Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UTS Online

UTS Graduate Diploma in Psychology offers 10 online subjects over at least 20 months, providing a foundation for further psychology study.

Layered head silhouettes and a woman in a UTS Online Graduate Diploma in Psychology banner.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology from UTS Online follows the latest American Psychological Association Guidelines 3.0. The course develops skills in research, data interpretation, and evidence-based interventions designed to improve outcomes for individuals and communities. It builds a scientific approach to psychology and mental health.

UTS Psychology Course Overview

UTS Online offers a psychology conversion course for graduates from other disciplines. Across 10 subjects (60 credit points), students complete the psychology sequence normally studied within a three-year bachelor degree.

Students study entirely online and part-time, completing one unit at a time and up to six units per year. Minimum completion time is 20 months.

Accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) requires a common foundation of psychological knowledge and research skills. As a result, the main study areas are similar to those in other accredited psychology programs. UTS subjects are:

  • Introduction to Psychology Foundations
  • Introduction to Psychological Science
  • Brain and Behaviour
  • Psychological Disorders and Interventions
  • Development Across the Lifespan
  • Research Methods and Theory in Psychology
  • Research Design and Analysis in Psychology
  • Psychological Assessment, Ethics and Professional Skills
  • Society, Psychological Health and Wellbeing
  • Cognitive Psychology

Graduates may apply for honours or an equivalent fourth year of psychology, subject to entry requirements. Further study and training are required to become a registered psychologist. Full entry requirements, fees and subject details are available from UTS Online.

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UTS Psychology Review

A prominent review of the UTS program may unfairly rate the course as overly difficult. A Reddit reviewer clearly struggled with the graduate diploma and left with one unit remaining. Negative feedback came from multiple instructors, and the reviewer also complained about peer assessment.

Our view: criticising UTS is safe territory on Reddit in this case. On the other hand, questioning academic merit may be seen as a personal attack on the poster. But comforting a disappointed student does not establish that they were treated harshly.

A graduate diploma is a stepping stone towards psychologist registration. Future psychologists need to be able to:

  • Think independently and evaluate scientific evidence.
  • Advise and guide people with serious mental health problems.
  • Work with other highly trained professionals and learn from critical feedback.

Not every student who passes the graduate diploma earns a place in honours-level study. UTS requires a minimum GPA of 5/7 for its honours-equivalent Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), and meeting that minimum does not guarantee admission. The qualification is a serious step towards professional standing.

What Can I Do with the Graduate Diploma?

A Graduate Diploma in Psychology can open up a wide range of career opportunities in Australia beyond the traditional psychologist pathway. This qualification can lead to many of the same job opportunities from a psychology bachelor degree, and in some cases more, depending on your previous study and work background.

Psychotherapy session with client

Your understanding of human behaviour, communication, and problem-solving can be valuable in areas such as case management, human resources, and communications. These are fields where psychological insight can be applied in practical and meaningful ways.

Roles such as Case Manager, Mental Health Support Worker, Program Manager, and Human Resources Specialist are just a few examples where psychology graduates may be well suited. These roles draw on transferable skills that can be used across many sectors.

Not every psychology graduate becomes a psychologist, but the qualification still provides a strong base for further study and a broad set of employment options. Some roles require extra training, though the Graduate Diploma gives you a solid starting point.

Related: What Does a Psychologist Do in Australia?