Psychology is the study of mental processes and human behaviour. It is a challenging and extremely wide-ranging discipline which involves the application of several scientific techniques in order to understand almost every aspect of our daily lives, from thought to action, feelings and reactions.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology provides an opportunity for graduates holding a bachelor's degree in another area to undertake the undergraduate sequence of psychology units as preparation for a further Psychology programme or subsequent postgraduate studies in Psychology. This qualification is also extremely practical for those seeking a mid-career switch or to individuals who need a qualification to supplement their careers.

The University’s Accolades

• University of Western Australia (UWA) belongs to the prestigious Group of Eight, a collaboration of the top research universities in Australia
• UWA scored five stars ratings for research intensity and student to staff ratios. In relation to undergraduate students, it scored five stars for difficulty to get in and positive graduate outcomes and a four star rating for success in getting a job and graduate starting salaries. (Good Universities Guide, 2008)
• UWA has been ranked 47th of the Top 100 World Universities. (University of Shanghai Jiaotong, Institute of Higher Education and Social Research, 2008 Academic Ranking in the field of Life and Agricultural Sciences)
• UWA has been ranked first in Australia for the quality of its undergraduate students and second for the quality of its undergraduate programmes. (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, 2006)
• A World Top 100 University. (Newsweek, 2006)
• Nobel Prize Winning University – Professor Barry Marshall and Emeritus Professor Robin Warren for Physiology or Medicine 2005

Course Structure

• The course consist of 14 units; each amounting to 6 credit points
• 2 semesters in year; April and September
• 1 module is taught over 8 weeks

Course Outline

Delivery of modules may not follow the sequence as shown and subject to change.

*Or Lifespan Motor Development (SSEH3345), subject to the Faculty approval

Duration

The course may be completed within an average of 3 years.

Assessment and Examination

Students are given a unit outline at the commencement of each unit. The unit outline provides the assessment mode and weightings for the unit. Most units have several points of assessments, which may include laboratory assignments, projects, mid-term examinations and final examinations.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry score for The University of Western Australia’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology programme are:

Local Student Admission

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university in a subject area other than Psychology; OR
• A qualification of equivalent status

Applicants who do not meet the above requirements may also apply, but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

English Language Proficiency

Please note that all students must also meet the following minimum English proficiency requirements:

• C6 or better for GCE ‘O’ Level; OR
• 570 (paper-based total) and 230 (computer-based total) in TOEFL with Essay Rating/TWE of 4.5 or Internet-based Test (iBT): An overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in the Writing section and no less than 20 in the other sections; OR
• 6.5 in IELTS with no band less than 6.0; OR
• ‘C’ grade for the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English

Graduation Requirements

For more information on graduation requirements, please click here: http://courses.handbooks.uwa.edu.au/courses/c5/5034.

Availability

Local Student Admission

Part-time intake in 2011: April

Course Fees

Part-time pathway

Graduates of PSB Academy can enjoy fee rebates for subsequent courses. Please contact your Admissions Officer for further details.

* All fees inclusive of 7% GST and subject to change annually
* Course fee excludes textbooks, lab coats and safety goggles
* Click here to view other charges for students

Updated on 28 March 2011; PSB Academy reserves the right to amend this information without prior notice.