What qualifications do you need to become a psychologist? It starts with a 3-year bachelor degree with a major in psychology. You'll also need a fourth-year qualification, normally an honours degree. Finally, you have to complete a 2-year masters, or a one-year master's followed by a one-year internship.
Let's see exactly the degrees required to become a registered psychologist in Australia. We'll also look at some options to fast-track how long it takes.
3-Year Bachelor of Psychology
For students without uni qualifications
A 3-year Bachelor of Psychology is the first step towards becoming a psychologist. The 24-subject degree covers the field broadly, including areas such as behavioural neuroscience, social psychology, and cognitive processes.
You can major in Psychology within different programs. Examples of suitable degrees include Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), and Bachelor of Science (Psychology). Psychology degrees are not unduly difficult but require all-around abilities.
Each program may offer a different set of electives to complement your psychological studies. For those wanting to become psychologists, a science-based program may better prepare you for advanced studies.
Related: Psychology Careers and Salaries here at Mallory Careers
Graduate Diploma
For uni graduates switching to psychology
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is for those who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. The 10-subject program provides an accelerated route, as graduates receive a qualification equivalent to a three-year bachelor's degree.
This grad dip prepares students for fourth year psychology studies. It is an excellent pathway for career changers to move into the field without starting from scratch. You focus on psychology, avoiding non-psychology elective subjects. Online courses are popular as they can be combined with work or other commitments.
Related: Graduate Diploma in Psychology Online at Lerna Courses
Fourth Year Honours Degree
For psychology graduates with Distinction grades
The fourth-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is intended for students who have completed a three-year bachelor's degree in psychology with high grades. This one-year program involves advanced coursework and a significant research project.
Note that Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) also refers to four-year bachelor degrees. These are essentially 3-year degrees with the honours year embedded at the end. These programs typically require a higher ATAR for entry compared to 3-year programs. They offer a streamlined pathway to completing honours.
Related: 4th Year Psychology Honours Online at Learning Lab
Advanced Graduate Diploma
For psychology graduates with Distinction grades
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree or a graduate diploma. This program is equivalent to an honours year. As with honours, you do advanced coursework and research projects. It is commonly available online.
Related: Best Postgraduate Psychology Courses at Postgraduate Futures
2-Year Masters with a Specialisation
For honours graduates with a grade of at least second-class, upper division
A 2-Year Master of Psychology with a Specialisation is for students who have completed an honours or advanced graduate diploma in psychology. These programs allow for specialisation, with the potential for formal area of practice endorsement. Programs involve both coursework and practical placements.
Most psychologists with endorsement in a field of practice specialise in clinical psychology. However, other options include educational and developmental, forensic, health, neuropsychology, organisational, sport and exercise, community, and counselling psychology.
Related: Types of Psychologists in Australia at Lerna Courses
1-Year Masters and Internship
For honours graduates with a grade of at least second-class, upper division
The 1-Year Masters and Internship pathway is part of the 5+1 model to become a registered psychologist. It is an alternative to a 2-year masters. After gaining a fourth-year psychology qualification, students do a one-year Master of Professional Psychology. This is followed by a one-year supervised internship.
Note that, to become a clinical psychologist or other specialist in the future, an additional one-year Master's degree would be required (or a doctorate). The most common such program is the Master of Clinical Psychology (Advanced Entry).
Fast-Track Psychology Degree
A fast-track psychology degree allows students to complete their studies in a shorter period by studying year-round, including summer months.
- A bachelor degree can be completed in 2 years instead of the usual 3 by students studying during a third trimester in the summer.
- Graduates from other fields can opt for a graduate diploma instead of a bachelor's degree. A grad dip can then be fast-tracked so you complete it in 20 months of part-time study.
- Another acceleration option is to complete a one-year Master of Professional Psychology instead of a 2-year masters. This allows students to start working full-time as an intern earlier.
Related: Fast Track Your Psychology Degree at the Telegraph
Doctoral Degrees
For master's degree holders or exceptional honours graduates
An optional extension degree for psychologists is a PhD in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). These doctoral programs support careers in advanced research or high-level clinical practice.
The PhD in Psychology typically focuses on extensive research, requiring the completion of a substantial thesis. Graduates prepare for academic, research, and specialised professional roles.
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), on the other hand, emphasises clinical practice and applied research. Candidates complete coursework and practical placements. You gain advanced clinical skills for application in hospitals, private practices, and community health organisations.
Related: Nice Life Benefits from Studying Psychology here at Mallory Careers