Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)

This course is not offered in 2021.

Course Aims

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) provides an accredited fourth year of study in psychology. This is an essential requirement for the process of registration as a psychologist to begin. The course allows students to specialise in areas of psychology that are of interest to the student as well as study topic areas that provide theoretical and applied knowledge in the practice of psychology. In addition, research training in the form of a supervised group project gives students a thorough understanding of the scientific method, data analysis and report writing. Research is fundamental to the understanding of human behaviour and in the application of that understanding to the practice of psychology. Intensive schools provide support, guidance and experience in basic professional skills throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge of the core topics of Psychology, including: abnormal psychology, biological bases of behaviour, cognition, information processing and language, individual differences, testing and assessment, learning, lifespan development, motivation and emotion, perception, social psychology, history and philosophy of psychology, intercultural diversity and indigenous psychology; describe, apply and evaluate the different research methods used by psychologists and demonstrate practical skills in psychological research design and data analysis; conduct studies to address psychological questions, including: frame research questions; undertake literature reviews; formulate testable hypotheses; operationalise variables; choose an appropriate methodology; make valid and reliable measurements; analyse data, interpret results, and write research reports using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions; critically evaluate psychological literature, question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions, and recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking; demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (eg, debate, group discussion, presentation) to share or impart psychological knowledge; demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the most widely used psychological assessments and evidence-based approaches to psychological interventions and apply the basic skills of psychological interviewing; evaluate and practise the principles of ethical behaviour in research and professional practice, in accordance with the Australian Psychological Society's Code and Guidelines, as well as the Australian 'National Practice Standards for the Mental Health Workforce'; and demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain life-long personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Graduates cover, and are assessed on, a broad range of topics in psychology, including advanced reading courses in specific areas of psychology and topics in the history and theory of psychology and professional ethics and practice. The course includes specific Australian aspects of the practice of psychology as well as global perspectives on the study of psychology. Communication Skills Graduates will have well-developed communication skills which are taught, assessed and practised through written assignments and face-to-face (or online equivalent) tutorial and laboratory sessions and seminars and units in professional practice. Problem Solving Graduates will have a sound understanding of key problem solving strategies in the discipline and be able to apply these skills to develop their own responses to particular problems in different environments, topics and issues. Most assessment activities are based on theoretical and/or empirical problem solving activities. Information Literacy Graduates will have developed advanced information literacy skills through literature searching, objective scientific writing, exposure to professional practice and research and analysis skills. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Graduates will be taught to understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with the discipline. They will understand and be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community and the environment. The core topics components emphasise the ethics and social responsibility of research and professional practice. Lifelong Learning Graduates will have well developed skills associated with the access and understanding of research literature and associated with the professional practice of psychology. These skills equip students for future learning and development. Independence and Collaboration Graduates will be encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate, to work collaboratively. These skills will be developed through on-campus and online interactive teaching. Graduates will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner. Most of the core topic components require group-based online and intensive school participation.