Experience the Monash Online difference.
Mental health issues are on the rise globally, and skilled mental health professionals are in high demand. The Monash Online Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced (GDPA) provides a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist, opening the door to a truly fulfilling career. On completion of this course, you’ll be eligible to apply for provisional registration with AHPRA.
Gain an APAC accredited psychology qualification.
Monash Online is home to Australia’s largest online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (GDPA), accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Learn from pioneers of psychology.
Our researchers are transforming our understanding of the brain and advancing treatments for mental illness through close collaboration with the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health.
Stand out with a world-class degree.
Graduate with a world-leading degree. Our psychology course is ranked 3rd in Australia and 50th worldwide (The Times Higher Education Rankings 2024).
Work with the brightest minds.
Our student community consists of the brightest minds, and we foster connections and collaboration between them to create lasting professional networks.
Further your research interests.
Our award-winning Research Portal facilitates high-quality research, with dedicated supervisors and an assistance team to support your studies.
Go further, faster.
Accelerated six-week teaching periods mean faster career advancement, more efficient learning and quicker achievement of your professional goals.
Accreditation
Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
Study Mode
Accelerated 100% Online
Duration
1.4 years part-time
Units
8
Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Aug, Oct
Fees
Est. $4,837.50 per unit
FEE-HELP
Eligible students may apply for FEE-HELP.
Advance your psychological skill set
One degree, multiple pathways.
As a Monash graduate, your qualification unlocks multiple pathways to professional recognition, including:
- General registration pathway
- Higher degree pathway
- Research pathway
With our Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced, you’ll be equipped with essential analytical, research, and communication skills, gained through real-world learning activities and a supervised research project, ensuring you are well-prepared for whichever pathway you choose.
FAQsWhere can the Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced take you?
Research shows that there is a significant shortage of mental health practitioners with many psychologists reporting waitlists of 3-6 months. The Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting impact — whether in your local community or on a global scale.
How Monash Online can change your world.
#3
Top-ranking degree
Our psychology course is ranked 3rd in Australia and 50th worldwide (The Times Higher Education Rankings 2024).
#37
Globally recognised programs
Monash University was ranked #37 in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings (2025) for academic excellence.
#3
Top-ranked university
Monash is ranked #3 globally and #1 nationally, Shanghai Ranking Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024. As part of a university ranked among the world’s best, you’ll benefit from a globally respected education that opens doors to opportunities everywhere.
I think this course is fantastic and it offers a realistic way for many people who want to be a psychologist to fulfil that goal.
Will Sutherland
Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced
Structure
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced consists of eight units (divided into three parts) and takes just under 1.5 years of part-time study to complete. You’ll be studying in 6-week semester blocks, so it’s easy for us to work with you to extend or shorten how long it takes to achieve your degree.
Simply click the links below to see how you’ll gain in-demand skills for a future-proof career.
PART A: Core Units
These units explore core issues in modern psychology, along with ethics and evidence-based approaches to psychological assessment and intervention. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete the following units:
Ethical and professional issues in psychology
Psychological assessment and intervention
Psychology in industry: Pathways to employment
PART B: Research Units
These units will develop your understanding of scientific methodology, statistics and their application in psychology. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete the following units:
Advanced Psychological Inquiry
Psychology manuscript: Project pre-registration and planning
Psychology manuscript: Data collection and processing
Psychology manuscript
PART C: Elective Units
These units will empower you to dive deeper into psychology. You can explore contemporary topics in the field – such as mental health and illness or developmental clinical psychology. Covered in more detail below.
You need to complete one of the following units:
21st century applications of psychology
Perspectives in clinical and developmental neuroscience
Need further clarification about our online course structure?
You can submit an enquiry directly to our student consultants by using the form listed on our contact us page. You’ll have the opportunity to schedule a call if you’d like to receive further information.
Entry Requirements
There are two ways that you can be eligible for studying a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced.
OPTION 1:
You must have an Australian undergraduate degree (or equivalent*) with a major in psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) with at least a 70% average across second- and third-year psychology units (including psychology electives).
* Applicants with international qualifications will need to have their qualifications assessed by the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
OPTION 2:
You must have a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) with at least a 70% average across all psychology graduate diploma units excluding any foundational units.
English Language Requirements
We do have English Language Requirements for this degree, as you need to be proficient in English to get the most out of the course. You can learn more about our English Language Requirements here.
Need more information?
We’re happy to help. Chat with one of our student consultants to get your questions answered. Book a call now.
Fees
There are eight units total with an estimated cost of $4,837.50 per unit. So, you’re looking at an approximate total cost of $38,700* for this degree.
*Unit fees are subject to change annually. Please reference the 2025 fees.
Scholarships
We celebrate success. This is why we offer over 360 types of scholarships (valued at up to $280,000). Not every scholarship is the same. Some are one-off payments, and some continue for the length of your course.
You can learn about Monash Scholarships here.
Financial Assistance
You may be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan, so you don’t have to pay your fees upfront. And you’ll only need to begin repaying the loan when your income reaches a certain level. You can learn more about it by visiting the Study Assist website.
Need more information?
We’re happy to help. Chat with one of our student consultants to get your questions answered. Book a call now.
Accreditation
This course is 100% accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Unlock your research potential.
Unique to Monash, you’ll conduct research through our award-winning Research Portal, a comprehensive, high-quality virtual environment. You’ll develop your research skills through a major research project and expand your career horizons with valuable, transferable, real-world skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What research support is available within the Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced?
What are the research options for the Graduate Diploma of Diploma Advanced?
- General practice psychology path
- Mental Health path
- Research path
What are the different career pathways for psychology graduates?
Study a master’s qualification delivered by those who change it.
Study the same world-leading degree as our on-campus students – in a format that fits your life. Supported by knowledgeable instructors and our student assistance team, you’ll experience the benefits of an immersive learning experience that extends beyond flexibility and is tailored to your needs. You’ll gain insights from experts at the forefront of psychology to elevate your career success.
Learn more about Will Sutherland, who completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced student at Monash Online.
Meet your academic team
Dr Ashlee Field
Dr Ashlee Field is a Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of experience working in private practice. Evidence-based therapeutic techniques utilised by Ashlee include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Ashlee is the Senior Supervisor for the Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Domain and the Unit Coordinator for Psychological Assessment and Intervention.
Dr Michael Rowlands
Dr Rowlands is a forensic psychology researcher with over 10 years of experience working with criminal populations. He specialises in assessing the risk of sexual violence. Dr. Rowlands leads a team of researchers in the forensic domain and coordinates/teaches neuroscience and the application of psychology in the 21st century.
Dr Ashleigh Schweinsberg
Dr Ashleigh Schweinsberg’s research focuses on psychological education, online learning and self-development. Ashleigh enjoys working in academia with a passion for furthering online education in psychological sciences. Ashleigh is a GDPA graduate who is now the Unit Coordinator of PSY4405: Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology and is the Senior Supervisor for the Educational and Developmental Psychology research domain in the GDPA.
Studying online, the Monash way.
World-focused courses delivered online.
Step into a dynamic virtual class, learn from academics with diverse specialisations and real-world experience, and pursue a world-class education – your way.
Support at your fingertips.
You’ll have easy access to dedicated support services designed specifically for your discipline. Seven days a week.
Your success is our priority.
Our online courses are designed to help you graduate as an in-demand employee, ready to take the next step in your career.
Download a course guide
Fill in your details to download an interactive course guide containing:
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course information
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career pathways
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how online study works
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how to apply