Fourth-year study
Students who complete an undergraduate degree can enrol in an approved 'fourth year' of study in psychology. This may be either honours in psychology or the Graduate Diploma of Psychology if you studied psychology as an undergraduate student.
Completion of a fourth year is required for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. The fourth year combines coursework and an in-depth research project with an academic advisor.
Our fourth-year options
| Course | Duration | CAMPUS |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent, although honours is just one year of the course |
Melbourne Burwood Geelong Waurn Ponds Warrnambool Cloud |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Melbourne Burwood Geelong Waterfront Cloud |
| Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) (Honours) | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Melbourne Burwood Geelong Waterfront Cloud |
| Graduate Diploma of Psychology | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Melbourne Burwood Geelong Waterfront |
Postgraduate study
Students who complete a four-year tertiary psychology program can then apply to study at postgraduate level.
Our postgraduate program equips graduates with the specialist knowledge and skills for the professional practice of psychology, and the core competencies required by the Psychology Board of Australia to practice as a generalist psychologist.
Our postgraduate options
| Course | Duration | CAMPUS |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Professional Psychology | 1 year full time or 2 years part time |
Melbourne Burwood Geelong Waterfront |
Study psychology at Deakin
Hear about psychology students' experiences of studying at Deakin, as well as the unique opportunities they've had to excel – through their honours degree, further study or research.
Provisional registration
If you'd like to become a psychologist, you’ll need to undertake at least four years of academic study: an approved three-year undergraduate course, plus either an honours year or the Graduate Diploma of Psychology.
You can then register as a provisional psychologist while you undertake a minimum of two years further training to achieve general registration as a psychologist.
Currently, these two years can be done as an approved internship under the supervision of a registered psychologist, or, increasingly, as a two- or three-year postgraduate degree (a Master or Doctor of Psychology) that incorporates clinical work experience and coursework.
You must be a registered psychologist to practise as a psychologist and to use the title of psychologist.
Postgraduate pathways to clinical practice
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
The Master of Psychology (Clinical) has been designed in consultation with our industry partners to help you develop the academic, practical and research skills necessary to register as a psychologist and to practise as a clinical psychologist.
It’s based on an integrative approach to clinical psychology that emphasises evidence-based practice.
Master of Psychology (Organisational)
Throughout Deakin's Master of Psychology (Organisational), you’ll acquire the academic, practical and research skills required for accreditation and registration to enter this specialty profession.
You can then find employment either as a practising organisational psychologist, or as an employee in one of the many organisations and industries employing psychologists.
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical)
The Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) provides you with the opportunity to obtain high-level professional training in clinical psychology.
You’ll undertake a program of independent, supervised research that makes a significant original contribution to knowledge and practice in the discipline of clinical psychology.
Deakin recognised the importance in providing opportunities and first-hand experiences within the health field, which is becoming increasingly important."
Dinisha Parmar
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Conduct research in psychology
You might find that your interest in psychology is research-based rather than clinical. In that case, consider a research PhD from Deakin.
Our staff and students are interested in a number of fascinating research areas, including:
- clinical psychology
- health psychology
- social and mental health
- adolescent health
- risk behaviours
- body image and disordered eating
- drugs and alcohol
- eye-witness testimony
- treatment of offenders
- human sexuality
- healthy ageing and depression among older people
- quality of life
- relationships
- human factors such as auditory and visual perception
- organisational psychology in healthcare settings.