Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour. It is an extremely diverse discipline that encompasses many aspects of functioning, both normal and abnormal. Psychology is concerned with such things as individual and group behaviour patterns, physical actions and thought processes as well as our interaction with the environment and others.
Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (GDP) enables graduates from other disciplines to complete a major in psychology and provides a means of accessing postgraduate program study in psychology. The GDP meets accreditation requirements of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for an undergraduate sequence in psychology. It may lead to a fourth year of study (Honours or Honours equivalent) in psychology.
University of Sydney Advantage
The School of Psychology at the University of Sydney is the oldest, largest and is considered the most prestigious in Australia. Graduates of this school have been remarkably successful, occupying senior positions at universities and in industry worldwide.
Program Expectations
GDP students will study subjects that are identical to second and third year psychology subjects necessary for a psychology major in an undergraduate degree.
Mode of Delivery
Most classes are held during the day, finishing no later than 7pm. You will usually have a choice of times. However, while some classes are available in the late afternoon or early evening, class attendance earlier in the day is necessary.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the GDP must hold an appropriate undergraduate degree and have successfully completed Psychology 1001 and Psychology 1002 or equivalent introductory psychology units. Applicants who have not already done so may study these two subjects as nondegree students. When assessing your application your undergraduate record will be taken into account.
Please note: students must submit a separate non-degree application to apply for Psychology 1001 and 1002.
Program Requirements
Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 48 credit points across intermediate and senior psychology. For more information consult the School of Psychology website.
Units of Study
Up to date list of units of study.
After Graduation
If you plan to use your study of psychology to become professionally qualified, the GDP fully meets accreditation requirements of the APS as an undergraduate sequence in psychology. Currently in NSW, full registration as a professional psychologist requires four years of study in psychology and an additional two years of postgraduate study or two years of experience under supervision. Full membership of the APS requires an Honours or Honours equivalent fourth year, followed by a fifth and sixth year of postgraduate study.
After successfully completing the GDP, students may apply for graduate study in psychology at the University of Sydney. They may undertake a fourth year of psychology in:
- Psychology 4 (Honours);
And later:
- Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (DCP)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
For more information about higher degree studies in psychology at The University of Sydney please visit the School of Psychology’s website: www.psych.usyd.edu.au.
Credit for Previous Study
Students can apply for credit for up to 24 credit points if they have already completed studies which the Faculty deems equivalent to those in the GDP. They must have completed these units of study within an APS accredited degree program within the previous ten years. Equivalent study at an international university may be acceptable. If students are seeking credit, they should complete the relevant application for credit form available from the Faculty of Science.
Annual Intake
Acceptable students are offered places, subject to availability.
Minimum program duration - Combination Part Time and Full Time
GDP – 3 semesters
Minimum program duration - Part Time
GDP – 4 semesters
Is Mid-Year Entry Available?
Yes
Important Note: This course is not offered to international students.