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Department of Psychology

Frequently Asked Questions - Graduate Diploma of Psychology

What is the Graduate Diploma of Psychology?

This award is designed for people who already have a degree, in a discipline other than Psychology, (which includes a recognised* first year in Psychology and Statistics), and who would now like to take second- and third-year psychology units without having to complete another full degree.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
*Recognised by APAC or its equivalent if degree was completed overseas.

Will I still be eligible to apply if I have an undergraduate psychology degree?

From 2012 onwards, students who have completed an APAC accredited psychology major, within the last 10 years, will not be eligible to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

To check if your psychology degree is accredited, please see the following website: http://www.apac.psychology.org.au/Content.aspx?ID=1048

What are the entry requirements?

Entry is non-competitive, and requires a minimum PASS for 1st year psychology and statistics prerequisites.

Please note: Whilst the Graduate Diploma in Psychology requires completion of a Bachelor degree, it does not have the status of a postgraduate award.

What is the program of study?

To be awarded the Diploma, students must obtain an aggregate of 33 credit points above 100-level by completing the following:

  • PSY234 Social and Personality Psychology (3)
  • PSY235 Developmental Psychology (3)
  • PSY236 Biopsychology and Learning (3)
  • PSY245 Principals of Psychological Assessment (3)
  • PSY246 Cognitive Processes I (3)
  • PSY247 Perception I (3)
  • PSY248 Design and Statistics II (3)
  • PSY399 Psychological Science: Putting Theory into Practice (3)
plus 9 credit points of Psychology units at 300 level.

Could I be granted credits for previous study?
If approved you may receive up to 25% of the Macquarie program requirement.

How many electives do I have to complete?
There are no required electives for Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

What if I do not meet the first year prerequisites?

If your previous degree does not meet the prerequisite for 1st year Psychology and Statistics, you will need to enrol in
Psy104 - Introduction to Psychology I, Psy105 – Introduction to Psychology II and PSY122 Design and Statistics I as Non-Award units via the Centre for Open Education.

Please note that you will have to enrol in PSY104 and PSY122 concurrently. For information on admission and fees, please refer to: http://www.coe.mq.edu.au/

Alternatively, if you work full-time and need to complete these units via distance education, you can complete both 1st year psychology units offered by Deakin University, HPS111 – Introduction to Psychology A and HPS121 – Introduction to Psychology B. Note these units include statistics and therefore meet the requirements for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

For more details and fees, please refer to: http://www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/online-offcampus-studies/index.php

Will this allow me entry to fourth year?

For eligibility to Psychology Honours, applicants must meet the entry requirements as set out in the Undergraduate Handbook (http://handbook.mq.edu.au/2011/).

Students enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology program will be required to have earned at least 39 credit points, which must include PSY349 (Design & Statistics III) and PSY351 (Research Methods in Psychology) plus four 300-level electives.

This brings the total to 18 credit points of Psychology units at 300-level. For further details, please refer to: http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/courses/c_4year.htm

On completion of the Graduate Diploma in Psychology program, students can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Psychology. For further information please refer to: http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/courses/c_pdp.htm

For more information on pathways to registration/ accreditation, please refer to: http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/pdf/pathways.pdf

What is the length of candidature?
The Graduate Diploma program is offered over 2 years and comprises units drawn from the regular second and third year undergraduate program. The program is flexible and can be completed in 1 ˝ years on a full-time load or can be extended to a maximum of 4 years.

Is the program available by external study?
The program is not available by external study. Lectures are offered during the day and may be downloaded via iLecture. Practical/tutorial classes are offered in the day time, or late afternoon and early evening. Students are required to attend classes.

How much are the fees?

In 2011 a fee of $612 per credit point, payable on a half-yearly basis, applies to all new students enrolling in this program.

Eligible domestic students may access the Government's loan scheme FEE-HELP. For more information, please refer to: http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

How do I apply?

Application is made directly to the university. The program can be commenced in either Semester 1 (on-line applications available by mid-August) or in Semester 2 (on-line applications available by mid–April)

For information on fees and to access forms, please refer to: http://studentadmin.mq.edu.au/

Who can I contact for additional enquiries?

Academic Advice
Faculty of Human Sciences Undergraduate Student Services Centre
Phone: (02) 9850 9898
Fax: +61 (0)2 9850 9911 or 9850 9912
Website https://ask.mq.edu.au/

Coursework Administrative Enquiries
Coursework - Student Enquiries
Phone: (02) 9850 6410
Email: coursework@mq.edu.au

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