D5002 Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology
Faculty of Education
Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology (D5002) is a 1 years full-time, 48-credit-point, graduate diploma course from the Faculty of Education, taught at Clayton. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.
- Credit points
- 48
- Duration
- 1 years full time
- 2 years part time
- Campus
- Clayton
- On campus
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisite map
Overview
This course provides advanced study of the discipline of psychology, advanced research training and an introduction to psychological practice through studies in developmental psychology, counselling, psychological assessment and intervention, and ethical and professional issues in psychological practice. The equivalent of an honours degree course, the content is recognised as the fourth year of studies prior to pursuing advanced postgraduate training at master's or doctoral level. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC Level 2).
Course structure
Part A. Core studies24 credit points
Note: you can only take one of EDF4599 or EDF4600
Part B. Research studies24 credit points
The handbook's description of this structure
The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Core studies and Part B. Research studies.
Part A. Core studies
These studies are based on a scientist practitioner model and provide the advanced psychology studies needed in order to progress to postgraduate training in psychology. You will learn about individual differences and the importance of considering people from different cultural backgrounds (including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples), and how this can impact the assessment and ethical, legal and social issues involved in psychological practice. You will also advance your understanding of counselling psychology and have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest such as positive psychology or psychological interventions across the lifespan.
Part B. Research studies
You will undertake a study program in statistics and research design and, under the guidance of a staff member, plan an independent research project. This project involves designing the project, gaining ethical approval for data collection or use, data gathering, data entry and analysis using appropriate statistical techniques and/or qualitative methodologies, and preparing a research report and literature review according to the specifications of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA).
Course progression map
The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.
The course comprises 48 points structured into two parts: Part A. Core studies (24 points) and Part B. Research studies (24 points).
Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.
Part A. Core studies (24 points)
You must complete the following units and 6 credit points from either EDF4599 or EDF4600:
- EDF4601 Ethics and professional issues
- EDF4602 Psychological assessment
- EDF4605 Introduction to counselling psychology
- EDF4599 The psychology of wellbeing and human flourishing
- EDF4600 Interventions across the lifespan
Part B. Research studies (24 points)
You must complete:
- EDF4604 Research project
Learning outcomes
These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.
Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:
- 1
add to the understanding of psychology through scientific research which includes critically reviewing pertinent literature and identifying research problems, developing and carrying out research utilising methods of analysis commonly encountered in psychology and communicating the findings in a manner consistent with discipline-specific requirements
- 2
describe, explain and discuss the purpose of legislation relating to the research and practice of psychology and how to comply with such legislation, and show an appreciation of the role of ethics in maintaining the integrity and cohesiveness of the profession
- 3
demonstrate an understanding of the scientist practitioner model across a range of areas of psychological practice
- 4
critically evaluate, appraise and discuss contemporary issues in psychology and understand the importance of maintaining competence in the field through ongoing professional development.
Entry requirements
English language
Monash Level D, that is: IELTS (Academic): 7.0 overall (no band lower than 7.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 65 overall with no band lower than 65; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score 98 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 27, Listening: 24, Reading: 24 and Speaking: 23; or Equivalent approved English test
More information
Progression to further studies
Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a graduate research degree with the Faculty of Education. For further information visit Graduate Research Degrees.
Successful completion of this course may also provide a pathway to the following master's by coursework degrees:
Professional accreditation
Eligibility for registration as a psychologist is determined by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) consistent with the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme. A minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. You can read more about the various pathways to registration on the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the Psychology Board of Australia websites.
The Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology provides an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council APAC-accredited fourth-year qualification in psychology and is approved as a program of study in psychology by the Psychology Board of Australia.
Graduates qualify for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (Assoc. MAPS).
Other information
This course provides advanced study of the discipline of psychology, advanced research training and an introduction to psychological practice through studies in developmental psychology, counselling, psychological assessment and intervention, and ethical and professional issues in psychological practice. The equivalent of an honours degree course, the content is recognised as the fourth year of studies prior to pursuing advanced postgraduate training at master's or doctoral level. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC Level 2).
Common questions
How long is Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology?
1 years full time, 48 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 2 semesters of full-time study.
Where can I study Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology?
At Clayton.
How do I plan my Graduate Diploma of Professional Psychology units?
Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.