Price
Domestic learners
$1,099* per 15 point course
International learners
$5,388* per 15 point course
*Price is approximate and subject to change based on elective course selection. Fees outlined are based on the 2026 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.
Qualification
GradDipPsycSc
120 points
Duration tooltip: Duration is approximate and subject to course availability
2 years part-time
Entry times
13 July 2026
28 September 2026
2027
Overview
Build psychological awareness to help you better understand, analyse, and work with people across a range of sectors — and gain the academic background you need to take your next step into postgraduate psychology study.
Understanding how and why people think, behave, and interact can benefit your career in almost any industry — from healthcare and social services, to marketing and management. This online graduate diploma will deepen your understanding of the way people think and behave, helping you to work more effectively with others, and equipping you to implement and evaluate strategies that drive meaningful changes in behaviour.
This online graduate diploma is also a great way to prepare for further postgraduate study in psychology, if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field. This programme can help you meet the entry requirements when continuing on to apply for postgraduate psychology study (including UC's acclaimed range of postgraduate psychology qualifications).
Requirements
To ensure that our learners have the necessary background and experience to succeed in this graduate diploma, you must have previously completed an Aotearoa bachelor's degree, or equivalent. If you haven't successfully completed a bachelor's degree, we recommend you explore the on-campus UC Bachelor of Psychological Science.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science or use the admission requirements checker.
Unsure about your suitability?
As part of our application process, your eligibility will be assessed by our psychology academic team to make sure that your academic and/or professional background meets the entry criteria for this online qualification. Unfortunately our Tuihono UC | UC Online team cannot confirm your eligibility before your application is submitted, beyond referring you to the requirements above. We are happy to help answer any general questions you have about the programme or online learning, however. You can get in touch with us here.
Not sure if you want to study online or on-campus?
Whether you decide to study online or on-campus, our UC team is here to support you every step of the way.
Structure
The Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science can be studied part-time over two years (subject to course availability) and must be completed within five years.
Time commitment
Part-time learners complete 30 points of course(s) each semester, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assessments. Our Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science is flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments, as long as you meet assessment deadlines.
Upcoming dates
Please note: learners beginning their graduate diploma in July or September 2026 will initially study across nine-week terms rather than semesters. During 2026, learners will complete one 15-point course per term, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. From February 2027, all learners will transition to the standard UC semester schedule.
Our 2026 learning dates can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our period of marking and feedback).
- 13 July - 13 September 2026
- Study break: 10 – 16 August 2026
- 28 September - 29 November 2026
- Study break: 26 October - 1 November 2026
Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change.
Careers and job opportunities
Through deepening your understanding of human behaviour, a qualification in psychology can support your future across a range of industries and roles, including healthcare, social services, education, human resources, marketing and more.
This programme also provides a pathway to further postgraduate study, helping you meet entry requirements for UC Online's Master of Organisational Psychology, or UC's on-campus Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours or Master of Science in Psychology.*
*The MSc can enable graduates to apply for psychologist registration programmes, such as UC's limited-entry Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, or Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology. Please note that these competitive programmes have limited places and specific entry requirements that applicants should review carefully.
What you'll study
Ready to start learning? All learners starting online in July will begin their learning with Introduction to Psychology I (PSYC191) and Introduction to Psychology II (PSYC192). You'll then complete 90 points worth of other online psychology courses aligned with UC's on-campus programme.
Sign up to stay updated about course details and timings.
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. PSYC191 is designed to provide an introduction to foundational concepts in the psychological study of brain, behaviour and cognition. Students will also learn to interpret research findings and apply basic quantitative skills relevant to these area of study.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe foundational concepts and principles in the psychological study of brain, behaviour, & cognition.
- Explain and illustrate key psychological theories that account for patterns in human behaviour and cognition.
- Describe how cultural context, including te ao Māori context, influences assumptions and perspectives on the psychological study of mind and behaviour.
- Describe common research methods used in the psychological study of brain, behaviour and cognition, including their strengths and limitations.
- Interpret research findings from psychological studies in the fields of brain, behaviour and cognition.
- Apply basic quantitative techniques to psychological datasets, to analyse and interpret psychological data relevant to the study of brain, behaviour and cognition.
Description
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. PSYC191 is designed to provide an introduction to foundational concepts in social, developmental and applied psychology. Students will also learn to interpret research findings and apply basic quantitative skills relevant to these area of study.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe foundational concepts and principles in social, developmental, and applied psychology.
- Explain and illustrate key psychological theories that account for the influence of social, cultural, and developmental contexts on human behaviour, cognition and mental health.
- Describe how cultural context, including te ao Māori context, shapes understanding of interpersonal behaviour, development and mental health.
- Describe common research methods used in social, developmental and applied psychology, including their strengths and limitations.
- Interpret research findings from psychological studies in the fields of social, developmental and applied psychology.
- Apply basic quantitative techniques to psychological datasets, to analyse and interpret psychological data relevant to social, developmental and applied psychology.
Following PSYC191 and PSYC192, you'll complete 90 points worth of other online psychology courses aligned with UC's on-campus programme.
Sign up to stay updated about course details and timings.
Testimonials
Curious about what studying online is really like? Here's what recent learners thought of our other health and wellbeing online learning options.
Bev
Psychology of Wellbeing
"I really enjoyed the course and would now consider online study for a more in-depth course. This course has given me confidence that I can fit study into my day and will be supported."
Brydhi
Master of Health Sciences (Nursing)
"I enjoyed being able to go through the content at my own speed."
Janine
Nutrition and Wellbeing
“I love that this course uses research backed approaches. I loved learning all about micro and macro nutrients, the relationship between our gut and brain, processed and whole foods and ultra processed foods.”
Gina
Lifestyle and Wellbeing
“[I enjoyed most] the practical content, the support and the dialogue with other learners.”
Sibo
Master of Health Sciences (Nursing)
"[I most enjoyed] understanding how various systems work together in a human being, including the body and functionality. The application of this knowledge in practical was enriching."
Stay updated
If you’re keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open or ask a question about this graduate diploma, please sign up for updates below.
Cap & minimum enrolment threshold: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.
FAQ
This qualification can support career development across a range of industries by deepening your understanding of human behaviour, communication, and decision-making. Graduates may apply these skills in areas such as healthcare, social services, education, human resources, marketing and more.
This programme also provides a pathway to further postgraduate study, helping you meet entry requirements for UC Online's Master of Organisational Psychology, or UC's on-campus Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours or Master of Science in Psychology , subject to meeting the required grade average for admission.
*The MSc can enable graduates to apply for psychologist registration programmes, such as UC's limited-entry Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, or Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology. Please note that these competitive programmes have limited places and specific entry requirements that applicants should review carefully.
Yes! This programme is designed to provide a pathway into postgraduate psychology study for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline.
The GradDipPsycSc can help you meet entry requirements for UC Online's Master of Organisational Psychology, or UC's on-campus Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours or Master of Science in Psychology, subject to meeting the required grade average for admission.
*The MSc can enable graduates to apply for psychologist registration programmes, such as UC's limited-entry Postgraduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology, or Postgraduate Diploma in Child and Family Psychology. Please note that these competitive programmes have limited places and specific entry requirements that applicants should review carefully.
The overall cost of tuition fees per 15-point course based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $1,099* incl GST
- for international learners is $5,388* plus GST if applicable.
Total programme investment for 120-point programme based on the 2026 fee schedule:
- for domestic learners is $8,792* incl GST
- for international learners is $43,104* plus GST if applicable.
*Price is approximate and subject to change based on course selection.
Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2026 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.
Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.
The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $2.06 per academic point in 2026. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.
There are a range of options you can use to finance your study, which you can learn more about here.
Learners in the Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.
Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team.
Whether you need advice finding the right course for you or support with the enrolment process, we’re here to help! Contact our enrolment support team for course information, technical help and enrolment support.
Applications for this online programme are made online through our Tuihono UC | UC Online website — check to see if you can apply now or sign up to stay updated.
If you are a domestic learner, the below process will apply. If you are an international learner, the application process is slightly different, and we recommend getting in touch with our enrolment team at info@uconline.ac.nz to answer any questions.
For domestic learners, your application will be assessed by our academic team to make sure you meet all entrance criteria (including academic and english language requirements). We may be in touch to ask you further questions about your experience, or to request additional supporting documentation. If your application is accepted, you will be sent an 'Offer of Place' to let you know your enrolment has been conditionally approved.
Following this, we will generate an ‘Enrolment Agreement’ outlining your courses, fees and student agreement, which you need to sign and accept. Your enrolment is only complete when the fees outlined in this agreement are paid in full (view payment options), at which point you’ll become ‘Fully Enrolled’ and receive a ‘Welcome to Tuihono UC | UC Online’ email with details of your next steps to start learning. If you have any questions during the enrolment process, please get in touch with our team via info@uconline.ac.nz.
Yes, our online GradDipPsycSc is a real university qualification.
Successful learners will graduate with a Graduate Diploma in Psychological Science from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, and be eligible to attend graduation! You can either receive your testamur (qualification certificate) on-stage, or elect to receive your certificate in the mail.
This online graduate diploma can be completed in 2 years of part-time study, with full-time availability to be confirmed. It must be completed within 5 years.
Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC | UC Online GradDipPsycSc gives you the same quality education as our on-campus programmes, with the flexibility of online learning.
This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study anywhere, anytime, at your pace.
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