What will I learn on a graduate diploma in psychology (advanced)?

Do you want to become a psychologist but aren’t sure where to start? A graduate diploma in psychology (advanced) is the perfect way for many students to achieve this. But what will you learn on the course? Finding out the answer to this can be tricky, especially if you are returning to education after a break, but it doesn’t need to be an impossible challenge.

We are here with the answers you need to help you decide if a graduate diploma in psychology (advanced) is the right course for you.

What is a graduate diploma in psychology (advanced)?

A graduate diploma in psychology (advanced) is a postgraduate course where you will expand your knowledge of psychological science and develop your professional skills. The course will help you continue your journey to becoming a registered psychologist. The course is designed for those with an understanding of psychology already, so you might be better suited to a graduate diploma or certificate of psychology if you have never studied psychology before.

The course can be delivered full-time or part-time, with the option to study online, too. Online study allows you to study at a time that suits you, with plenty of time to continue working or manage your other commitments. How long the course takes varies depending on how you choose to study, with your course provider offering more specific guidance for you.

What will I learn on a graduate diploma in psychology (advanced)?

What you learn on a graduate diploma of psychology (advanced) can vary slightly depending on your chosen course provider. However, there will be overlapping content to ensure that every aspiring psychologist gains the necessary skills and knowledge. The learning outcomes of a graduate diploma of psychology (advanced) usually include the following:

• Apply theory to practice – understanding and applying the principles and underlying theories of contemporary psychological interventions
• Design your research and analyse data – gaining skills as you design, analyse, conduct, and critique research in psychology
• Prepare for the profession – learning core communication and interviewing skills for a range of professional contexts

During your graduate diploma of psychology (advanced), you will complete eight units, which will help you prepare for work as a psychologist. The titles of these units can vary slightly depending on your course provider, but you can expect to see similar unit titles and content in your course brochure:

Applications of psychological assessment

This unit teaches you about psychometric theory and the principles of construction, interpretation, and implementation of some of the most widely used standardised test instruments.

Applications of psychological interventions

In this unit, you will learn the principles and underlying theories relating to a range of evidence-based psychological intervention strategies.

Applied psychological practice

Here, you will gain skills in analysing applied psychological problems and applying basic psychological assessment and intervention strategies.

Applied psychological research design

You will work under supervision as you develop a proposal for a research project. You can choose any area for your research project, but your supervisor might guide you depending on their research areas and the support they can offer you.

Communicating research in psychology

You will work with supervision as you collect and analyse data. This data will allow you to explore one or more research questions related to an area of inquiry in psychology.

Evidence-based practice in psychology

In this unit, you will learn advanced skills for designing, analysing, and critiquing psychology research.

Foundations of client-centred psychological practice

Qualitative research skills and applications

Here, you will learn about theoretical frameworks and methodologies, developing practical skills for designing, conducting, and analysing qualitative research in psychology.

What can I do with a graduate diploma in psychology (advanced)?

After completing your graduate diploma of psychology (advanced), several career options await you. You can apply for a provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia or continue your studies to become a registered psychologist. The choice of options allows you to find a pathway into working as a psychologist that best suits you.

Alternatively, you can choose to work after completing your studies. Many graduates find themselves working in a variety of human-centred roles, including:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Human resource management
• Human services
• Marketing

Find your psychology course today

A graduate diploma in psychology (advanced) provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue your journey to becoming a registered psychologist. With plenty of support and guidance, you can understand and critique key psychological practices and theories, which will allow you to become a better psychologist. So why not start your course today?