Graduate Certificate or Diploma of Psychology overview
Postgraduate diplomas and certificates in psychology are for those with prior knowledge in the field, often a bachelor level degree in psychology. Certificates tend to offer very specialised knowledge. Examples include the University of Sydney and its Graduate Certificate in Coaching Psychology or Macquarie University provides the Graduate Certificate of Behaviour Support Teaching. Diplomas are a way to round off a previous psychology bachelor degree; they feature ways to become accredited and prepare graduates for a career in the field.
Employment options
There are many employment options available upon graduation from these programs by virtue of their variability. A graduate from the University of Sydney’s program can become an effective coach, whereas a graduate from Macquarie’s program will become more proficient at managing students with behavioural problems. A Graduate Certificate in Managing Youth Self-Harm and Suicide from the University of Melbourne will be more effective at understanding the psychology behind self-harm and thus its prevention. It is therefore recommended that prospective students in this area have a clear and specific goal in mind.
Scholarships and funding
Funding for graduate certificates and diplomas is often rare, but there are general scholarships available across all fields. Australian National University offers the Endeavour Scholarships and Fellows initiative, allowing high-achievers to receive funding for travel and study overseas. Others like the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund are available to descendants of WWI veterans. It is advisable to remain vigilant of the often-esoteric requirements of these general scholarships.
Prerequisites and selection process
Both certificates and diplomas require a prior bachelor level degree in psychology for entry. Diplomas in particular often have a GPA requirement, like the courses offered by Deakin University. Specifics can vary, but a 65% credit average in a prior psychology degree is a frequent requirement among many of these courses.