Psychology is the field of inquiry that uses scientific techniques and methods to understand and explain behaviour and experience. As a profession, it involves the application of psychological knowledge to practical problems in human behaviour. Subjects in the program are drawn from the following topic areas of psychology: history of psychology, biological psychology, learning, social psychology, lifespan development, sensation and perception, individual differences, personality and cognitive processes.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a three-year sequence in Psychology. The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies prepares graduates for an accredited fourth year in Psychology; it does not comprise such a fourth year.
Study Mode
One and a half years full-time or three years part-time.
This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as an undergraduate three year sequence in Psychology.
Admission
Applicants must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline (Non Psychology major or Psychology major older than 10 years).
Applications from Australian and New Zealand citizens and holders of permanent resident visas may be made via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly through the Western Portal. Use the links below to apply via UAC or Western Sydney University. Applications made directly to Western Sydney do not have an application fee.
Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.
All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.
International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.
Advanced standing
All applicants will have the equivalent of a three year Bachelors' degree in the AQF framework and for specified credit for any psychology subjects. Advanced standing will only be given for psychology subjects from APAC accredited awards under the university's specified credit rules. The maximum specified credit for the award will be 60 credit points. At least 50 percent (60 credit points) of the required credit points for the award must be achieved through formal study at Western Sydney University.
Program Structure
Qualification for this award requires the successful completion of 120 credit points which include the subjects listed in the recommended sequence below.
Recommended Sequence
Subjects run concurrently on both Bankstown and Penrith Campus.
