Study Psychology Online in Australia
Andrew LancasterYou may be pleased to learn that Australian universities offer a large range of online psychology courses. You can study psychology online and earn a bachelor degree and higher qualifications.
Is It Possible to Do a Psychology Degree Online?
Yes, it is possible to study psychology online in Australia. Many universities offer accredited online programs. These courses are designed to be flexible, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments.
Online psychology degrees cover the same curriculum as traditional programs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in psychology. They provide the same quality of education as on-campus courses.
Online Bachelor Degree Programs
There are 17 universities in Australia offering online Bachelor of Psychology (or equivalent) degrees. These programs typically span three years of full-time study or longer if taken part-time.
Here are the universities offering online Bachelor of Psychology degrees:
Australian College of Applied Professions
Charles Darwin University
Charles Sturt University
CQUniversity Australia
Deakin University
Edith Cowan University
Federation University Australia
Flinders University
La Trobe University
Macquarie University
Southern Cross University
Swinburne University of Technology
University of New England
University of South Australia
University of Southern Queensland
University of Tasmania
Western Sydney University
Accredited by APAC, these degrees include core subjects such as behavioural neuroscience, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. Students may also have the option to pursue an honours year, which is essential for those aiming to become registered psychologists.
According to AustralianUniversities.click, the best psychology universities online in Australia are the University of Southern Queensland, Deakin University, Southern Cross University, Edith Cowan University, and Federation University.
Related: Best Universities for Psychology in Australia
Postgraduate Courses
For those who already hold an undergraduate degree, postgraduate psychology courses are available online. You can see the full range of online psychology courses at Lerna Courses, which showcases the best psychology qualifications and course providers.
Graduate certificates and diplomas offer a pathway to specialise further or transition into psychology from another field. Master's programs, such as the Master of Professional Psychology and the Master of Clinical Psychology, provide advanced training and are crucial for professional practice.
Postgraduate options include:
- Graduate Certificate in Psychology: A short course requiring four subjects over eight months part-time. It enhances knowledge and skills and counts towards a graduate diploma.
- Graduate Diploma in Psychology: Equivalent to a three-year bachelor’s degree but shorter, with 10 subjects. Ideal for those with a degree in another field who want to fast-track their studies.
- 4th Year Psychology: Includes honours degrees and advanced graduate diplomas, crucial for students aiming to become psychologists.
- Master of Professional Psychology: A one-year program part of the 5+1 pathway, leading to provisional registration after a year of supervised practice.
- Master of Clinical Psychology: A two-year program qualifying graduates for general registration as psychologists, the only specialisation available online.
- PhD in Clinical Psychology: Offered by the University of New England, transitioning from the Master of Psychology (Clinical) to a PhD after the first year.
These programs provide interactive content and opportunities for collaboration, ensuring that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Advanced courses often include practical components, such as supervised placements, to ensure comprehensive training.
Related: Postgraduate Psychology Courses Online in Australia
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?
Becoming a psychologist in Australia takes at least six years of education and training. The journey starts with a Bachelor of Psychology or a Bachelor of Psychological Science. This degree typically spans three years. If you already have a non-psychology bachelor’s degree, you can start with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
The next step is to complete a fourth year of study. This can be an honours year or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). This year is crucial as it lays the foundation for advanced training. After this, you choose between two pathways: the Higher Degree pathway or the 5+1 Internship Pathway. The Higher Degree pathway involves a two-year Master's degree or a Doctorate. The 5+1 pathway includes a one-year Master of Professional Psychology followed by a one-year internship.
Once you complete either pathway, you can apply for general registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. This ensures you have met all educational and practical training requirements. These steps equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to support your clients effectively.