What is the Graduate Diploma in Psychology?

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (GDP) enables graduates to complete a major in Psychology. It is also a means of accessing postgraduate study in Psychology. The GDP has been fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). On successful completion of the GDP, graduates will be eligible to apply for entry to a fourth year of study in Psychology.

Who is eligible to apply for the GDP?

Applicants for the GDP must hold one of the following: a Bachelor of Science, Arts, Liberal Studies or Economics (Social Sciences) degree from the University of Sydney or another degree deemed equivalent by the Faculty of Science.

Applicants must not previously have completed a major in Psychology.

Applicants must have already successfully completed 12 credit points of Junior Psychology (currently PSYC 1001 and 1002) or equivalent within the last 10 years.

Intending applicants who have not already done so may study PSYC 1001 and 1002 as non-degree students before applying for the GDP. Information for prospective non-degree students can be found at:
http://www.psych.usyd.edu.au/GDP/NonDPsych/

Either one of these units of study (1001 or 1002) may be completed in Summer School. Only if the applicant is of exceptional academic ability may permission be granted for both units to be completed in Summer School. Permission can only be obtained from the Head of the School of Psychology and is rarely given. When assessing your application, both your undergraduate record and UAI (or equivalent) will be taken into account.

What will you study in the GDP?

The GDP consists of Year 2 and Year 3 units of study identical to those completed by undergraduate students studying for a major in Psychology. Award of the GDP requires the successful completion of a minimum of 48 credit points.

Two possible study plans for the completion of the GDP can be found at:
GDP Possible Study Plan
GDP Alternative Study Plan

The second study plan allows for entry into the GDP half-way through the academic year (July) and completion in three semesters.

Please note:

While classes for some units of study are available in the early evening, classes for most units of study are offered only during the day. Therefore, it is not possible to complete the GDP if you cannot attend a substantial number of classes during the day.

You must complete at least one of PSYC 3011, 3012, 3013 + 3014. You must complete PSYC 3010 to be eligible to apply for entry to Psychology Honours.

You must complete HPSC 3023 to be eligible for the Theoretical Thesis option in Psychology Honours.

For more information on the content of the various units of study, please consult the Faculty of Science handbook at:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/handbooks/science/00_introduction.shtml

Exemptions

You can apply for exemptions for up to 24 credit points if you have already completed studies which the Faculty deems equivalent to those in the GDP. You must have completed these units of study within the previous ten years and within an APAC accredited degree program. Equivalent study at an overseas university may be acceptable.

If you are seeking an exemption, you should complete the relevant ‘Application for Exemption’ form (on the Faculty of Science web page). If you completed these studies in Psychology somewhere other than at the School of Psychology, University of Sydney, full details of each unit of study should be supplied, including the syllabus, number of class hours and an original transcript of results.

Fees

Up-front fees apply. Please visit the Faculty of Science web page for information about Fees & Financial Information:
http://www.science.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/postgrad/fees.shtml

Recognition from the University

You will receive an official transcript from the University confirming that you have completed the Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Further study in Psychology

After you successfully complete the GDP, you may then apply for further study in Psychology at the University of Sydney. You may apply to do Psychology 4 (Honours) if you receive an average grade of credit or better in Years 2 and 3. However, quota restrictions apply and an average grade above credit may be necessary for admission.

Only March semester entry is possible.

Higher degree studies

After successful completion of Psychology 4, you are eligible to apply for entry into the following higher degree studies at the University of Sydney:
Clinical Doctorate, (by coursework and research)
Masters of Science (MSc) by research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by research

Professional recognition

Currently in NSW, full registration as a professional psychologist requires four years of study in Psychology and an additional two years of postgraduate study or two years of experience under supervision. Further information about registration as a Psychologist in NSW may be obtained from the following web site:
http://www.psychreg.health.nsw.gov.au

Full membership of the Australian Psychological Society requires an Honours or Honours equivalent fourth year, followed by a fifth and sixth year of postgraduate study.

Further information about membership of the Australian Psychological Society may be obtained from their web site:
http://www.psychology.org.au/

How do I apply for the GDP?

Applications should normally be received by 30 November for entry in the following March semester, and by 31 May for entry in the July semester.

Application forms may be downloaded from the University web site at:
http://www.usyd.edu.au/studentcentre/forms/admissions/PG_Coursework_2008.pdf

They may also be obtained directly from the Faculty of Science.

Application forms should be returned to:

Postgraduate Section
Faculty of Science
Carslaw Building, F07
University of Sydney
NSW 2006

For academic matters concerning the GDP, contact the School of Psychology: +61 2 9351 3120 or 9351 2866.

For administrative matters, contact the Faculty of Science: +61 2 9351 3021.