Graduate Diploma In Professional Psychology

Overview

The primary aim of the Graduate Diploma In Professional Psychology, offered by the School of Psychology, is to sufficiently prepare candidates for a final year of supervised internship in the field of psychological practice prior to full registration as generalist psychologists. The course represents the fifth year component of the 5+1 route to registration with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) as a generalist psychologist. The course provides one year of full time education in the professional practice of psychology that:
a) forms the foundation for professional practice;
b) takes an evidence-based approach and is based on the scientist-practitioner model;
c) is broad and generalist in nature; and
d) covers the core professional attributes and capabilities outlined by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation standards and provisional psychologist registration with the PBA.

The course is structured so that the learning experiences across coursework and practical components are clearly integrated, with an emphasis on experiential learning and reflective practice.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Students accepted into the course must have successfully completed a four year, or three year plus a fourth year, Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited sequence in psychology within the previous 10 years, and be eligible for registration with the PBA as a provisional psychologist.

Places in this course are limited. Entry is competitive and is based on academic merit and personal suitability.

Selection procedures include:
a) satisfactory completion of the application form and a personal statement;
b) referee reports from at least two referees;
c) confirmation of original degree certificates;
d) completion of an interview with a panel; and
e) an average mark of 70% across all psychology subjects for the four years of previous study.

This course includes clinical placements. In order to attend clinical placements, students must meet NSW Health Department requirements in regard to Criminal Record Checks and Infectious Disease. Students should consult the information on Criminal Records Checks, Prohibited Employment Declaration and Infectious Diseases in the Additional Information section.

Course Requirements

Professional Recognition

This program is conditionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as meeting the requirements for the first year of registration as a Provisional Psychologist with the Psychologists Board of Australia.