Why Psychology with JCU?
Whether you are a professional in a human-centred role such as marketing or education, or you want to deepen your knowledge of the human psyche, JCU’s 100% online Graduate Certificate of Psychology will help you reach your goals.
100% online & part-time
Fast-track your career with flexible study you can balance around your life. Study one subject at a time and complete your degree in as little as eight months part-time.
Unique curriculum
Aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and current and emerging global challenges, this course offers a broad scope of subjects, including Environmental Psychology and Health, Wellbeing & Resilience.
#1 for median salary
JCU has been ranked #1 in Australia for median salary, Postgraduate Psychology by the 2023 Good Universities Guide.
Program highlights
- Diversify your knowledge and familiarise yourself with current theories of psychology.
- Differentiate your CV as a professional with an understanding of contemporary psychology.
- Fast-track your career with 100% online study.
- Be supported by a dedicated Student Success Advisor.
- Begin the pathway towards further study and becoming a registered psychologist.
Reach your goals by studying psychology
The JCU Online Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a contemporary and hands-on qualification designed for the future. You will develop professional skills, learn about emerging trends in psychology and study a range of contemporary subjects.
A way forward in human-centred professions
Advance your career in industries such as teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, human services or consulting.
A course for passionate inquirers
Build your knowledge and skills while gaining a better understanding of yourself and the people around you.
A stepping stone to becoming a registered psychologist
This qualification can also be a pathway to studying the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)^ and to becoming a registered psychologist.
^The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
What you will study
You will study four subjects unique to the Graduate Certificate of Psychology at JCU Online. These subjects align to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as current and emerging global health challenges in a technology-enabled society.
To find out which subjects will be available in the upcoming study periods or to learn more about the course, download a course guide.
*Duration dependent on individual study path and subject availability. Please speak to an Enrolment Advisor for more information.
Subjects
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Social PsychologyThis subject provides a historical and contemporary overview of social psychology, introducing key theories used to explain and predict people's thoughts, feelings and actions in social situations. Read more
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Individual Differences in PersonalityThis subject explores historical, contemporary and emerging theoretical approaches to personality. Read more
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The Psychology of Health, Wellbeing and ResilienceThis subject explores the field of health psychology, including global health issues, chronic disease and biopsychosocial determinants of health, wellbeing and resilience. Read more
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Human Development Across the LifespanThis subject examines the human experience of life and the physical, cognitive and social-emotional changes which occur across the lifespan. Read more
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Psychological Disorders and InterventionsThis subject introduces empirical approaches to understanding maladaptive behaviour, psychosocial disorders and dysfunctions. Read more
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Learning, Memory Cognition and LanguageThis subject explores key theories and research on how information from the environment is acquired, stored, processed, retrieved and utilised. Read more
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Neuroscience and the Biological Bases of BehaviourThis subject introduces key theories and concepts relevant to the biological basis of behaviour. Read more
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Environmental Psychology and Sustainable FuturesThe subject examines the role that psychology may play in developing sustainable futures. Read more
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Principles of CounsellingThis subject introduces the theories and practice of counselling in a multicultural society. Read more
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Research and Statistics for PsychologyThis subject will explore the research process and some of the most commonly used methods of statistical analysis relevant to psychological research. Read more
- Entry requirements
- Learning outcomes
- Career outcomes
- Inherent requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible to enrol in the online Graduate Certificate of Psychology, applicants must have:
- Completed a minimum of an AQF Level 7 bachelor's degree qualification in any field other than Psychology at this or another University.
- Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 1– Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
Not sure if you meet these entry criteria? Our Enrolment Advisors can assist you.
SPEAK WITH AN ENROLMENT ADVISORLearning outcomes
Our Graduate Certificate of Psychology will provide you with a well-rounded learning experience with learning outcomes that focus on:
- Applying your knowledge and skills in major theoretical perspectives, philosophical and historical developments in core areas of psychology.
- Being able to design, evaluate and disseminate information that promotes mental health.
- Applying psychological concepts in culturally diverse and geographically dispersed contexts.
Career outcomes
A Graduate Certificate of Psychology can give you transferable skills and help you stand out to potential employers in a range of industries including:
- Business
- Community services
- Education
- Health services
- Protective services
You may also choose to continue your studies and gain a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) that can be a pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.
DOWNLOAD COURSE GUIDEInherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession.
All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course.
Nested qualifications: Early entry exit options
Our Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a nested qualification within our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). After completing your graduate certificate, you may decide to study an additional six subjects to gain your graduate diploma. This can be the first step on the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist.
Your personalised Enrolment Advisor
The role of an Enrolment Advisor is to ensure that you have all the resources and academic support needed to be successful in your studies.
Enrolments Advisors are here to help you with:
- Determining your eligibility for the course.
- Understanding the structure of your course and what you can expect to learn.
- Time management strategies for success.
- How to apply for financial assistance and FEE-HELP.
- Any questions you have about your application.
Contact hours for your Enrolment Advisor
Monday and Tuesday: 8am-6pm (AEST)
Wednesday and Thursday: 8am-7pm (AEST)
Friday: 8am-5pm (AEST)
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Ready to get started?
Download a course guide
For more detailed and up-to-date information about your degree, including:
- Information about the course
- Course duration
- Fees
- Course descriptions
- What to expect from the course
Speak with an Enrolment Advisor
Investing in the right course for you is important to us and we’re here to help. Simply request a call back and will assist you with:
- Entry requirements
- Choosing right course
- How to apply and enrol
- How online study works
- Course duration and fees
Frequently asked questions
Can I enrol for more than two subjects to fast track my course?
We do not allow students to undertake more than one subject in their first study period, as we like to ensure students are set up for success and can manage the workload and requirements. After the first study period, your Student Success Advisor will be available to discuss your options for studying multiple units in one study period.
What can you do with a psychology degree?
After gaining your Graduate Certificate of Psychology, you may decide to continue your studies and gain a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). After completing your Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), you may choose to continue your studies to become a registered psychologist by completing either a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (4th year), allowing access to the General Psychology pathway or by completing a 4th year Honours to access both General and Clinical Psychology pathways.
If you choose not to pursue further study or a career in psychology, this degree can help empower you to find employment across a variety of industries like business, community services, education, health services and protective services.
How long does it take to become a psychologist?
Depending on which pathway you choose to follow it can take around 6-8 years to become a registered psychologist.
Can I become a psychiatrist after a psychology degree?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have studied first to become a medical doctor. Once they have graduated as a doctor, they take on more study and training to become a psychiatrist. A degree in psychology will not qualify you to become a psychiatrist.
Can I become a counsellor with a psychology degree?
Depending on what skills and experience your future employer is looking for, a postgraduate degree in psychology may provide you with the skills required to apply for counselling positions. Each role will be different, therefore we suggest reading the key selection criteria thoroughly.
How much does it cost to complete the Graduate Certificate of Psychology?
JCU Online's Graduate Certificate of Psychology consists of four subjects and costs $3,572 per subject. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.
What is FEE-HELP?
Some students may be eligible for government assistance to help their study. For more information and to see if you are eligible visit: https://online.jcu.edu.au/fees
