Diploma of Psychological Studies

Key Information

Duration and course structure

1 year to be completed in 3 trimesters (8 units)

Intake dates

January, May, September

Mode of delivery

On campus

Fees

Tuition fee for the entire course:

AED 56,400

Tuition fees are inclusive of VAT

About the Diploma of Psychological Studies

The Diploma of Psychological Studies is designed to provide you with a broad introduction to the field of psychology in a supportive, student-centred learning environment. The program will prepare you for further study or for an entry level professional career.

You will explore a broad range of subject areas relating to psychology as practice, study and science. You will have a better understanding of career planning and management, as well as develop literacy skills that will enhance your academic and professional communication and language capabilities.

Once you complete the Diploma of Psychological Studies, opportunities include progression to the second year of the degree program in Psychology, or an entry level position in the business sector.

Course structure

Second year of your Murdoch University Dubai degree

  • Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)

Successful completion of the Diploma will allow you to enter into second year of a bachelor’s degree at Murdoch University Dubai Campus with 8 units of credit.

You must complete and pass the required eight units for your Diploma.

Academic entry requirements

Australian entry requirements

The following is required for Australian students:

  • Successful completion of Year 12 with minimum ATAR of 50 or Foundation Program or AQF Certificate IV

Afghanistan entry requirements

The following is required for Afghanistan students:

  • Afghanistan Baccalauria grade average 60% in final year results

Argentina entry requirements

The following is required for Argentina students:

  • Successful completion of Bachiller with an average grade of 70% or higher in the final year

Bahrain entry requirements

The following is required for Bahrain students:

  • Successful completion of the General Secondary Education Certificate (Tawjahiya or Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama) with overall achievement of 70% or Successful completion of 1 year of recognised tertiary studies

Bangladesh entry requirements

The following is required for Bangladesh students:

  • Successful completion of Higher School Certificate (Year 12) with a GPA ≥ 3.0

Bhutan entry requirements

The following is required for Bhutan students:

  • Successful completion of Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) with a grade average of 55% in 4 academic subjects or Class XII from CBSE or CICSE Boards with an overall grade point average of 50%

Botswana entry requirements

The following is required for Botswana students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Brazil entry requirements

The following is required for Brazil students:

  • Certificado de Ensino Medio with an average of 7.0 in 4 subjects

Brunei entry requirements

The following is required for Brunei students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Cambodia entry requirements

The following is required for Cambodian students:

  • Successful completion of 1 year recognized post-secondary study

Cameroon entry requirements

The following is required for Cameroon students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Canada entry requirements

The following is required for Canada students:

  • Successful completion of Grade 12 or Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a minimum C grade average or (Ontario Academic Courses - equivalent to A Level - 5 passes) with a minimum average grade of 50% in final year results

Chile entry requirements

The following is required for Chile students:

  • Successful completion of Licencia de Educación Media Secundaria (Certificate of Secondary Education) with grade 5.5 or above

China entry requirements

The following is required for Chinese students:

  • Successful completion of Senior Middle 3 with a 65% average in 4 subjects or successfully pass Gao Kao

Colombia entry requirements

The following is required for Colombian students:

  • Successful completion of Bachillerato or Bachillerato Tecnico with an average of 67% or above.

Denmark entry requirements

The following is required for Denmark students:

  • Successful completion of Danish Upper Secondary School Leaving Exams (Studentereksamenor or Hojere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Hojere Handelsekamen (HHX) with a grade average of 02 (adequate)

Ecuador entry requirements

The following is required for Ecuador students:

  • Successful completion of Ecuadorean Bachillerato with an average score 15 for academic subjects

Egypt entry requirements

The following is required for Egypt students:

  • Successful completion of General Certificate of Secondary Education ((Thanawiyya al-A’aama) with a minimum average of 70% average or Successful completion of 1 year recognized post-secondary study

El Salvador entry requirements

The following is required for El Salvador students:

  • Successful completion of Salvadorean Bachillerato Grade average of 5.6 in the final year's result

Fiji entry requirements

The following is required for Fijian students:

  • Successful completion of Year 13 Certificate Examination (formerly Fiji 7th Form Examination) with an average of 50% in best 3 subjects

France entry requirements

The following is required for French students:

  • Successful completion of French Baccalaureate with a grade average of 8 or above or Diplome de Bachelier de l’enseignement or Certificat de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires (CFES)

Gambia entry requirements

The following is required for Gambia students:

  • WASSCE with C5 average across any 5 subjects (≤25 points)

Germany entry requirements

The following is required for Germany students:

  • Successful completion of the Abitur or Fachhochschulreife with a grade average of 4.0 or better

Ghana entry requirements

The following is required for Ghana students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5) Or
  • WASSCE with C5 average across any 5 subjects (≤25 points)

Greece entry requirements

The following is required for Greece students:

  • Successful completion of the Apolytirio Lykeio (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a pass mark of ‘13’ in four subjects

Hong Kong - SAR entry requirements

The following is required for Hong Kong - SAR students:

  • Successful completion of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a total score of 8 in the best 4 subjects from core units in Category A and Category C, i.e. 2 x level 2s

India entry requirements

The following is required for Indian students:

  • Successful completion of India Higher Secondary Certificate - Class XII - State Boards except Punjab State Board - with a minimum average of 55% or above in the best 4 academic subjects

India entry requirements

The following is required for Indian students:

  • Successful completion of All India Senior School Certificate - Class XII - CBSE or CISCE or NIOS - with a minimum average of 50% in the best 4 academic subjects.

Indonesia entry requirements

The following is required for Indonesien students:

  • Successful completion of SMA 3 (formerly SMU 3) with a minimum average grade of 7.0 or 70%

Iran entry requirements

The following is required for Iran students:

  • High School Diploma with minimum 12 points (Theoretical Stream and Technical and Vocational Stream only)
  • In addition, students who have successfully completed the national entrance exam (Konkur) will be considered for entry in any of their preferred Murdoch University programs, as listed above (Foundation, Diploma, Undergraduate)

Iraq entry requirements

The following is required for Iraq students:

  • Iraqi Certificate of Preparatory Studies average grade of 50% for final year results

Japan entry requirements

The following is required for Japanese students:

  • Successful completion of Kotogakko 3 or Upper Secondary School Certificate of Graduation with an average grade of 65% or Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination with Grade average of 2.5 out of 5

Jordan entry requirements

The following is required for Jordan students:

  • Successful completion of 1 year recognized post-secondary study or Successful completion of Tawjihi or General Vocational Secondary Education Certificate with 70% or above in academic subjects

Kazakhstan entry requirements

The following is required for Kazakhstan students:

  • Successful completion of Kazakhstan Diploma of Completed Specialised Secondary Education with an average grade of 3.0 in final year results or Diploma of Vocation Technical Education

Kenya entry requirements

The following is required for Kenya students:

  • Successful completion of KSCE with a C grade average or GCE A Levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma. A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1). AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

South Korea entry requirements

The following is required for South Korean students:

  • Successful completion of Senior High School Certificate (Year 12) with a C-grade average (Mi or 6) or CSAT 275

Kuwait entry requirements

The following is required for Kuwait students:

  • Successful completion of Year 12 or General Secondary School Certificate (GSSC) or completion American High School Diploma with a minimum grade average of 70%

Latvia entry requirements

The following is required for Latvia students:

  • Successful completion of the Latvian Attestation of General Secondary Education with a minimum grade average of C (6.0)

Laos entry requirements

The following is required for Laos students:

  • Successful completion of Upper Secondary School (Baccalauréat) mark >= 6 in 4 Academic subjects

Lebanon entry requirements

The following is required for Lebanon students:

  • Successful completion of Baccalaureate Libanais Year 12 with a minimum average above 10

Libya entry requirements

The following is required for Libya students:

  • Successful completion of the Libyan General Secondary School Leaving Certificate Overall grade of 70% in final year results or Vocational Secondary School Leaving Certificate overall grade of 70% in final year results

Liberia entry requirements

The following is required for Liberia students:

  • WASSCE with C5 average across any 5 subjects (≤25 points)

Macau - SAR entry requirements

The following is required for Macau - SAR students:

  • Successful completion of Senior Middle 3 with a 65% average in 4 subjects or successfully pass Gao Kao or Successful completion of Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a total score of 8 in the best 4 subjects from core units in Category A and Category C, i.e. 2 x level 2s

Malawi entry requirements

The following is required for Malawi students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Malaysia entry requirements

The following is required for Malaysian students:

  • Successful completion of Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with a minimum of 2 passes or Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) with a minimum average of C grade in 4 academic subjects

Mauritius entry requirements

The following is required for Mauritius students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Mexico entry requirements

The following is required for Mexico students:

  • Successful completion of Bachillerato with an average of 7.0 or above in academic subjects

Moldova entry requirements

The following is required for Moldova students:

  • Successful completion of Moldova Diploma de Bacalaureat grade average of 6

Mongolia entry requirements

The following is required for Mongolian students:

  • Successful completion of Gerchilgee (Certificate of Senior Secondary Education) with an average of 70% in the final year

Myanmar entry requirements

The following is required for Myanmar students:

  • Successful completion of 1-year tertiary study or YIUS Foundation Program

Nepal entry requirements

The following is required for Nepalese students:

  • School Leaving Certificate Examination (Grade XII) awarded by the National Examinations Board: Minimum GPA of 2.0

New Zealand entry requirements

The following is required for New Zealand students:

  • Successful completion of the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 or Year 13

Nigerian entry requirements

The following is required for Nigerian students:

  • Successful completion of Senior Secondary School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) with 5 grades at C5 level OR Foundation

Norway entry requirements

The following is required for Norway students:

  • Successful completion of the Norwegian Certificate of Completion of Upper Secondary School Examinations with an average >= 3.5 in 4 academic subjects

Oman entry requirements

The following is required for Oman students:

  • Successful completion of 1-year tertiary study or General Secondary Education Certificate or American High school Diploma grade average of 70% in the final year results

Pakistan entry requirements

The following is required for Pakistan students:

  • Successful completion of Higher Secondary School Certificate (Year 12) with a grade average of 55% across 4 academic subjects

Papua New Guinea entry requirements

The following is required for Papua New Guinea students:

  • Successful completion of the National High School Certificate with average B grade for academic subjects

Paraguay entry requirements

The following is required for Paraguay students:

  • Successful completion of Paraguayan Bachillerato Grade average of 4.0 in final year results

Peru entry requirements

The following is required for Peru students:

  • Successful completion of Certificado de Educacion Secundaria – average grade of 14 or above

Philippines entry requirements

The following is required for Philippines students:

  • Senior High School Diploma K-12 Academic Track only with an overall average of 75%

Poland entry requirements

The following is required for Poland students:

  • Successful completion of Egzamin Maturalny or Liceum with an average grade of 3.0 based on all compulsory subjects

Russian Federation entry requirements

The following is required for Russian Federation students:

  • Successful completion of Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 3.0

Saudi Arabia entry requirements

The following is required for Saudi Arabia students:

  • Successful completion of Year 12 or General Secondary School Certificate (GSSC) with an average of 70% or above

Sierra Leone entry requirements

The following is required for Sierra Leone students:

  • WASSCE with C5 average across any 5 subjects (≤25 points)

Singapore entry requirements

The following is required for Singapore students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Solomon Islands entry requirements

The following is required for Solomon Islands students:

  • Successful completion of Pacific Senior Secondary Certificate (Form 6) Grade average of 5.0

South Africa entry requirements

The following is required for South African students:

  • Successful completion of NSC (National Senior Certificate) with a grade average of 4 or above or Matriculation with a minimum of 3 passes in higher-level subjects

Spain entry requirements

The following is required for Spain students:

  • Successful completion of Título de Bachiller with an average grade of 6

Sri Lanka entry requirements

The following is required for Sri Lankan students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Sudan entry requirements

The following is required for Sudan students:

  • Successful completion of Sudan School Certificate grade average 70% in final year results

Sweden entry requirements

The following is required for Sweden students:

  • Successful completion of Upper Secondary School Certificate (Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola) with a grade average of 12.5 or higher

Switzerland entry requirements

The following is required for Switzerland students:

  • Successful completion of Swiss Cantonal Maturity Certificate, or Cantonal Commercial Maturity Certificate with a grade average of 3.5 or Successful completion of Swiss Federal Maturity Certificate grade average of 3 (on a 6-point scale), or 2.6 (5-point scale) in final year results

Taiwan entry requirements

The following is required for Taiwan students:

  • Successful completion of Senior High School Diploma / Senior Vocational School with an average of 60%

Tanzania entry requirements

The following is required for Tanzania students:

  • Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) either Division 1, 2 or 3 accepted.

Thailand entry requirements

The following is required for Thailand students:

  • Successful completion of Matayom 6 with a GPA of 2

Turkey entry requirements

The following is required for Turkey students:

  • Successful completion of Devlet Lise Diplomasi: Grade 3 (60%)

Uganda entry requirements

The following is required for Uganda students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Ukraine entry requirements

The following is required for Ukraine students:

  • Successful completion of Ukraine Certificate of Complete General Secondary Education with a GPA of 3.75

United Arab Emirates entry requirements

The following is required for United Arab Emirates students:

  • Successful completion of Year 12 or General Secondary School Certificate (Tawjihiya) with a minimum average of 70%

United Kingdom entry requirements

The following is required for United Kingdom students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

USA entry requirements

The following is required for USA students:

  • Successful completion of High School Diploma with a GPA of 2.0; or
  • Successful completion of SAT with a score of 920/1600

Uzbekistan entry requirements

The following is required for Uzbekistan students:

  • Successful completion of Certificate of Completed Secondary Education – (Diploma O’rta Ma’lumot To’g’risida Shahodatnoma with 80% or above)

Venezuela entry requirements

The following is required for Venezuela students:

  • Successful completion of Venezuelan Bachillerato Grade average of 12 or above in the final year results

Vietnam entry requirements

The following is required for Vietnam students:

  • Successful completion of High School Graduation Diploma (Giay Chung nhan tot ngiep Thpt) with a minimum grade average of 6.0 in 4 academic subjects

Zambia entry requirements

The following is required for Zambia students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

Zimbabwe entry requirements

The following is required for Zimbabwe students:

  • Successful completion of GCE A levels with a minimum 2 points from 2 GCE A level or 1 A level and 2 AS level or AS levels alone with at least 4 points for admission into a Diploma.
  • A levels (A*=6; A=5; B=4; C=3; D=2; E=1)
  • AS levels are equivalent to half points (e.g. A=2.5, B=2, C=1.5, D=1, E=0.5)

English language entry requirements

International students must be able to demonstrate English language proficiency before being admitted to this course.

Discipline Head Profile – Psychology

Maja

Discipline Head – Psychology and Criminology

Maja Vurnek Zivkovic holds a PhD in Biomedicine and Health from the University of Zagreb (Croatia), an MSc in Health Psychology from King’s College London (UK) and a MA in Psychology from the University of Zagreb. She is Discipline Lead for Psychology and Criminology, as well as Student Counsellor at Murdoch University Dubai.

Maja’s teaching interests include Research Methods, Biological Bases of Behaviour, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology and Mental Health. Her primary research interests include psychoneuroimmunology, illness and treatment perceptions and pro-environmental behaviours.

Maja has also finished several therapeutic trainings, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness and introductory training in Gestalt Psychotherapy.