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.
Testimonials
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. 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 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 |
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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] |
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 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
Total program fee:
- Students commencing study in 2021: $35,770
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.
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.
Future outcomes
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 2020 (203)
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
January Semester 2021 (211)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, Thursday 10 December 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, 11 January 2021 |
Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, Thursday 10 December 2020* |
Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday, 14 January 2021 |
May Semester 2021 (21)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, Thursday 22 April 2021 |
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 10 May 2021 |
Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, Thursday 22 April 2021* |
Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday 13 May 2021 |
September Semester 2021 (213)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, Thursday 19 August 2021 |
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 September 2021 |
Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, Thursday 19 August 2021* |
Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday 9 September 2021 |
*Allows time for applicants to relocate and be present at the Mandatory Orientation
January Semester 2022 (221)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, 16 December 2021 |
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 10 January 2022 |
Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, 16 December 2021* |
Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday 13 January 2022 |
May Semester 2022 (222)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, Thursday 21 April 2022 |
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 9 May 2022 |
Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, Thursday 21 April 2022* |
Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday 12 May 2022 |
September Semester 2021 (213)
Cut-off date for all Applications to be lodged | Midnight, Thursday 18 August 2022 |
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 5 September 2022 |
Interstate & Other Applicants | Midnight, Thursday 18 August 2022* |
Mandatory Fourth Year Orientation | Thursday 9 September 2022 |
*Allows time for applicants to relocate and be present at the Mandatory Orientation
Upon completion of 4th year training (at Bond the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science) many students apply for provisional registration as a psychologist. Provisional registration permits the professional practice of psychology and can be achieved either in combination with Pathway 1 (two years of supervised practice), or Pathway 2 (Postgraduate studies in Psychology). Students who intend to apply for provisional registration either through supervised practice or enrolment in Postgraduate studies (eg Master of Psychology (Clinical or Professional) at Bond University) should be aware of the registration requirements in the State or Territory in which they intend to practice. One of the Psychology Board of Australia’s registration requirements is that 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. 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 Information on Psychology Board of Australia registration requirements can be obtained from http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/.
If you obtained your three-year undergraduate qualifications outside of Australia and intend to apply for provisional registration, please visit http://www.psychologyboard.gov.au/.
It is advisable to have your qualifications assessed in the way required by the Board prior to enrolling in your 4th year program (i.e. before applying for the program).
Further studies offered through the Bond University School of Psychology:
Psychology students on the frontline of the pandemic
Bond’s postgraduate psychology students are at the coalface of the COVID-19 pandemic, working in the Bond Psychology Clinic to provide much-needed services for people who are struggling.