Best Graduate Diploma in Psychology Online

James Cook University's program offers unique subjects such as environmental psychology & sustainable futures, neuroscience & biological bases of behaviour, and principles of counselling, thus delivering an extensive focus on environmental psychology, neuroscience, and counselling principles.

Environmental Psychology & Sustainable Futures

Students are introduced to the Environmental Psychology field and the role of psychology in developing sustainable futures. You'll examine the contribution of psychology to understanding and influencing human behaviour in relation to global sustainability challenges.

Human Development Across the Lifespan

This subject explores the human experience of life, with particular attention to physical, cognitive, and social-emotional changes during the life span. We examine the interplay of genes and environment; cognitive growth and decline; sensory perceptions; language and lifelong learning; and ageing and perspectives on death.

Individual Differences in Personality

Let's explore past and emerging theoretical approaches to personality. Students will also examine individual and cultural differences in how we conceptualise and measure personality in professional practice.

Learning, Memory Cognition and Language

This subject introduces the study of human information processing. We explore major theories and research on how information from the environment is accumulated, processed, retained, retrieved and used. Students consider how to apply research into learning, memory, cognition and language to global challenges, including ageing populations and our increased technological reliance.

Neuroscience & Biological Bases of Behaviour

Students are introduced to theories and concepts concerning the biological origins of behaviour. Topics include nervous system structure and function, how information is transmitted within the nervous system, roles of biological factors in cognition and behaviour; and anatomy and physiology of sensory systems.

Principles of Counselling

The theory and practice of counselling in a multicultural society are introduced to students. You'll explore how to work with diverse clients, accounting for the influence of personal beliefs and values. Students will learn counselling theories and methods and contemplate how therapeutic perspectives may influence your counselling style and practice. You'll also consider legal and ethical issues in a therapeutic setting.

Psychological Disorders and Interventions

This subject introduces empirical approaches to understanding maladaptive thoughts and behaviour, psychosocial disorders, and dysfunction. You'll explore evidence-based assessment and interventions for psychological dysfunction.

Psychology of Health, Wellbeing and Resilience

The field of health psychology is introduced. You'll investigate global health issues, chronic disease and biopsychosocial contributors to health, wellbeing and resilience. Students also consider the roles of motivation and emotion in shaping health and wellbeing.

Research and Statistics for Psychology

This subject explores research design and methods and commonly-used statistical techniques in psychology research and practice. You'll be introduced to the research process; from identifying a research question, planning research and choosing an analysis approach to interpreting data and disseminating results. Students apply their knowledge to case scenarios.

Social Psychology

Students are given an historical overview of group psychology, introducing them to theories and research methods used to explain and predict human thoughts, feelings and social behaviour. You'll examine concepts such as social perception, influence and relations, and examine individual and cultural differences in social cognition. We highlight the applied nature of group psychology with reference to health and wellbeing, human relations and sustainability.

UTS Online's program distinguishes itself by focusing on subjects such as cognitive psychology, psychological assessment, ethics, and professional skills, and society, psychological health and wellbeing.

Introduction to Psychology Foundations

Psychology is about understanding human behaviour and cognitive processes. This subject is one of a two-subject introduction to psychological science that builds foundational skills in academic writing and critical thinking. You'll examine psychological theories across major subfields and how mental and physical health impacts on individuals and society. Students also explore how perceptions of experience are affected by development and social and personality factors. The insights help us better understand behaviour and individual differences.

Introduction to Psychological Science

Complementing 'Introduction to Psychology Foundations', this subject further introduces psychological science. You'll review the history and philosophy of psychology, looking at some of the principles that underly the scientific approach to the study of the mind and behaviour.

Brain and Behaviour

In this subject, you'll learn about neuroanatomy and brain structure and functions, as well as neurobiology and how the brain operates at molecular and cellular levels. Students build understanding of learning principles and the neuroscientific bases of behaviour. You'll also review clinical case studies and experiment with behaviour modification techniques.

Cognitive Psychology

Humans make irrational decisions, our memory is malleable, and we perceive our surroundings without conscious awareness. How do these things happen? Let's find out by exploring relevant theories and empirical studies. We'll explore how biases create an imperfect lens for perceiving our experiences of the world.

Development Across the Lifespan

This subjects builds your understanding of psychological development across our lifespan, from infancy and childhood to adolescence, adulthood and older age. The human brain and mind is always changing under biological, social and cultural pressures. Students explore developmental disorders, along with healthy ageing and cognitive decline.

Psychological Disorders and Interventions

Students evaluate models of how disorders develop and are classified, diagnosed and treated. You'll also explore how socio-cultural factors and scientific developments shaped the dominant models of understanding and professional practice. Finally, students apply knowledge and critical thinking skills to example cases.

Research Methods and Theory in Psychology

You'll explore the scientific method that underpins the scientist-practitioner model. By comparing research techniques and designs, students will learn how the scientific approach differs from pseudoscience. You'll also consider questions, principles and ethics that guide scientist-practitioner work.

Research Design and Analysis in Psychology

Psychological science uses empirical evidence and continually adapts as new data become available. This subject will develop your skills in research design, data analysis and data visualisation. Students use freely available, intuitive software. Part of the course involves working on professional skills in teamwork and the critical interpretation of research findings.

Psychological Assessment, Ethics, and Professional Skills

The skills developed in this subject provide a grounding for the professional skills required by students pursuing an applied psychology career. You'll gain hands-on experience in administering, scoring and interpreting evaluation tools, developing your appreciation of the importance of applying valid, reliable assessment tools in practice and research. You'll also examine the Code of Ethics that governs psychological work, helping you to navigate certain ethical dilemmas.

Society, Psychological Health and Wellbeing

In this subject, you'll develop a greater understanding of how: (a) human life is profoundly influenced by connections to others and to our context and (b) psychological knowledge allows us to alter our context, lives and communities. Students critically evaluate the effects of social connections and context on health and wellbeing. You'll also explore strategies to prevent or resolve interpersonal or cultural conflict, and promote health and wellbeing.