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) - BPsychSc(Hons)4518 - Psychological Science (Honours)

Postgraduate Pathway

Master of Psychology (Clinical) - MPsychol(Clin)8256 - Psychology (Clinical)
Master of Psychology (Forensic) - MPsychol(For)8257 - Psychology (Forensic)

Professional Outcomes

Professional Recognition

Graduates are eligible to become an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS; www.psychology.org.au).

Career Opportunities

Psychologist in clinical, correctional, counselling, educational, organisational settings; academic research; developmental disabilities and rehabilitation; ergonomics; health research; marketing; work health and safety; personnel selection; training; management; vocational guidance. 

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)