School of Psychology

Studying Psychology at Deakin: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where can I study Psychology?
  2. How can I study Psychology?
  3. Can I study Psychology off-campus?
  4. What scores do I need to get into Psychology?
  5. What are the requirements to become a practising Psychologist?
  6. Is there mid-year intake?
  7. Is it possible to get Advanced Standing for previous studies?
  8. Am I able to study units at another university (cross-institutional [complementary] enrolment)?
  9. Can I enrol in a single subject (non-award study)?
  10. Am I able to complete some of my studies overseas?
  11. I have some questions about the Graduate Diploma of Psychology.
  12. I have some questions about Honours in Psychology.

  1. Where can I study Psychology?

    Students can complete a full 3-year undergraduate psychology sequence on-campus on the Melbourne Campus at Burwood, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, and the Warrnambool Campus, as well as in off-campus mode.

    Honours and the Graduate Diploma of Psychology can be studied on the Geelong Waterfront Campus or at the Melbourne Campus at Burwood.

    Postgraduate students wishing to undertake research and coursework in the specialist areas of Clinical, Forensic and Health can do so on the Melbourne Campus at Burwood. Students wishing to undertake research and coursework in the specialist areas of Industrial and Organisational can study at the Melbourne Campus at Burwood or for Clinical Psychology students can study at the Geelong Waterfront Campus. Higher degrees by research can be undertaken on any campus.

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  2. How can I study Psychology?

    There are a number of degrees in which you can study Psychology at Deakin University, and information about them is available on the Faculty's courses webpage. You may also like to download a brochure containing general information about undergraduate and fourth-year courses at Deakin, or the pathway opportunities for studies in psychology.

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  3. Can I study Psychology off-campus?

    A number of Psychology units are available off-campus, and are identified by an 'X' in the unit description in the handbook. If you are planning to study off-campus, you will find some useful information about resources available to you through the Off-campus student orientation.

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  4. What scores do I need to get into Psychology?

    To give you an idea of the entry standards for clearly-in ATAR scores into Deakin's Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) and Bachelor of Psychology courses please see the Psychology brochure and 'Why Study Psychology at Deakin' information

    For ATAR scores into other courses which allow a Psychology major, please check with the relevant faculty.

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  5. What are the requirements to become a practising psychologist?

    Students intending to become psychologists must undertake four years of academic study (three years of undergraduate study, plus either a Level-4 Honours year or the Graduate Diploma of Psychology). This is followed by either two years of supervised practice as a probationary psychologist, or postgraduate studies.

    Professional Recognition
    Registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA) currently requires four years of academic study (three years of undergraduate study plus either a Level-4 Honours year or the Graduate Diploma of Psychology, followed by two years of supervised practice), however this is currently under review. You must be a registered psychologist to practise as a psychologist, and to use the title Psychologist.

    To become a full member of the Australian Psychological Society Ltd (APS) (opens in new window) requires six years of academic study. To become an associate member requires a four-year sequence of academic study.

    Deakin's Psychology sequence is recognised by both the PBA and the APS.

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  6. Is there a mid-year intake?

    There is currently a mid-year and end of year intake only in the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies. Those applying for undergraduate degrees should check with the Course Chair regarding the possibility of mid-year intake.

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  7. Is it possible to receive Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) for past studies?

    When you are finalising your enrolment, the School Administrative Officer (Teaching and Learning) will be able to confirm your eligibility for credit for any prior studies.

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  8. Am I able to study units at another University (cross-institutional [complementary] enrolment)?

    Students seeking credit for study to be undertaken at another institution concurrently with their enrolment in a course at Deakin must make written application to the Faculty prior to commencing that study. Where a student does not gain such prior approval from the relevant School Administrative Officer (Teaching and Learning), the student may not obtain credit towards the award for that study undertaken. Note that cross-institutional enrolment is not normally permitted in units which are available at Deakin.

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  9. If you are enrolled in another degree at Deakin, you can take Psychology units as electives within your degree, or you can take single units on a fee-paying basis if they are additional to your course requirements.

    Some Psychology units are available as single-subjects for non-Deakin students who meet the relevant pre-requisites.

    For more information about single-subject (non-award) enrolment, please contact Customer Service, tel: 03 9246 8333.

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  10. Am I able to complete some of my studies overseas?

    Students are encouraged to consider opportunities to study part of their course abroad, for which credit may be obtained, in an approved partner institution. Further information is available through Deakin International's Education Abroad website.

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  11. I have some questions about the Graduate Diploma of Psychology.

    Please visit the Graduate Diploma of Psychology page for FAQs about the course.

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  12. I have some questions about Honours in Psychology.

    Please visit the Honours page for FAQs about the course.

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1st March 2012