Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science

The upcoming semester for this program will be delivered in a multi-modal format, with classes designed to support and engage all learners. Whether they’re on campus or abroad, all students will be able to access Bond’s exceptional and personalised learning experience through dynamic and interactive lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops and lab sessions.

Guaranteed Offer for Fourth Year Psychology Studies*

The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is the second step on the pathway to becoming a registered Psychologist. It follows on from the Bachelor degree for graduates who don’t meet the criteria for the Honours year and, like the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), is recognised as the ‘Fourth Year’ of the 6-year process to register as a Psychologist.

This Fourth Year Psychology course will deepen your knowledge of human behaviour and prepare you for entry into a career as a professional Psychologist.

In addition to the coursework subjects and electives, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to a specified research project. Under the guidance of your supervisor, you will be fully trained in research methods, psychometrics, statistics and data analytics as you work towards the submission of your final thesis.

Our GradDip students have a dedicated Fourth Year Lab, equipped with the very latest data analysis software, which provides a quiet place for you to develop your research findings. You’ll also have access to the Cognitive Research Labs where you can conduct face-to-face research.

Upon completion of the GradDip program, graduates will be eligible to apply for provisional registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) and progress to a Masters level program or two-year supervised practice pathway.

Bond University’s School of Psychology has earned a reputation as a leader in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and research. It offers the full suite of Psychology qualifications required to gain registration as a practising Psychologist; all of which are accredited by the Australian Psychological Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

Thanks to Bond’s accelerated three-semesters-per-year timetable, you can complete the GradDip qualification in just 8 months and the full pathway to registration in 4 years 8 months.

Campus and Bond University Experience

Bond University has been ranked #1 in Australia for Student Experience by the Good Universities Guide for well over a decade. This ranking recognises that there is a big difference between learning in large anonymous cohorts and working in small, discussion-based classes where you will be mentored through your studies by world-renowned academics, researchers and psychologists, including Australia’s 2019 Psychologist of the Year, Dr Peta Stapleton.

In addition to the Fourth Year Lab, all students have access to the Cognitive Research Labs where you can conduct face-to-face research for your Diploma thesis.

When it comes to planning your career, the team at the Career Development Centre will work with you to find internships and work placements, while the student-led Bond Psychological Society organises regular networking events where you will meet potential industry contacts and future employers.

As for your social life – Bond is renowned for it, with a huge range of active student clubs, sporting teams, swimming pools, the aquatic centre, student gym, fitness and yoga classes, restaurants, cafes and everyone’s favourite watering hole, Don’s Tavern, all right here on campus.

The pathway to becoming a registered psychologist
Becoming a registered psychologist is a long journey - but it's an extremely rewarding one. At Bond, our accelerated programs mean you can get a headstart on your path to becoming a registered psychologist and making a difference in the lives of others.

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

"The programs at Bond University stood out to me because they allowed me to complete my course at my own pace. As a mother, this was important, as it allowed me to adequately manage my study and parental responsibilities without burning out. I really appreciated the professionalism of all the lecturers and tutors. They were all approachable, friendly, very experienced, and I believe that they all wanted each student within their class to thrive. I felt well prepared for all assessments, in particular my thesis, which is the most important part of the whole degree. My supervisor was exceptional and made the thesis component enjoyable, rather than stressful. Show more
"The programs at Bond University stood out to me because they allowed me to complete my course at my own pace. As a mother, this was important, as it allowed me to adequately manage my study and parental responsibilities without burning out. I really appreciated the professionalism of all the lecturers and tutors. They were all approachable, friendly, very experienced, and I believe that they all wanted each student within their class to thrive. I felt well prepared for all assessments, in particular my thesis, which is the most important part of the whole degree. My supervisor was exceptional and made the thesis component enjoyable, rather than stressful.
Bond University has helped prepare me for my upcoming responsibilities as a Provisional Psychologist because the learning materials for each unit in the course had a real-life purpose. For example, I am now prepared and capable of writing thorough case notes for clients which is a vital aspect of working as a Provisional Psychologist. I am also capable of conducting extensive psychological research and interpreting advanced level statistics. Bond was an excellent platform for me to conduct my first psychological research, and thanks to this, I am eager to complete additional research and continue contributing to scientific knowledge.
Of all the universities I have had experience with, Bond University was the most supportive and the most professional. All lecturers were also extremely friendly, kind, and helpful. Thanks to this, I was given the opportunity to excel with all work I completed, in particular, my thesis—Australian Nulliparous Childbirth Perspectives. I have and will continue to recommend Bond University to other students. I would recommend Bond University because my experience was exceptional. I always elaborate on the professional staff across the campus, the clean amenities, and the abundance of quiet study rooms. Moreover, because they appreciate their students and want them to succeed."
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Key features

Complete your Graduate Diploma (equivalent to Fourth year) in just 8 months
The fastest pathway to your career as a registered practising Psychologist – complete the full 6-year pathway in just 4 years 8 months
Extensive access to the Cognitive Research Labs
Exclusive access to our dedicated Fourth Year Lab and study space equipped with the latest data analytics software
Learn from internationally recognised Psychologists, Counsellors and Behavioural Therapists in small personalised classes
Develop sound research and analytical skills working on your Diploma thesis

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. 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 and Remote Due to current travel restrictions, this program will temporarily be delivered using a mixture of on-campus, remote and multi-modal classes to support and engage all students, from all parts of the world.
Duration	2 semesters (8 months)
Starting semesters	September 2021 January 2022 May 2022 September 2022 January 2023 May 2023 September 2023
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]

Structure and subjects

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.

Program fees

The below fees are based on the total estimated program fee divided by the number of standard full-time semesters required to complete the program. Fees may vary based on which subjects are selected and the number of subjects enrolled in for each semester.

Semester program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $17,885* per semester average
Students commencing study in 2022: $18,095* per semester average

Total program fee:

Students commencing study in 2021: $35,770
Students commencing study in 2022: $36,190

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 most other universities.

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 costs to consider.

* The fees listed are average costs displayed to provide an indicative program cost only, they may differ to the indicative fee included in the Bond University offer letter due to differences in individual and exact study schedules.

Tuition fees are subject to change on an annual basis and will be charged at the appropriate fee for the year of enrolment.

* Note: for students commencing January 2021 the University has held the 2020 tuition fee amount in recognition of the current circumstances, with 2021 fees effective only from the University’s May 2021 semester.

Admission criteria

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

Bond University calendar

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.

Future outcomes

Industry overview

The Graduate Diploma is a stepping stone to further studies leading to registration as a practising Psychologist. Undergraduate qualifications in Psychology can also be applied to a wide range of careers that call for exceptional critical thinking, communication and analytical skills. These can be in private enterprise, government and community settings, in fields such as:

Education – Counselling, Behaviour Management
Business – Change Management, Organisational Psychology
Human Resources and Career Guidance
Policy Making
Criminal Investigations and Profiling
Sport and Exercise – Sports Psychology, Athlete Performance
Rehabilitation – Counselling
Not-for-Profit Organisations
Community Action
Marketing / Advertising / Communications
NDIS services including Mental Health Support
Research

Professional outcomes

Once fully registered as a practicing Psychologist, graduates can specialise and be endorsed in nine areas of practice, namely:

Clinical Neuropsychology
Clinical Psychology
Community Psychology
Counselling Psychology
Educational and Developmental Psychology
Forensic Psychology
Health Psychology
Organisational Psychology
Sport and Exercise Psychology

Further study

After completing this Fourth Year program, the options for the final two years of Psychology studies are:

Master of Psychology (Clinical) – a two-year program (Years 5 and 6) for graduates with a Distinction average GPA;
Master of Professional Psychology – a one-year program (Year 5) for graduates with a Credit average GPA. Graduates will need to complete a further 12 months of self-sourced supervised practice (Year 6) to be eligible for registration as a general Psychologist.

Entry to these programs will also be based on an interview process.

Graduates of the GradDip program will need to apply for provisional registration with the Australian Psychological Society in preparation for the practicum placements in Years 5 and 6.

Professional accreditation

Bond University’s Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as the equivalent of the Fourth Year on the pathway to becoming a registered Psychologist in Australia.

Graduates will be eligible to apply for provisional registration as a Psychologist, in preparation for the practicum placements required in the final two years (Years 5 and 6) of the training pathway.

Career readiness

According to the annual Employer Satisfaction Survey published by the Australian Government Department of Education, employer satisfaction with Bond graduates has been rated highest in Australia for three years in a row.

We believe this is due to Bond’s uniquely personalized approach to teaching, combined with the application of case-based learning that encourages the development of increased analytical reasoning, critical thinking and a range of broader employability skills.

Our Fourth Year Psychology program is based on a scientist-practitioner model, giving students the knowledge and applied skills required to practise as a Psychologist.

This focus on practical skills, combined with Bond’s employability initiatives such as the Career Development Centre, on and off-campus industry and work experience opportunities, means you will enter the workforce with the skills, experience and employability to stand out.