Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science allows graduates the ability to apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. Students will undertake advanced training to prepare them for a career in psychology.
Professional recognition
This program has been granted accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Testimonials
"My career ambition was to become a Clinical Psychologist and Bond allowed me to pursue that path. I started with studying the Graduate Diploma of Psychology followed by the Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology. The application and entry process for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) can be challenging but I was fortunate to be offered a place in the program. Show more
"My career ambition was to become a Clinical Psychologist and Bond allowed me to pursue that path. I started with studying the Graduate Diploma of Psychology followed by the Post-Graduate Diploma of Psychology. The application and entry process for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) can be challenging but I was fortunate to be offered a place in the program.
I decided to study at Bond as I had just completed my undergraduate degree in Sydney and was offered a few different places for my 4th year in Psychology. A friend of mine had been to Bond and I was ready for something a bit different. Growing up in Sydney and going to Uni there - I was ready for a change and had heard such amazing things about Bond. The small class sizes allowed for really personal, nurtured learning. You were never “just a number”. And the support systems in place from the learning centre, library and tutors really made such a difference. My grades increased dramatically from my undergrad to postgrad.
My Bond experience was amazing! I chose to live on campus (B Block) when I first moved there to help meet people as I didn’t know anybody prior to moving. As so many people at Bond are from interstate there is a real culture of making friends and socialising. I still have such an amazing group of friends, some of which I met on that very first night on campus. Bond allowed me to gain my registration as a Psychologist through the Masters program. The training and development we were provided allowed my skills to grow and develop. I work at Headspace Camperdown as a Clinical Psychologist 3 days per week as well as in private practice 2 days per week as a Clinical Psychologist. My main responsibility is providing evidence based psychological intervention to a range of individuals.
There was a huge difference between studying at Bond and my pervious uni. At my previous uni (undergrad), I felt like ‘just a number’, I don’t think a tutor or lecturer ever really knew my name and I was not as involved in campus life. Going to Bond was amazing both in terms of my study and degree and the friendships/social life. There is real truth to “being a Bondie”. All the different social activities and events created such a warm and friendly culture. Life-long friendship are developed at Bond. I would absolutely recommend Bond!
My time at Bond has allowed me to commence by dream career and I am now working as a Clinical Psychologist. In an academic sense, it is such a nurturing environment and so many different avenues to get support and assistance if needed. Socially, I have made some lifelong friends and met my soon-to-be husband at a Bond event!" Show less
About the program
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is designed to provide students with an integrated, comprehensive, and complete education in the discipline of Psychology. Students undertake advanced training in a range of methodological (research methods, psychometrics, statistics) and applied areas, and develop competence in conducting research. Show more
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is designed to provide students with an integrated, comprehensive, and complete education in the discipline of Psychology. Students undertake advanced training in a range of methodological (research methods, psychometrics, statistics) and applied areas, and develop competence in conducting research. All applied material is based on the scientist-practitioner model, and evidence-based approaches to psychological intervention are stressed. The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science provides students with advanced education and training in the core Psychology graduate attributes, including but not limited to the following: Advanced theoretical and empirical knowledge in some of the core research areas of the discipline Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning the construction, implementation and interpretation of some of the most widely used cognitive and personality assessments Knowledge of the theoretical and empirical bases underpinning evidenced based approached to psychological intervention Explaining how the science and practice of psychology is influenced by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts. The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science prepares graduates for a career in Psychology. On completion of this course, graduates may apply for provisional registration as a Psychologist providing they enrol in further postgraduate studies or undertake two years’ supervised training. Show less
| Mode | On Campus |
| Duration | 2 semesters (8 months) |
| Starting semesters |
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| Program type | Postgraduate Diploma |
| Study area | Social Sciences, Psychology and Counselling |
| Program code | HS-23001 |
| CRICOS code | 063195G |
| Credit for prior study | For more details on applying for credit, please contact the Student Business Centre: [email protected] |
This program has been granted accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Under supervision, graduates can pursue careers in the professional practice of psychology including clinical, forensic or organisational psychology, counselling, health and community psychology, research, and other specialist areas.
View the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science - Program Structure and Sequencing
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science comprises seven (7) subjects, as follows:
Foundation subjects (4)
- Principles of Psychological Assessment (PSYC71-403)
- Multivariate Research Methods (PSYC71-409)
- Human Experimental Psychology (PSYC71-410)
- Professional Psychology (PSYC71-413)
Electives (1)
And any one (1) of the following psychology subjects:
- Clinical Psychology (PSYC71-404)
- Community and Health Psychology (PSYC71-405)
- Forensic Psychology (PSYC71-407)
- Neuropsychology (PSYC71-408)
- Psychology at Work (PSYC71-411)
Thesis (2)
- Diploma Thesis 1: Research Seminar and Ethics (PSYC71-400)
- Diploma Thesis 2 (PSYC72-420) (20 credit points)
International students
To fulfil your student visa requirements, you will need to enrol in 40 credit points per semester.
Domestic students
Full time study is 40 credit points per semester. Students enrolling part-time can undertake the degree over four semesters. Part-time students should complete the coursework aspects in the first two semesters of their enrolment and undertake the thesis in the third and fourth semesters of enrolment.
The below fees are based on an average per semester cost, fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester:
- 2020 fees: $18,620 per semester (based on 4 subjects per semester)
- 2021 fees: $19,495 per semester (based on 4 subjects per semester)
When considering the fees associated with your studies, keep in mind that Bond’s accelerated schedule means you can finish your degree sooner and be out in the workforce up to a year earlier than if you went to another university.
This time saving also represents a substantial reduction in accommodation and living costs, plus a full year of extra earnings.
Find out your financing options and other living costs to consider.
Entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science include completion of an accredited three-year sequence of study in psychology in Australia, or equivalent. Applicants are assessed on academic merit and must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.0 on the Bond University 4-point scale for all second and third level psychology subjects in their undergraduate studies.
Please review the Board’s Policy for applicants for general registration who hold overseas qualifications http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Codes-and-Guidelines.aspx
It is advisable to have your qualifications assessed in the way required by the Board prior to commencing your 4th year program (i.e. before applying for the program).
Once enrolled, there is no mechanism to change between the 4th Year Programs.
Key dates
How to apply
In order to apply for study at Bond University, you will need to complete the Online Application Form. To find out more about the application process please refer to How to Apply.
January Semester 2020 (201)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, 12 December 2019 |
Deadline to submit completed Transcript for final GPA if conditional offer has been made previously:
Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern New South Wales Applicants | Monday, 6 January 2020 |
| Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, 12 December 2020* |
| Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday, 9 January 2020 |
May Semester 2020 (202)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Thursday, April 15 2020 |
Deadline to submit completed Transcript for final GPA if conditional offer has been made previously:
Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern New South Wales Applicants | Tuesday, 5 May 2020 |
| Interstate & Other Applicants | Thursday, 15 April 2020* |
| Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday, 7 May 2020 |
September Semester 2019 (193)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Friday, 14 August 2020 |
Deadline to submit completed Transcript for final GPA if conditional offer has been made previously:
Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern New South Wales Applicants | Monday, 31 August 2020 |
| Interstate & Other Applicants | Friday, 14 August 2020* |
| Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday, 3 September 2020 |
*Allows time for applicants to relocate and be present at the Mandatory Orientation
Upon completion of 4th year training (e.g., the Graduate Diploma or the Honours program) many students apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. Provisional registration permits the professional practice of psychology and can be achieved either through a Board approved Supervised Practice Program (two years of supervised practice), or through Postgraduate studies in Psychology. Students who intend to apply for provisional registration following their 4th Year studies should be aware of the registration requirements as administered by the Psychology Board of Australia under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. Information on Psychology Board of Australia registration requirements can be obtained from http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au
Students who obtain their undergraduate qualifications outside of an ‘approved qualification’ in Australia must have them assessed as being equivalent to an accredited three year sequence of study in psychology in Australia, prior to being granted provisional registration. Undergraduate transcripts of students wishing to undertake their 4th year studies at Bond from non-Australian institutions are carefully checked by the 4th Year Coordinator to determine equivalence with an APAC accredited 3-year sequence of study in Australia. Transcripts are checked to ensure that subject matter undertaken in the undergraduate sequence matches core areas within the discipline (e.g., perception, memory, learning, motivation and emotion, psychobiology, personality, emotion, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology), and includes statistics and research methods. When assessing suitability for entry into 4th year programs, Bond University makes every effort to ensure that core topics covered in undergraduate degrees obtained outside of Australia are equivalent to those required in an accredited three-year sequence of study in psychology in Australia, however we do not guarantee the equivalence of these degrees.
Students who obtained their three year undergraduate qualifications outside of Australia should be aware that successful completion of the 4th year program might not be sufficient for registration as a psychologist and/or the membership requirements of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Equivalency assessments may be required by the Psychology Board of Australia. For more information on equivalency assessments please visit www.psychology.org.au
Please review the Board’s Policy for applicants for general registration who hold overseas qualifications http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/Codes-and-Guidelines.aspx
It is advisable to have your qualifications assessed in the way required by the Board prior to commencing your 4th year program.
Further studies offered through the Bond University School of Psychology: