Close-up of a therapist sitting cross-legged with a notebook and pen in hand, while a patient in overalls and a pink long-sleeve shirt sits on a sofa in the background, slightly blurred with arms crossed.

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Kickstart your career in psychology with a 100% online, APAC-accredited diploma that opens doors to postgraduate study and roles helping others thrive.

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Time investment: 1.5 years full-time, Up to 5 years part-time

Location: Online

Cost: AUD 34,800

Language: English

Therapist in a yellow sweater attentively listening to a young client seated on a couch during a therapy session.

Lay a foundation in psychology

Even as the world turns to AI, the demand for human-to-human interaction remains high, especially in the field of psychology.

UNE’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology meets this need by offering an APAC-accredited undergraduate sequence that builds your expertise in psychological science, ethical practice, and cultural awareness.

Delivered 100% online with flexible study options, it’s designed to fit your lifestyle while preparing you to make a meaningful impact in diverse professional and community settings.

Build strong research and analytical skills

Throughout your studies, you’ll gain hands-on experience designing and analysing psychological research, interpreting data, and communicating findings using APA standards.

These skills will sharpen your ability to critically evaluate evidence and make informed, ethical decisions, setting you up for success in further study or professional roles.

Patient with her hair up and wearing a sports jacket smiles during a therapy session, while the therapist listens attentively with legs crossed.

Group counselling session in a bright, modern space, with a smiling therapist leading the discussion among participants.

Open doors to advanced study and psych careers

Completing this diploma may make you eligible for entry to APAC-accredited fourth-year psychology programmes, such as UNE’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or equivalent degrees at universities across Australia.

This important step paves the way for postgraduate training and research pathways needed to become a registered psychologist or specialise in advanced psychology careers.

Where you’ll be studying

Study online with the University of New England (UNE)

UNE is a pioneer in distance education, delivering flexible, high-quality learning for over 70 years.

With a strong reputation for academic excellence and student support, UNE’s online programmes are designed to fit around your life, wherever you are.

Learn from expert academics in an inclusive digital environment and graduate with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance your career on your terms.

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Learning outcomes

Think like a psychologist

Acquire in-depth understanding of core psychological topics, from neuroscience to psychopathology and intervention, and apply this knowledge reflexively and with cultural sensitivity.

Do the research right

Design, analyse, and report psychological research using appropriate quantitative and qualitative approaches and APA standards.

Question the evidence

Assess and question psychological literature and real-world claims, linking theory to practical application and communicating these insights effectively.

Team up and speak out

Apply strong interpersonal skills to collaborate and communicate effectively in written and oral formats across psychology and related settings.

Lead with ethics first

Demonstrate appropriate values and ethical conduct required for psychological practice and research.

Continue growing

Take self-directed action to sustain personal and professional growth within the evolving science and practice of psychology.

Find out more about this degree

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Additional information

To apply for this degree, you’ll need to have completed Australian Year 12, an equivalent overseas qualification, or a relevant diploma.

If you’re partway through a diploma and have relevant work experience, you’re still encouraged to apply. You’ll just need to show that you’ve completed at least a high school qualification or equivalent.

Since this programme is taught in English, you’ll need to show you meet one of the following criteria:

English is your first language
You’ve completed at least one year of study (within the past five years) in English at senior secondary, post-secondary, or tertiary level, in a country where English is an official language
You passed an English subject at Australian Year 12 level (or an equivalent overseas qualification)
You’ve completed an approved English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at UNE or another NEAS-accredited provider
You hold registration with a recognised body (such as AHPRA, AMC, ANMAC, NESA or APC) that requires English proficiency

Alternatively, you can also demonstrate your eligibility with one of these test scores:

IELTS: 6.0 overall (no band less than 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 79 overall (with at least 22 in writing)
PTE Academic: 57 overall (with no skill below 50)

UNE’s online degrees give you the freedom to shape your learning through a flexible mix of core modules, major-specific units, and electives.

Core modules build essential business skills and knowledge to set you up for success.
Major-specific units let you dive deeper into your selected field.
Electives give you the chance to explore topics outside your major and expand your perspective.

This modular approach helps you gain a strong foundation while tailoring your degree to suit your goals.

This diploma sets you up to take the next step in your studies—whether that’s honours, a master’s, or a PhD. Or, if you’re ready to jump into work, you’ll have the skills to make an impact in areas like mental health, education, marketing, HR, and social services. Wherever you want to go, understanding human behaviour will give you a strong advantage.