Psychologists

To gain provisional registration as a psychologist, you need to complete four years of academic psychology study that is recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia. This usually consists of an approved three-year undergraduate psychology sequence (including a 10-credit-point psychology major or equivalent, within a single or double degree), followed by an approved fourth year of psychology study, with both degrees accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council. You can then apply for provisional registration with the PsyBA and associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

To gain general registration, provisional psychologists must complete a minimum two years of further study, e.g. Master of Psychology (Clinical), with supervised practice completed outside the degree. Or, one year of further study, e.g. Master of Professional Psychology), plus a one-year internship in the form of an intensive supervised training program, or a two-year internship in the form of an intensive supervised training program.

These pathways are outlined in the following steps.

Step 1

Complete one course from either option a or b, and then move to the appropriate step.

Step 2

Complete a fourth year of study in psychology either Deakin’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) or Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours).

Step 3

Apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

Step 4

Either complete a masters or doctorate (two years minimum) that includes a work placement:

• Master of Psychology (Organisational)
• Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)

Or, complete a one year masters degree plus a one-year internship in the form of an intensive supervised training program:

• Master of Professional Psychology.

Step 5

Apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and full membership of the Australian Psychological Society.

^{1 Students must select the 10 credit point major in psychology.
2 Equivalent to an undergraduate degree in psychology (for those who have an undergraduate qualification in another study area). Consists of the APAC accredited sequence of core psychology units, without electives.
3 You can apply for provisional registration on completion of your fourth year of the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).}

Practising psychologists work in a range of fields. Clinical psychologists work with people to assess and treat mental illness but there are many other disciplines within psychology that involve interventions related to human behaviour.

Psychologists can work for large companies to help improve workplace performance; in the court system to understand criminal behaviour and help victims of crime; and in schools, hospitals and private consultancies, among many other settings. For example:

• Organisational psychologists are trained to work in areas such as recruitment, leadership development, training and mentoring.
• Health psychologists work to design public health programs to prevent harmful behaviours.
• Counselling psychologists work with individuals and families to develop strategies to deal with difficult life issues such as relationship problems or managing trauma.
• Clinical psychologists meet with clients to identify difficulties – emotional, mental and behavioural – in their lives. Through observation or testing, the psychologist will diagnose any existing or potential disorders and formulate a program of treatment.

To find out more about the range of opportunities within the psychology field, visit the Australian Psychological Society website.

An individual who practises as a psychologist must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. A registered practitioner will be listed on the board’s website.

After completing four years of accredited undergraduate training in psychology, you can choose to take the path of further study and complete a PhD in psychology. This extended research project runs over a three to four-year period and allows you to develop expertise in a field of research in a specific area of human behaviour.

Those with PhDs in psychology can embark on a career as an academic at a university where they continue their research as well as teaching psychology. Many research psychologists also work for government departments, community organisations, think tanks or hospitals.