We noticed you have an international phone number
Please note that students studying UNSW Online programs are not eligible for an Australian Student Visa or Temporary Graduate Visa. You are welcome to study online from your home country
Please select a field which you have completed your bachelor.
Discover the power of psychology.
Leave your details and we will call you back with information on your preferred program.
 Transparent.png){kind=spacer}
1QS World University Rankings, 2025 2QS World University Rankings, 2026 3Australian Financial Review (AFR) Best Universities Ranking, 2024.
Take the first step towards becoming a registered psychologist in Australia with the Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UNSW Online. This APAC Level 1 accredited program offers a strong foundation in developmental, cognitive and abnormal psychology, alongside essential training in research and ethical practices.Whether you want to pursue a career as a psychologist or apply these skills in industries like education, human resources or marketing, you’ll be prepared to make a meaningful impact where it matters most.
With UNSW's flexible online Graduate Diploma in Psychology, you can study anytime, from anywhere. The program’s high-quality curriculum is designed by leading researchers and practitioners, offering an exceptional learning experience tailored to your professional goals. Complete the UNSW psychology diploma online in as little as two years and gain the psychological insights needed to drive change.
As little as 1.7 years
10 courses
January, March, May, July, September, October*
100% Online
5334
Completion time dependent on individual study path, RPL, leave and course availability. Please speak to a Student Advisor for more information.
The UNSW Graduate Diploma in Psychology introduces key psychological concepts and advanced research techniques. Foundational courses cover critical areas such as behavioural neuroscience, perception, lifespan development and psychological disorders. You will also explore ethical practices, cultural understanding and assessment methods, ensuring you gain a comprehensive skill set to succeed in diverse roles.
This online psychology diploma equips you with valuable insights and skills, unlocking opportunities in diverse human-centred fields while paving the way for advanced studies. It prepares you for APAC Level 2 programs, setting you on the path to registration as psychologists while fostering your ability to promote positive change and make informed decisions.
Download our program guide to view full course descriptions.
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Online) at UNSW offers a clear pathway for those pursuing registration as a psychologist in Australia. This Level 1 APAC-accredited program lays the groundwork for future studies, and upon completion, students may qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), a Level 2 APAC-accredited course. Advancing to Levels 3 and 4 through a master’s program is the next step toward general registration as a psychologist.
(Must be completed in the order below)
(Complete in any order)
UNSW stands as one of Australia’s leading universities for psychology, recognised for its unparalleled academic standards and contributions to the field. Globally, UNSW ranks in the top 20 universities**, a testament to its world-class reputation and commitment to excellence.
The School of Psychology is home to internationally acclaimed staff who pioneer research, secure millions of dollars in competitive funding, and lead the nation in citation rates and PhD outcomes. These achievements reflect the institution’s focus on innovation and impact in psychological sciences.
*UNSW is #2 in Australia and =#32 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025.
**QS World University Rankings, 2026
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UNSW Online offers flexible online learning designed to fit into your busy life. Study one course at a time over seven weeks and complete your diploma in as little as 20 months. With no on-campus requirements, this postgraduate diploma in psychology provides the ultimate convenience for professionals looking to upskill or embark on a new career.
By choosing UNSW’s psychology graduate diploma, you’ll gain a competitive edge through a world-class education while enjoying the freedom to tailor your learning experience to your needs.
Australia is projected to face a significant shortfall in its mental health workforce, with studies indicating the country will be 60% shy of its required mental health professionals, including psychologists, by 2030. This highlights the urgent and growing demand for qualified psychologists to address the nation's mental health needs.
By pursuing an online Graduate Diploma in Psychology at UNSW, you can be part of the solution, gaining the skills and qualifications to make a meaningful impact in this critical field.
Sources:
Sources: psychology.org.au/insights/10-changes-psychology-professionals-want-in-2025 • psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/media-releases/2025/psychiatrists-and-psychologists-unite-to-call-for • careers.australianhealthprofessionals.com.au/the-in-demand-need-for-psychology-jobs-in-australian-health-professionals • aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas • mhaustralia.org/fact-sheets/statistics-mental-health-fact-sheet • psychology.org.au/insights/mental-health-crisis-driving-huge-demand-for-skill
You may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Our friendly and knowledgeable advisors are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Schedule a quick call to learn more.
Depending on your educational background and citizenship, you may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency to study at UNSW. We require a minimum level of English language competency for enrolment. English language skills are essential for webinar comprehension and the completion of coursework, assignments and examinations. If English is not your first language, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency before receiving an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
Yes. The program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as a Level 1 qualification. It provides the foundational training required to pursue further study toward becoming a registered psychologist in Australia.
You may be eligible to progress into a Level 2 APAC-accredited program, such as the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). This program also supports further study in counselling, mental health, or roles in industries like education, human resources or marketing.
Not yet. This diploma is the first step. To become a registered psychologist in Australia, you must progress through additional APAC-accredited qualifications, including Level 2, 3 and postgraduate training.
You can complete the program in as little as 20 months.
Our program is delivered 100% online with six intakes per year, making it ideal for busy professionals. Designed with flexibility in mind, the courses allow you to balance your studies with other commitments. You can expect to dedicate approximately 15-20 hours per week to your learning, with the freedom to study on any device, anytime, anywhere.
Our Graduate Diploma in Psychology, led by industry-leading academics, empowers you to turn purpose into action. Through ten 7-week courses grounded in empirical research, you’ll gain expertise in key areas like cognitive, developmental, biological, and abnormal psychology. Beyond theory, you’ll build critical thinking, analytical skills, and advanced research methods, equipping you for diverse and impactful career pathways.
This program is designed for individuals with a non-psychology undergraduate degree who are driven to make a positive impact. Whether your goal is to support others, deepen your understanding of human behaviour or pursue advanced studies to become a registered psychologist, it equips you with the knowledge to succeed. It also enables you to apply psychological expertise in fields such as education, human resources and marketing.
You must have an Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline. A higher qualification such as a graduate diploma or above is also accepted.
Yes. If you have completed Introduction to Psychology 1 and 2 in a previous degree, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. Speak with an Enrolment Advisor to discuss your experience and prior qualifications.
Yes. If English is not your first language, you must meet UNSW’s English proficiency requirements before receiving an offer. We can guide you through what’s required during the enrolment process.
One in five Australians experience a mental health condition each year. Only 35% of the national need for psychologists is currently being met, resulting in long wait times and increased demand across the sector.
Investing in the right program for you is important to us and we’re here to help. Simply send us an email or schedule a call-back at a time that works for you.
We will assist you with:
For more detailed and up-to-date information about your degree, including:
Privacy Policy | Copyright & Disclaimers | Accessibility
Authorised by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Division of External Relations, UNSW CRICOS Provider Code 00098G, ABN 57 195 873 179
people downloaded a program guide in the last 24 hours.
