Graduate Diploma in Psychology

This course offers graduates a major in psychology conditionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), permitting them to undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications. Full accreditation is typically granted after the first cohort of graduates complete.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8, the Bologna Cycle 1 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

• summarise and differentiate between core psychology topic areas in terms of their theoretical background, conceptualisation, and prediction of patterns in behaviour, psychological functioning and mental health. (Core topic areas include: sensation and perception; learning and memory; personality and intelligence; abnormal psychology; social psychology; developmental psychology; biological psychology; history and philosophy of psychology)
• outline and critique the theoretical background to, construction of, administration of, and interpretation of psychological tests and assessment procedures
• undertake scientific research, that includes critical analysis of current literature, along with evaluation and synthesis of complex research problems to advance our understanding of psychology
• take an independent role in the development and execution of rigorous new research utilising advanced statistical skills and methodology, providing solutions to complex problems
• demonstrate clear communication and IT skills in the articulation of knowledge and research outcomes
• disseminate new knowledge in a professional manner, to a variety of audiences
• critically apply legislation relating to research, and professional responsibilities in the practice of psychology and explain the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity, accountability and cohesiveness of the profession
• evaluate and synthesise psychological principles in their application to personal, social, organisational, technological and global issues
• critically reflect upon the practise of psychology and identify ongoing professional development needs especially in relation to new research.

Credit will be granted towards the following units upon completion of an APAC-accredited equivalent psychology unit:

• PSY4111 Psychology 1A
• PSY4122 Psychology 1B

To be eligible for credit, previous learning must have been completed within 10 years prior to the year of application for credit. Refer to the University's Credit policyCredit policy (http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/admissions/credit-policy.html) for details.

12 points

Course progression requirements

Students are expected to pass the following introductory units before proceeding on to other units:

• PSY4111 Psychology 1A
• PSY4122 Psychology 1B

Certain intermediate, advanced, and elective units have additional prerequisite units which students should be aware of when choosing and enrolling in units. Refer to individual unit entries for details.

Students will normally complete one unit in each teaching period. The minimum time for completion in this manner is 20 months.

This course is conditionally accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Upon successful completion of this course, graduates can undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications.

This course consists of nine core units and one elective unit.

The academic calendar for this course consists of six seven-week teaching periods per year. The expected workload for this course is a minimum of 20 hours per week per unit.

Core units

Foundation units

• PSY4111 Psychology 1A
• PSY4122 Psychology 1B

Intermediate units

• PSY4051 Research design and analysis
• PSY4131 Developmental and biological psychology
• PSY4151 Personality and social psychology

Advanced units

• PSY4032 Abnormal psychology
• PSY4041 Psychological testing, theories of ability and ethics
• PSY4062 Research methods and theory
• PSY4081 Perception and cognition

Elective units

At least one elective unit from the following:

• PSY4140 Introduction to counselling
• PSY4150 Contemporary social psychology
• PSY4160 Health psychology
• PSY4170 Neuroscience of cognition and behaviour
• PSY4180 Human neuropsychology: Developmental and neurodegenerative disorders
• PSY4190 Addiction studies
• PSY4340 Psychological foundations of the law
• PSY4350 Psychology of music
• PSY4360 Positive psychology
• PSY4370 Advances in psychology, mental health and neuroscience
• PSY4390 The neuronal basis of consciousness

Note: Not all electives will be available every year.

A Monash University psychology honours program is offered to students who have completed an APAC-accredited psychology major within an accredited course. Admission to the honours year is determined by academic merit. The minimum requirement is a distinction average (70 per cent) in the following advanced units:

• PSY4032 Abnormal psychology
• PSY4041 Psychological testing and ethics
• PSY4062 Research methods and theory
• PSY4081 Perception and cognition

The honours program has limited intake however, and in practice the cut-off is generally in the 75-80 per cent range.