Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Guaranteed ATAR: 60.00
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
View full entry requirements- Up to 4 years part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2027 | Trimester 2 – June 2027 | Trimester 3 – October 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Whether you're looking to start the pathway to psychology or you're seeking to complement your existing skillset, UNE's Diploma in Psychological Science will provide you with the foundational grounding in psychological studies that you need. Throughout the course, you will develop essential knowledge and skills in evidence-based science approaches, psychological theories, and research methodologies. You will hone critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as technical and communication skills, ready to sustain independent, life-long learning.
Future-fit yourself for the growing need for psychological science skillsets in a wide variety of sectors.
Why study the Diploma in Psychological Science with UNE?
At UNE, we understand that psychological science is for much more than becoming a psychologist. Expertise in psychological theories and research methods can be an invaluable asset in a wide variety fields including health and social care, human resource management, counselling, education, law, and marketing to name only a few. The knowledge and skills developed in this course are highly transferable and will continue to support you through the rapidly changing world of work.
UNE has an unmatched heritage in distance and online education – we have over 70 years of experience. We're proud to say that year after year, our students award us 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support.
What makes our course different?
Our Diploma in Psychological Science stands out due to its comprehensive curriculum, expert academics and outstanding student support. When studying this course you will:
- Learn key psychological concepts and theories, as well as how to apply research methods and evidence-based practices in psychology.
- Graduate ready to demonstrate your knowledge of ethical principals and cultural sensitivity related to psychology.
- Enhance your critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills within both psychological and interdisciplinary contexts.
- Position yourself for future study. If you decide to take your psychology studies even further, the units you complete in the diploma may be eligible for credit transfer toward a degree like the Bachelor of Psychological Science, which is an accredited course commencing the pathway to registration as a psychologist.
- Study flexibly. This course is offered online and part-time, allowing you to fit your study around your existing commitments. Our trimester system also allows you to choose when you commence your study, with three intakes per year.
Please note: this course is not accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.
* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on the basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
There are ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE can automatically award additional points as adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants for this course without the need for an additional application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS
UNE Early Entry Program
Early Entry is open to all Year 12 applicants and relies on your school’s assessment of your attributes and suitability for study. You can apply early, receive an offer and secure a place with UNE, even before your scores are released.
> Learn more about the UNE Early Entry Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Diploma in Psychological Science.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Diploma in Psychological Science.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (Certificate III or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Diploma in Psychological Science.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Mature Age Special Entry
Tell us more about your work and life experience, demonstrating why you believe you will be successful in the course you are applying for. Simply complete the form and upload it in your application.
> Download the Mature Age Special Entry form (PDF)
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Foundation Program
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online program designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Foundation Program
TRACKS Indigenous Foundation Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a foundation program run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 1 unit of English and any 1 unit of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent). You are also expected to have sufficient computer literacy in order to undertake online learning.
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
Before starting this course, we recommend you have a sound understanding of any 2 units of English and any 2 units of Mathematics studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Recommended Studies
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools for the Diploma in Psychological Science.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can use this to assess eligibility.
- If you are applying through Mature Age Special Entry, you will need to include a completed Mature Age Special Entry form in your online application. Learn more about Mature Age Special Entry.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing
Course structure
To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 48 credit points.
36 credit points
Complete the following units:- Introductory Psychology I (PSYC101) – 6 credit points
- Introductory Psychology II (PSYC102) – 6 credit points
- Social Psychology (PSYC200) – 6 credit points
- Research Methods and Statistics (PSYC202) – 6 credit points
- Cognitive Psychology (PSYC206) – 6 credit points
- Lifespan Developmental Psychology (PSYC213) – 6 credit points
12 credit points
Complete 12 credit points from the following units:- Health Psychology (PSYC304) – 6 credit points
- Organisational Psychology (PSYC306) – 6 credit points
- Motivation and Emotion (PSYC307) – 6 credit points
- Sport and Exercise Psychology (PSYC308) – 6 credit points
- Cognitive Affective and Social Neuroscience (PSYC309) – 6 credit points
- Behaviour Modification: Learning Principles Applied (PSYC314) – 6 credit points
- Environmental Psychology (PSYC315) – 6 credit points
- Psychopathology (PSYC363) – 6 credit points
- Biopsychology (PSYC366) – 6 credit points
- Individual Differences and Assessment (PSYC371) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Research Methods and Statistics (PSYC372) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
Understanding Your Course Fees
Your total course fees are based on the number of units you complete, not the length of time you study. This gives you flexibility to tailor your study journey to suit your circumstances.
Here's how it works:
- Unit-based pricing - Each unit has its own fee. Visit our Fees and Costs section for detailed unit pricing information
- Advanced standing - If you're eligible for credit for previous study, you'll complete fewer units and pay less overall
- Study pace - Choose part-time or full-time study to fit your schedule without affecting unit costs
- Trimester 3 option - Students who choose to accelerate their progress by studying during Trimester 3 can do so without increasing overall costs
The table below shows estimated fees for a typical full-time year of study (48 credit points which typically equates to 8 units)
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
| Fee type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply) | $17,366* |
| Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $384 |
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
Your career
Although the Diploma in Psychological Science is not a professionally accredited course, the units studied may be able to be transferred to an accredited degree such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science. The skills gained will be of standalone value to fields such as:
- counselling and education
- law
- personnel management
- learning support worker
- market research
- community services or youth work.
Graduates of the Diploma in Psychological Science may apply for admission to a range of Bachelor courses and credit may be granted for units completed in the Diploma in Psychological Science.
Course outcomes
- demonstrate theoretical and empirical knowledge of selected areas of psychology;
- describe, apply and evaluate different research methods used in psychology;
- evaluate psychological literature and recognise the link between theory and its practical application;
- demonstrate practical skills in essay or report writing using American Psychological Association (APA) structure and formatting conventions;
- demonstrate intermediate-level knowledge of specialised areas within the field of psychology; and
- engage in critical thinking and analytical skills as well as technical and communication skills to sustain independent, life-long learning.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
Graduates will possess an intermediate body of knowledge in psychology through the study of introductory psychology and selected additional units. This knowledge will be taught in lectures, unit materials and online activities and will be assessed throughout the course with a range of different activities. Information provided within each unit embeds current global knowledge within the discipline of psychology.
- Communication Skills
Graduates will have well developed communication skills which are taught, assessed and practiced through written assignments and face-to-face (or online equivalent) tutorial and laboratory sessions.
- Problem Solving
Most of the post-100 level psychology units include data collection and/or in-depth analysis of a topic in order to address an issue in the literature. The onus is then on the student to generate a research report or essay providing a clarification to that issue.
- Information Literacy
Through the writing of essays and research reports graduates will develop the foundational skills with which to discover and process relevant information and to present it in a coherent fashion.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
Graduates will be taught about the ethical behaviour associated with the discipline of Psychology.
- Lifelong Learning
All psychology units within this course develop the student's skills in identifying and accessing information that is relevant to their needs, through both library searches and the internet. This skill empowers graduates to continue accessing new information as required.
- Independence and Collaboration
Graduates will have developed foundational group participation skills and the ability to work collaboratively achieved through on-campus and/or online interactive teaching strategies, where they will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.
Excellence in experience, equity and employability
Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.
Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
Five Stars for
Social Equity
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.
Good Universities Guide 2026
Five Stars for
Graduate Employment
UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.
Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
Diamond-Rated Digital Learning
UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.
ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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Why study with us?
The most enjoyable part of my studies is the sense of achievement and being part of something bigger than myself.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 12 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 |
| Trimester 2 | 11 June 2027 | 21 June 2027 |
| Trimester 3 | 8 October 2027 | 18 October 2027 |
