Explore psychology diploma courses in Australia, including accredited pathway programs.
Overview
In Australia, a Diploma in Psychology is typically a one-year course offered by a university. Entry standards are relatively relaxed, and the diploma is equivalent to the first year of a psychology degree. Graduates can usually proceed directly into the second year of a bachelor program.
TAFE courses in psychology are not available. However, a Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing is offered as an accredited program by a private institute.
University graduates from various fields have the option to do a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, equivalent to a bachelor degree. This can be followed by a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), equivalent to an honours year of study. These represent steps towards registration as a psychologist.
Best Courses in Australia
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Private accredited courses for personal or professional development.
Langley Group - Diploma of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing
The Langley Group Institute offers the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing, a 12-month government-accredited program. It combines evidence-based theory with practical applications. Online and face-to-face formats are available, with in-person sessions held in Byron Bay. The course aims to enhance individual and organisational wellbeing, emphasising positive emotions, engagement, meaningful experiences, and relationship building. The program costs $AUD 6,500 for virtual learning and $AUD 7,500 in person.
Available: Online, Byron Bay
TAFE COURSES
Psychology courses at TAFE are mental health programs that provide practical training in how to handle clients or patients with psychological difficulties. Certificate IV and Diplomas in Mental Health are available. Psychology itself is not a specialisation you can study at a TAFE institution. The study of the human mind and behaviour is understood to be fundamentally a scientific endeavour, not a trade or technical skill suitable for TAFE-level training.
ONLINE UNIVERSITY COURSES
University programs available by distance education, leading to a Bachelor of Psychology online.
Charles Darwin University - Diploma of Psychology
The Diploma of Psychology online at Charles Darwin University is an 8-subject one-year course. It leads into a Bachelor of Psychological Science. Participants explore health promotion, ethics in Indigenous contexts, research skills, intercultural sensitivity, and psychological communication. Multiple entry pathways are available. These include an ATAR of 60, vocational qualifications, prior tertiary study, recognised preparation courses, and professional experience.
Available: Online, Darwin
Charles Sturt University - Diploma of Psychological Studies
The Diploma of Psychological Studies at CSU is a two-year, part-time online course designed as a pathway to the Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology). Students gain foundational knowledge in research methods, ethics, developmental and social psychology, and psychological testing. With an entry score of 50, it's highly accessible. The diploma costs $16,320 for domestic students in 2024 and effectively covers the first year of a bachelor degree. FEE-HELP loans are available.
Available: Online, NSW
ON-CAMPUS UNIVERSITY COURSES
University programs requiring in-person attendance.
Griffith University - Diploma of Psychological Science
The Diploma of Psychological Science at Griffith University is offered at the Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt campuses. This program can be completed in one year full-time or over two years part-time. Units cover interpersonal skills, counselling, research methods, and statistics. Graduates can progress to the 2nd year of psychology or counselling bachelor degrees. The entry requirement is an ATAR of 60 or a Certificate III. A $10k tution fee applies to domestic students.
Available: Gold Coast, Brisbane
La Trobe College Australia - Diploma of Psychology
The Diploma of Psychology from La Trobe College Australia is an 8 to 12-month program that provides foundational knowledge. It is designed for those looking to advance to the Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe University. Subjects include statistical modelling, clinical neuroscience, and the psychology of culture, preparing students for diverse careers in psychological and emotional support. The course is available in Melbourne for both domestic and international students. Tuition is A$26,216 for 2024.
Available: Melbourne
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
If you have a university degree (any discipline), consider a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
JCU Online - Graduate Diploma of Psychology
James Cook University offers an affordable Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) online. It offers a fast and efficient way to switch careers and gain the equivalent of a Bachelor of Psychology degree. The 10-subject course is accredited by APAC and can be completed in 20 months of part-time study. Each 7-week teaching period covers one subject. Topics include social and environmental psychology, counselling, and neuroscience. The program also enhances students' technological and data usage skills.
Available: Online
UTS Online - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
UTS offers a Graduate Diploma in Psychology online that is aligned with the latest APA Guidelines. These guidelines outline ethical practices for psychologists in their scientific work. This program provides understanding of human behaviour, social and biological effects on the mind, and research and practice methods in psychology. Designed exclusively for online learning, the course is offered by the UTS Graduate School of Health. It acts as a stepping stone toward becoming a registered psychologist.
Available: Online
UTS Online - Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
UTS Online offers the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). This qualification is a step towards becoming a registered or clinical psychologist. It equates to the honours year of undergraduate studies. The program is research-intensive, requiring students to complete six subjects. These include a focus on career readiness, professional skills, ethical issues, assessment and intervention methods, and advanced research techniques. A significant part of the course involves undertaking two major research projects.
Available: Online