Graduate Diploma in Psychology - 2019

Postgraduate - Course

Commencement year

This course entry applies to students commencing this course in 2019 and should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

Other commencement years for this course: 2018 and 2017

Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.

Course code

M5013

Credit points

60

Abbreviated title

GradDipPsych

Managing faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Admission and fees

Australia

Course type

Specialist
Graduate diploma

Standard duration

1.7 years PT

Part-time study only.

You have a minimum of 1.5 years and a maximum of 5 years to complete this course including any periods of intermission and suspension, and must be continuously enrolled throughout.

Mode and location

Online (Monash Online)

This course is taught online.

Award

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Notes

  • This course is not available to international students who are holders of an Australian student visa, for study onshore in Australia. However holders of some other categories of Australian visas living in Australia, and students studying off-campus by distance learning and living outside of Australia, may be eligible for this course.

Description

This course offers graduates a major in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), permitting them to undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications.

Outcomes

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. outline and critique the theoretical background to, construction of, administration of, and interpretation of psychological tests and assessment procedures
  3. 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
  4. take an independent role in the development and execution of rigorous new research utilising advanced statistical skills and methodology, providing solutions to complex problems
  5. demonstrate clear communication and IT skills in the articulation of knowledge and research outcomes
  6. disseminate new knowledge in a professional manner, to a variety of audiences
  7. 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
  8. evaluate and synthesise psychological principles in their application to personal, social, organisational, technological and global issues
  9. critically reflect upon the practise of psychology and identify ongoing professional development needs especially in relation to new research.

Professional recognition

This course offers graduates a major in psychology accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), permitting them to undertake the further training needed to obtain professional qualifications.

Structure

The course consists of nine core units and one elective unit. You must complete both foundational units (PSY4111and PSY4122) before proceeding to the intermediate units (PSY4131 and PSY4051). Once both intermediate units are complete, you are able to progress onto the advanced level units.

This course enables you to gain an introduction to psychology as a behavioural science including training in research techniques and research design and analysis. As you progress through the course, you will cover topics such as developmental and biological psychology, abnormal psychology, principles and processes of test development, test administration and test interpretation. The course also covers cognitive psychology, social psychology and personality. You will gain a strong foundation in professional ethics for psychologists, including advanced knowledge of the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of practising psychologists.

Requirements

The course comprises 10 units (60 points).

Units are 6 points, unless otherwise stated.

You must complete:

and one elective unit from the following:

  • PSY4140 Introduction to counselling
  • PSY4170 Neuroscience of cognition and behaviour

Progression to further studies

Successful completion of this course provides a pathway for you to progress to APAC-accredited fourth year psychology programs, such as the following courses offered at Monash University:

Admission to fourth-year courses is determined by academic merit. Admission requirements can be found via the Monash StudyStudy (https://www.monash.edu/study) website.