Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology

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Set your psychology career in motion. The Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology from Charles Sturt University is a fourth year study in psychology. Further study and/or training will be required to pursue your career as a psychologist. This psychology degree also provides an avenue to postgraduate studies.

 

 

Now even more affordable: save on your fees with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) when you start in 2023. A CSP also means you can apply for a HECS-HELP loan to pay for your studies and defer repayment until you earn above a certain amount. Check the 'Fees' section to see how much you can save with a CSP.

This course is part of an articulated program of study. Articulated programs allow you to build on your study to achieve the right level of qualification for you.

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    Key information

    Study mode and sessions

    Online
    Next session start: March 2, 2026
    Session 1 : March 2, 2026
    Online

    Duration

    Minimum time - 1 year(s)
    Maximum time - 2 year(s)

    Entry score

    TBA

    Indicative fees

    TBA

    Course points and codes

    Credit Points: 64
    AQF: Level 8
    Cricos:

    Additional information

    • Professionally accredited course
    • Commonwealth supported places available
    • Credit and admission pathways

    Postgrad study just got a whole lot more affordable. Save up to 43 per cent with a Commonwealth supported place (CSP). Limited places available.

    Why study with us?

    The Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology provides a fourth-year qualification in psychology. It comprises four coursework subjects and two research thesis subjects.

    Become a psychologist

    This psychology degree is a pathway to pursue a career in psychology. Further study and training are required to become a registered psychologist.

    Transfer to Honours

    You may become eligible to transfer to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) if you demonstrate excellent academic performance during the first year of the Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology.

    Professional Accreditation

    This course is professionally accredited by -

    • Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

    Please refer to the Charles Sturt Professional Accreditation resource for specific information and a link to the accreditation body.

    We’re #1 in NSW for postgraduate overall experience.

    *Good Universities Guide 2022/23

    Career opportunities

    This psychology degree is a pathway to the further study and training required to become a registered psychologist. For more information about the path to becoming a registered psychologist, please visit the Australian Psychological Society and the Psychology Board. Psychologists work in diverse settings as a provisional psychologist across Australia. You could provide counselling and wellbeing services in social welfare positions; work with large and small companies or consulting firms in the areas of marketing, management and human resource management; or work in schools, community services or corrections.

      What you will study

      For each 8-point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations. If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.

      Intensive school

      You may need to attend an online or on-campus intensive school for certain subjects in this course. These schools usually involve lectures, tutorials and practicals that will give you a deeper understanding of your subject.

      Core subjects 32 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      PSY404Psychological Assessment8 credit pts
      PSY421Psychological Interventions8 credit pts
      PSY429Contemporary Topics in Psychology8 credit pts
      PSY474Counselling Skills8 credit pts

      Research32 Credit Points

      Legend:
      • Intensive school
      • Workplace learning
      PSY472Psychology Research Thesis 116 credit pts
      PSY473Psychology Research Thesis 216 credit pts
      For enrolment pattern please refer to the handbook.

      Graduation requirements

      As a Charles Sturt University student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.

      Costs

      Calculate my fee

      The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.

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      How is this calculated?

      This is an estimate

      • Fees calculated based on 1 year of full-time study (ETSL).
      • Fees dependant on chosen subjects.
      • Subject to annual increase each year.

      Scholarships

      We have scholarships and grants, totalling over $11 million annually!

      They cover various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living and individuals in unique circumstances.

      Explore scholarships

      Entry requirements

      Please note: This course is only available for Charles Sturt alumni.

      Selection rank:

      TBA

      Learn about how our selection ranks are calculated (including ATARs and adjustment factors).

      View the course profile for this course.

      Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology must meet the following Admission Requirements:

      • Completion of Charles Sturt University's Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) within the previous ten years with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in core level 2 & 3 psychology subjects of  the accredited sequence
        OR
      • Completion of Charles Sturt's Graduate Diploma of Psychology within the previous ten years with a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher

      Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.  Click here to view the specific international course entry requirements.

      Credit and pathways

      If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Which would mean completing your qualification quicker. Find out how to apply for credit and see our credit policy.

      Check your eligibility for credit

      We also have several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first. Find out what admission pathways are available to you.

      How to apply

      Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. Choose how you want to apply below, or get in touch with Charles Sturt University and we can help you with your application.

      Apply via UAC

      Important dates

      Refer to key dates on the UAC website

      Apply through UAC
      Apply via VTAC

      Important dates

      Refer to key dates on the VTAC website

      Apply through VTAC
      Apply directly to Charles Sturt

      Important dates

      31 October 2024
      Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology - Application Closing Date

      Please note

      This course does not accept late or extended applications. Only on-time applications will be considered for admission.

      Important dates

      31 October 2025
      Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology - Application Closing Date

      This course does not accept late or extended applications. Only on-time applications will be considered for admission.

      Check out our direct application closing dates

      Apply direct
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