Should I study a graduate diploma of psychology online or in person?

Are you considering studying a graduate diploma of psychology but don’t know whether to study online or in person? Deciding the best way to study your new course can be challenging, especially if you are returning to education after a break. We have outlined the benefits and drawbacks of studying online and in person so you can see which is the best option for you.

What is a graduate diploma of psychology?

A graduate diploma of psychology is a postgraduate course where you will develop your understanding of psychology. The course is the perfect starting point of your journey to be a psychologist or to help you understand staff when working in human-centred roles. Generally, the course aims to complete the following learning outcomes: 

• Cultural perspectives
• Foundational understanding and psychological literacy 
• Scientific approach 

The course is split into eight units, which will help you learn about psychological theories, behaviours, and developments that will help you better understand and support patients or employees. The unit titles can vary depending on the course provider that you choose, but you can expect to see the following titles in your course brochure: 

• Experimental research design and analysis 
• Correlational research design and analysis
• Neuroscience and human behavior
• Psychological science of human information processing 
• Psychological science of human social behavior 
• Psychological development and diversity in adulthood 
• Psychological development and diversity in childhood 
• Psychological science of well-being 

A graduate diploma of psychology is offered full-time or part-time, with the option to study online. The variety of studying options allows you to find the right option for your needs, ensuring that everyone can study their dream course. 

Studying a graduate diploma of psychology online 

Studying a graduate diploma of psychology online is a fantastic option for many students. When you study online, you get to work through one unit at a time, reducing the workload and making it easier for you to manage your deadlines and reading. This approach allows you to work alongside studying or maintain any caring commitments you have. 

Studying online also comes with plenty of flexibility, allowing you to complete your work at a time that suits you. All of your classes are pre-recorded, so you don’t need to worry about making 9 am classes. You can complete your work before or after work, utilising your time as efficiently as possible. Some students can struggle with this, especially if time management is not your strong suit. It’s important to consider whether you can manage your time and keep yourself motivated before deciding if studying online is the right choice.

Studying a graduate diploma of psychology online can also be cheaper, as you typically pay for each unit at a time. As there is no physical class to attend, the costs can be lower too, helping you to access your education without worrying about debts. Online courses can also be eligible for fee assistance, so you don’t need to worry about debts or struggling to pay for your course. 

The biggest downside to studying online is that it can be isolating, especially if you prefer to study with others or benefit from bouncing ideas off other students. There are forums that you can take advantage of, but for some students, it does not replace the atmosphere of a classroom. 

Studying a graduate diploma of psychology in-person

Studying a graduate diploma of psychology in person allows you to engage with other students, encouraging collaborative learning. For those who enjoy discussing ideas, it is beneficial to study in this environment. It also helps to get students out of the house, which can be helpful if you work from home or worry about getting lonely during your studies. 

Studying in person also allows you to get support from your professors immediately. You can ask questions and get the feedback and support that you need without waiting for email responses, which is very beneficial for some students. 

Studying a graduate diploma of psychology online or in-person

When deciding to study online or in-person, you will want to consider all of the benefits and drawbacks that we laid out earlier. Studying online and in-person comes with many benefits, but if you need flexibility or a lower price, then studying online is the best option for you. Make sure that you check the course brochure carefully to ensure that a graduate diploma of psychology online is the right choice for you and will help you achieve your goals.

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