Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology)

This degree will not offer a 2007 intake. There will instead be an increase in the number of places offered in Psychology Honours.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology) (GradDipSc (Psych)) provides students with the opportunity of conceiving and carrying out original high level research, further developing their understanding of the complexities of bio-psycho-social phenomena and critically evaluating concepts relevant to such phenomena.

This degree is highly suitable for students who have completed an APS approved major in psychology and who wish to complete a fourth year of study for the purposes of entry into fifth and sixth year studies in psychology and/or to satisfy (in part) the requirements for registration as a psychologist in NSW. Full-time students cannot be engaged in full time employment or another program of full time study.

University of Sydney Advantage

Student intake for the Graduate Diploma in Science (Psychology) is highly selective and the staff-student ratio is particularly high. Some units offered under this program, such as Problem Gambling, are unique and not easily found at other institutions.

Course Expectations

The GradDipSc (Psych) meets the standards set by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for what they call an “honours equivalent 4th year course”, and is accredited by the APS as such. This means that students who successfully complete the GradDipSc (Psychology) will be eligible to apply for entry into fifth and sixth year program in Psychology at Australian universities. The NSW (Psychologists) Registration Board recognises the GradDipSc (Psych) program as providing a fourth year of university training in psychology necessary (but not sufficient) for registration in NSW. The program does not provide practitioner training in applied skills – coursework is largely concerned with the theoretical and methodological aspects of those applied areas.

Mode of Delivery

The course is taught during the daytime only at the Camperdown campus and involves attending lectures and seminars. Full-time students will be required to attend at least three days per week. Part-time students must complete the research project and Psychological Research Methods in their first year.

Admission Requirements

Entry into the course is competitive, is based on academic merit and requires:

• a bachelor’s degree with an APS accredited major in psychology obtained within the past 10 years
• a minimum credit average result in third year psychology
• third year level statistical methods to a standard deemed acceptable by our School

Is mid-year entry available?

No

Course Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 48 credit points.

After Graduation

Students who complete the GradDipSc (Psych) with Merit will be eligible to apply for entry into postgraduate psychology programs at the University of Sydney. The NSW (Psychologists) Registration Board recognises the GradDipSc (Psych) program as providing a fourth year of university training in psychology necessary (but not sufficient) for registration in NSW. The program does not provide practitioner training in applied skills - coursework is largely concerned with the theoretical and methodological aspects of those applied areas.

Annual intake

45

Minimum Course Duration – Full Time

GradDipSc(Psych) - 1 year

Minimum Course Duration - Part Time

GradDipSc(Psych) - 2 years

Special Note

There is a quota of 45 students. Selection will usually be based on academic merit.