Postgraduate Psychology Courses Online in Australia
Andrew LancasterAustralia offers online postgraduate psychology courses to help graduates advance their careers in this field. The courses cater to different levels of education and career goals. Benefit from flexible, accredited study options for aspiring psychologists.
Honours Degree
The Honours degree in psychology is the fourth year of study, following the completion of a three-year bachelor’s degree. This degree serves as the initial postgraduate stage for those aiming to become registered psychologists.
The program includes advanced coursework in psychological theories and methodologies. Students also conduct a significant research project, so developing research skills and specialised knowledge.
Entry requirements: Bachelor of Psychology with high grades.
Stage: Year 4 in the 6-year timeframe to become a psychologist.
Duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
Providers: Every Australian university with an undergraduate psychology program offers honours degrees. Refer to Study Psychology Online in Australia for a full list.
Related: Degrees to Become a Psychologist in Australia
Graduate Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Psychology is a short course designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in psychology. It serves as an entry point for graduates from other fields.
The course typically covers subjects such as social psychology, health and wellbeing, and environmental psychology. It enhances knowledge and skills, and completed subjects may count towards a graduate diploma.
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Stage: Entry point or stepping stone to further study.
Duration: 8 months part-time.
Online courses
James Cook University - Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Swinburne Online - Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Edith Cowan University - Graduate Certificate of Psychology
ACAP - Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science
University of Adelaide - Graduate Certificate in Psychology
CQUniversity - Graduate Certificate in Positive Psychology
Further details: Graduate Certificate in Psychology Online at Lerna Courses
Graduate Diploma
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is equivalent to a three-year bachelor’s degree but can be completed more quickly. This course is suitable for those with a degree in another field who wish to transition into psychology.
Students complete 10 subjects, including social psychology, neuroscience, and psychological disorders. The program provides a broad understanding of psychological principles and prepares students for advanced studies.
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Stage: Transition into psychology for those with a different undergraduate degree.
Duration: 20 months part-time with accelerated study.
Online courses
Australian Catholic University - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
ACAP - Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
Charles Sturt University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Deakin University - Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
Edith Cowan University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology
James Cook University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)
Monash University - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
RMIT University - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Swinburne University of Technology - Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Cairnmillar Institute - Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
University of Adelaide - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
University of New England - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
University of NSW - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
University of Technology Sydney - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Source: APAC Search Tool
Graduate Diploma (Advanced)
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) is equivalent to an Honours year and serves as the fourth year of study in psychology.
The curriculum includes coursework and major research projects. Topics covered include psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention, and research methods.
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree or graduate diploma in Psychology with high grades.
Stage: Fourth year of study for aspiring psychologists.
Duration: 16 months part-time.
Online courses
Charles Sturt University - Advanced Graduate Diploma of Psychological Practice
University of Adelaide - Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
University of Technology Sydney - Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
James Cook University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Deakin University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Edith Cowan University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Swinburne University of Technology - Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Monash University - Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced
Charles Sturt University - Postgraduate Diploma of Psychology
Related: Best Online Psychology Courses in Australia at Good Universities
Master of Professional Psychology
The Master of Professional Psychology is the fifth year of study in the 5+1 pathway to becoming a registered psychologist. It is followed by a one-year internship, leading to provisional registration.
The program focuses on professional practice, including psychopathology, psychological assessment, interventions, and ethics. Students gain practical experience through supervised placements and clinical simulations.
Entry requirements: Completion of a fourth-year APAC-accredited psychology program (Honours or Graduate Diploma in Psychology) with a minimum GPA specified by the university.
Stage: Fifth year in the 5+1 pathway.
Duration: 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent.
Online courses
CQUniversity - Master of Professional Psychology
Charles Sturt University - Master of Professional Psychology
La Trobe University - Master of Professional Psychology
Monash University - Master of Professional Psychology
Southern Cross University - Master of Professional Psychology
Cairnmillar Institute - Master of Professional Psychology
University of New England - Master of Professional Psychology
University of Southern Queensland - Master of Professional Psychology
Charles Sturt University - Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology)
University of Wollongong - Master of Professional Psychology (School Psychology)
Related: Best Universities for Psychology in Australia
Master of Clinical Psychology
The Master of Clinical Psychology provides advanced training for those seeking to specialise in clinical psychology. It qualifies graduates for general registration as psychologists and eligibility for endorsement as clinical psychologists.
The curriculum includes courses in clinical assessment and intervention, evidence-based practice, and psychological treatments. Practical components include supervised clinical placements to ensure comprehensive training.
Entry requirements: Completion of a fourth-year APAC-accredited psychology program (Honours or Graduate Diploma in Psychology) with a minimum GPA specified by the university.
Stage: Qualification for general registration and clinical endorsement.
Duration: 2 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
Online courses
Charles Sturt University - Master of Clinical Psychology
University of Southern Queensland - Master of Clinical Psychology
The University of New England - Master of Psychology (Clinical)
Related: Master of Psychology Courses in Australia at Lerna Courses
PhD in Clinical Psychology
The PhD in Clinical Psychology is a research-focused degree that prepares students for advanced clinical practice and research careers. It is the highest level of academic qualification in psychology and integrates extensive research with clinical training.
The program involves conducting original research, completing advanced coursework in clinical psychology, and participating in clinical placements. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in academic, clinical, and research settings.
Entry requirements: Completion of a Master of Psychology (Clinical) or equivalent, with demonstrated research capability.
Stage: Highest academic qualification for advanced clinical practice and research.
Duration: Typically 3-4 years full-time.
Course: Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology) at UNE