The Graduate Diploma in Psychology
I already have an undergraduate degree in another discipline and now wish to study Psychology, what are my options?
There are two options, you can either enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (1) or you can enrol in a BA-Psychology or BSc-Psychology degree (2).
(1) The Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Macquarie University offers a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychological Society (APS). This award is designed for people who already have a degree that 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 whole degree.
To be awarded the Diploma, students must obtain an aggregate of 33 credit points above 100-level by completing the following: PSY234, PSY235, PSY236, PSY245, PSY246, PSY247 and PSY248 plus 12 credit points in 300-level psychology.
How long will it take to complete the Graduate Diploma?
The normal study plan involves part-time study over 2 years, but it is possible to complete the Graduate Diploma in 1 ½ years.
What do I do if I don't have first-year Psychology and/or Statistics and I want to apply for the Graduate Diploma?
You can take first-year Psychology (PSY104 and PSY105) and Statistics (STAT170) as a part-time non-award student, and then apply to enter the Diploma. Please note STAT170 is also offered in Summer School. Contact the Centre for Open Education (tel. 02-9850 7470) for details and fees, or refer to their website at http://www.coe.mq.edu.au
Is there any other way I can enrol in 1st year psychology units, externally, that are APS accredited?
Yes, we will accept the two 1st year psychology units offered by Open Universities, PSY11 - Introduction to Psychology 1A and PSY12 - Introduction to Psychology 1B.
For more details and fees, please refer to their website at http://www.open.edu.au
If I undertook 1st year psychology and/or statistics at a different institution, how do I find out if this is deemed to be equivalent to Macquarie University's 1st year psychology and/or statistics?
As 1st year Statistics is taught by the Dept. of Statistics, you will have to contact an Exemptions Officer from the Department to have your unit deemed equivalent. You may contact the Statistics Department on 98508555. For Psychology units, contact Ms Radha Pathy in the Department of Psychology. See details below.
Would my previous degree make me eligible for any Advanced Standing if I enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology?
No, all students must complete the full 33 credit points.
Would I be eligible to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology after completing the Graduate Diploma in Psychology?
Yes. Please refer to the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology website for further details at http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/courses/c_pdp.htm
What are the requirements for Honours?
You must complete a minimum of 37 credit points for Honours. The third year must include PSY331 and PSY340 plus two 300-level electives, which is a total of 16 credit points of Psychology units at 300-level.
- Honours applicants will require an average Standard Numerical Grade (SNG) of 70 over all Psychology units plus an average SNG of 70 over 300-level Psychology units.
How much does the Diploma cost?
For details on fees please refer to the following website: http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/Undergrad/current/postgraduate/gradcertdip/psychology.htm#course
FEE-HELP is also available for this program. For more information refer to the
FEE-HELP website at http://www.goingtouni.gov.au
(2) BA-Psychology or BSc-Psychology
If you enrol in a BA-Psychology or BSc-Psychology degree you will receive approximately 28 credit points credit from your previous degree. To be awarded an APS accredited psychology degree you will have to complete the following units:
PSY104, PSY105, STAT170
PSY234, PSY235, PSY236, PSY245, PSY246, PSY247 and PSY248
Plus a minimum of 12 credit points (3 units) in psychology at 300-level
(Note you need a total of 18 credit points (5 units) at 300-level to complete the degree)
Entry to Honours requires additional units. For more information please check the website at http://www.psy.mq.edu.au/courses/c_under.htm#bp_hon
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between the two programs?
The Graduate Diploma, which comprises 33 credit points, is normally completed over two years part-time and fees have to be paid upfront at the start of each semester.
The BA-Psychology/BSc-Psychology is HECS-HELP and you will receive approximately 28 credit points credit from your previous degree. You will then need to complete the psychology major and the requirements of the Degree, which means that typically you will have 48 credit points to study. An undergraduate degree consists of 68 credit points.
Applications for the Graduate Diploma are direct to the University and are not competitive. Applications for the degree are made through UAC (www.uac.edu.au) and are competitive.
What would be a better route for me, enrolling in the Graduate Diploma or enrolling in a BA-Psychology or BSc-Psychology degree?
- If you have already completed 1st year psychology and statistics units in your previous degree you may be better off applying for the Graduate Diploma as it will take you only 1 ½ to 2 years to complete. Fees are up-front for this program. Application is direct to the University and is non-competitive.
- If you have not completed 1st year psychology and statistics units in your previous degree, you will spend the first year of your degree completing these units. It will take you an additional 2 years to complete the degree. Application for the BA-Psychology or BSc Psychology degree is via UAC and entry will be competitive. You are eligible for HECS-HELP within the degree program.
Do you have a mid-year intake for the Graduate Diploma degree?
Yes. The forms are available in April.
Can I take more than two years to complete the Diploma?
Yes. You have up to four years.
Further information:
Academic Advice |
Ms Radha Pathy Department of Psychology Ph: (02) 9850-8048 Fax (02) 9850-9911 or email radha.pathy@mq.edu.au |
Administrative enquiries |
Undergraduate Studies |
For information on costs, application forms and closing dates, refer to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology website at: http://www.reg.mq.edu.au/Undergrad/current/postgraduate/gradcertdip/psychology.htm
Recommended Study Plan for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology
The Graduate Diploma consists of the following units: (credit points in brackets)
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)
Plus three Psychology electives at 300 level (12)
Requirements for Honours:
PSY331 Design and Statistics III (4)
PSY340 Research Methods in Psychology (4)
A) Over 2 years
Please note PSY3xx denotes any psychology elective at 300 level
YEAR 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| PSY234 | PSY235 |
| PSY248 | PSY236 |
YEAR 2
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| PSY246 | PSY245 |
| PSY3xx | PSY247 |
| PSY3xx | PSY3xx |
B) Over 1 ½ years
YEAR 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| PSY234 | PSY235 |
| PSY246 | PSY236 |
| PSY248 | PSY245 |
| PSY247 |
YEAR 2
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|
| PSY3xx |
| PSY3xx |
| PSY3xx |
C) For Honours
YEAR 1
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| PSY234 | PSY235 |
| PSY246 | PSY236 |
| PSY248 | PSY247 |
YEAR 2
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| PSY331 | PSY245 |
| PSY340 | PSY3xx |
| PSY3xx |
*Note, you need a GPA of 2.5 to enrol in PSY340