Graduate Diploma in Psychology

Description

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is designed for graduates of other disciplines who may be interested in changing career direction and eventually qualifying as a registered psychologist, or for those who wish to study psychology simply out of interest in the discipline.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology entails the completion of eight compulsory subjects and two elective subjects, each worth 12.5 points (125 points in total). These 10 subjects comprise the three-year undergraduate 'sequence' accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), which is required as a first step for professional registration.

Graduate Diploma in Psychology students participate in the normal lectures and classes of psychology undergraduate students. Unlike our undergraduates, Graduate Diploma students only have to complete the ten subject sequence, and do not need to take additional subjects in other disciplines. All psychology subjects at the University of Melbourne include a laboratory/tutorial component in addition to a lecture program. All Graduate Diploma students, on successful completion, may apply for entry to an accredited fourth year course in psychology at the University of Melbourne or at other Australian universities.

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is offered both as a part-time and as a full-time program.



Graduate Diploma in Psychology students participate in the normal lectures and classes of psychology undergraduate students. Unlike our undergraduates, Graduate Diploma students only have to complete the ten subject sequence, and do not need to take additional subjects in other disciplines. All psychology subjects at the University of Melbourne include a laboratory/tutorial component in addition to a lecture program. All Graduate Diploma students, on successful completion, may apply for entry to an accredited fourth year course in psychology at the University of Melbourne or at other Australian universities.

Requirements

Entry is open to graduates who have completed a three-year undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any discipline. Selection will be based on academic merit and, in particular, academic performance in the final year of study. International students entering the course will need to demonstrate the standards of English language facility required for postgraduate entry to the University of Melbourne.

Mid-year intake (for part-time students only)
Graduates who apply and are selected for mid-year intake should note that their sequence of study will be different to those students who begin in the first semester. Applicants for mid-year entry will need to discuss their course plan with the Department prior to enrolling in the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Application procedures
Applications for local students are made on-line https://sis.unimelb.edu.au/cgi-bin/course-application.pl
2011 Semester 2, intake – applications close 31st May 2011

2012 Summer Semester intake – applications close 31st October 2011

2012 Semester 1, intake - applications close 24th December 2011
The course code is 340AA.

For information on course planning, you can contact the Graduate Diploma Coordinator, Ara Shivanath on aras@unimelb.edu.au

Once you have completed the application, a hard copy must be printed out, signed and returned to the University with certified copy of your Transcript and Proof of Citizenship Status (Birth Certificate, Passport, Citizenship Certificate or Permanent Residency stamp).

Please send the supporting documentation to:
Graduate Diploma in Psychology Coordinator
Psychological Sciences
12 th Floor Redmond Barry Building
University of Melbourne 3010

Processing and making an offer for a place in the course usually takes two weeks from receipt of the application.
Applications for International students go through the International Office. http://www.futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/int/

Notes

Course objectives
100-level psychology subjects are designed to give students an overview of the study of psychology and provide grounding in the methodology of the discipline. Mind, Brain and Behaviour 1 focuses on the workings of the individual from a psychological perspective. It includes detail of the neural components constituting the brain, the operation of the sensory systems underlying interaction with the external environment and the cognitive processes that construct the internal world experienced by the individual. Careful consideration will be given to the nature of this internal world and the importance of its relationship to the external world.

Mind, Brain and Behaviour 2 focuses on the development of the individual and their interaction with their environment and considers what the consequences are, both when this interaction proceeds smoothly and when it does not proceed smoothly. Questions concerning human development giving attention to cognitive and to social-emotional aspects are explored. An understanding of some basic issues in human development is complemented with an examination of the nature and development of personality and human interaction in social groups and cultural settings.

200 and 300 Level psychology subjects provide students with the opportunity to critically examine basic psychological concepts and theories in the areas of biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, sensation and perception, and social psychology. Students also develop skills in research methodology and data analysis. In the third year, students choose two electives which allow them to study an area of interest in depth.