Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

This graduate diploma provides a coherent, advanced suite of psychology subjects that build research competence, theoretical knowledge and applied assessment skills. The curriculum focuses on contemporary areas of psychological science, research methods and professional practice to prepare students for further postgraduate study or employment in allied settings.

• Research methods and statistics – quantitative and qualitative methods, experimental design and data analysis.
• Psychological assessment – psychometric principles, psychological testing, interviewing and report writing.
• Developmental and lifespan psychology – development across childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
• Biological and cognitive bases of behaviour – neurobiological and cognitive frameworks for understanding behaviour.
• Personality and psychopathology – classification, formulation and evidence‑based approaches to common mental health presentations.
• Social and community psychology – social influence, group processes and applied community practice.
• Professional issues and ethics – professional conduct, cultural competence and legal/ethical obligations in psychological practice.

Subjects are typically offered with flexible delivery options including online and blended modes. The program emphasises applied projects and a research component to develop skills needed for honours‑level or professional postgraduate training.

Entry requirements

Entry is for applicants who hold a recognised bachelor degree. Typical requirements include:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Academic performance at a level deemed acceptable by the Faculty (applicants with lower academic performance may be considered with additional supporting evidence).
• For applicants seeking the program as a fourth‑year sequence towards accreditation pathways, previous study in psychology may be required; alternatively, the program can act as a conversion pathway for some non‑psychology graduates — applicants should check specific admission advice.
• Applicants whose first language is not English may need to provide evidence of English proficiency in line with university requirements.

Applicants with relevant professional experience or graduate study may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Contact the university admissions team for personalised advice and confirmation of current entry criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates use the Graduate Diploma in Psychology to progress into a range of pathways:

• Further professional training in psychology (for example, entry to honours, master's or professional psychology programs leading to registration) where the diploma forms part of the required academic sequence.
• Support and case‑management roles in community services, disability, youth work, and mental health organisations.
• Research assistant and project roles in academic, government or industry research teams.
• Human resources, organisational development, training and behaviour‑change roles where psychological insight and assessment skills are valued.
• Policy, advocacy and program‑evaluation positions in non‑government and government agencies.

The diploma strengthens applicants’ research and assessment skills, improving employability for roles that require analytical thinking and understanding of human behaviour or providing a stepping stone to clinically oriented postgraduate qualifications.

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University is known for flexible, regionally focused education and strong online delivery, which allows students to balance study with work and life commitments. The psychology curriculum is informed by current research and designed with practical skill development in mind, emphasising research methods, assessment and ethical professional practice.

• Flexible study modes including online and blended options suited to remote and working students.
• Applied, practice‑oriented teaching with opportunities to undertake research projects that build a portfolio for further study or employment.
• Access to academic staff with research and professional expertise across developmental, clinical, cognitive and social psychology areas.
• Pathways into postgraduate professional psychology programs and supportive student services for career planning and placement preparation.