Top Universities for Psychology in Australia

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The way we behave defines our personalities and, to a lesser extent, our lives. But what factors impact our behaviour in the first place? How does our behaviour influence our experiences throughout our lives? If you’re interested in finding these out, Psychology might be for you! 

In this article, we have provided for you everything you need to know about study Psychology Degree in Australia and Australian universities that offer the programme. 

 

What is Psychology?

In very simple terms, Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviours. Psychology covers all things relating to the human experience, what humans feel, how humans behave, human development, and even aged care. Psychology is important amidst the rising global mental health crisis. Psychology is there to delve questions of the human mind and to improve the mental health standard of the community at large.

Psychology is present in many fields outside of healthcare. Though, in healthcare, practitioners of Psychology are named Psychologists. Psychologists have varying responsibilities depending on their respective specialisation. However, these responsibilities are mainly aimed at supporting people for their mental health or development. 

Psychologist differs from a Psychiatrist. To briefly explain their difference, Psychiatrists are medical doctors focusing on medicine while Psychologists are not necessarily medical doctors and mostly focus on the human mind and human behaviours.

Types of Psychology

There are many types or subfields of Psychology which can be ventured into based on what most piques your interest when you study Psychology Degree in Australia. Below are some of them:

Types of Psychology

Description

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive Psychology, or sometimes called Brain Science, has to do with, well, the brain, its mental processes, and its issues. These range from cognitive diseases, language use, memory, decision making, and problem solving.

Developmental Psychology

Developmental Psychology studies the stages of development throughout the human lifespan. Developmental Psychologists look at physical, cognitive, social, intellectual, personality and emotional growth. 

Organisational Psychology

Organisational Psychology centres on business dynamics in order to improve an organisation’s and its workers’ well-being and performance. Designing training courses, surveys, selection procedures, are examples of Organisational Psychology.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic Psychology is widely said to be the middle point of Law and Psychology. Tasks in Forensic Psychology include psychological evaluations of court testifiers, selection of juries, or working on child abuse cases.

Quantitative Psychology

Quantitative Psychology are experts in statistics, research, and the analysis of psychological data. Quantitative Psychologists conduct their own research and collaborate with other scientists of varying fields to design research studies and methods and interpret results.

Skills required to study Psychology

  • Sensibility

There’s a high chance you’ll meet people from all walks of life. Sensibility is crucial for you to empathise and understand without judgement, also to uphold inclusivity with those from marginalised groups.

  • Active Listening

Active listening is needed to build trust and foster connections. Active listening entails listening to what is said, when it is said, and how it is said. These acts are essential in a field where you continuously help others unravel the tangled thoughts they have in their lives. 

  • Communicative Competence

Communication is an integral aspect in the field of Psychology, regardless of whether verbal or written. Competence for communication ensures information is conveyed accurately and understanding the weight of words as well.

  • Critical Thinking

The skill of critical thinking is needed in order to solve pressing problems and to make difficult decisions. Additionally, it helps with the part of Psychology where you deal with statistics, conduct tests, and formulate hypotheses.

  • Organisation

Organisations skills will greatly benefit when you juggle between studying Psychology and personal obligations. It helps with maintaining schedules, establishing plans, keeping up with schoolwork, and managing stress.

Career options for Psychology degree graduates

Take note that to become a Certified Psychologist in Australia, you should generally enrol in a four-year study followed Take note that to become a Certified Psychologist in Australia, you should generally enrol in a four-year study followed by a Master of Psychology. Nonetheless, Psychology Degree in Australia can jump start your career as the professions listed below:

  • Psychologist
  • Counsellor
  • Aged Care Support Worker
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker
  • Therapist
  • Health Educator
  • Human Resource (HR) Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Advertising and Media Executive

The average yearly income for a Psychologist in Australia ranges between AU$95,000 and AU$110,000. This can vary depending on which state you plan to work in.

Entry Requirements to study Psychology Degree in Australia

Academic Entry

Academic Entry

Minimum Score

STPM

Aggregate of 5

Matriculation

CGPA 3.30

A-Levels

Aggregate of 5

UEC

Aggregate of 15 points from Best 5 Academic Subjects

IB Diploma

24

Australian Matriculation (ATAR)

68

Canadian Pre-University (CPU)

60

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

English Language Entry Requirements

Entry Level

Minimum Score

IELTS

6.5

TOEFL

79

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

58 

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

How to be a Psychologist in Australia?

Once you study Psychology degree in Australia, if you’re looking to become a certified Psychologist in Australia, you would need to be registered under the Psychology Board of Australia after completing at least 6 years of education and training. Here are the steps to become a certified Psychologist in Australia:

Step 1: Complete the SPM or any equivalent examinations to enrol into a qualifying pre-university programme.

Step 2: Complete the qualifying pre-university programme and enrol into an accredited 4-year Bachelor of Psychology programme. However, if you’re only looking into careers of the Psychology industry (not as a Psychologist) then, a 3-year programme would suffice.

Alternatively, if you’ve completed a 3-year Psychology degree or an unrelated undergraduate degree (wholly depends on which university you enrol into), you can complete a Graduate Diploma of Psychology to begin your journey as a Psychologist in Australia. Usually, a Graduate Diploma of Psychology takes up 1 year. Though, depending on which university you’re enrolled in, it may be a longer duration. 

Step 3: After, apply for a provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. Then, choose and complete a specialised area of a Master’s Degree in Psychology. This could take either 1 or 2 years. For a 1-year Master’s Degree, you typically would have to complete an internship. However, this would completely depend on the type of study programme and the institution it is offered at. 

For instance, at Western Sydney University a 1-year Master of Professional Psychology programme requires you to do an 1-year internship before becoming a Registered Psychologist while graduates of a 2-year Master of Clinical Psychology are directly eligible to register as a Psychologist. Any specialist roles, like Clinical Psychologist may require further training. 

Step 4: Apply for the General Registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and professionally practise as a registered certified Psychologist in Australia.

Psychologists are considered a high demand skill in Australia, making them eligible to apply for permanent residence. Psychologist professions such as Clinical Psychologists, Educational Psychologists, or Psychotherapists fall under the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Psychologists professions under MLTSSL have the opportunity for migration to Australia via the 494 subclass visa (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (provisional) visa.

When you are eligible for permanent residency after holding visa 494 for 3 years, you can apply for permanent residency visa such as subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) or subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated). The choice of visa may vary from occupation, eligibility, regional preference, and wish to acquire permanent residence.

For further detailed information, do reach out to us!

Top Universities to study Psychology Degree in Australia

Following are the list of university recommendation to study Psychology degree in Australia which you can consider: 

1. University of Sydney (USYD)

The University of Sydney, referred to as USYD, was founded in 1850. USYD is the oldest university in Australia, presented through its sandstone exterior. The university was ranked 19th among universities globally in 2024 and is also a member of the Group of Eight (Go8) network, making it an excellent study destination choice.

In terms of subject ranking, Psychology programmes offered at the University of Sydney is ranked the top among Australian universities. These programmes are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), allowing for provisional registration with the Australian Psychological Society as well as furthering career progressions in the field of Psychology.

Programme Offered

Duration

Intake

Indicative Fees (2024)

Bachelor of Psychology Honours

4 Years

February

International Students: AU$224,000

Bachelor of Psychology

3 Years

February

International Students: AU$168,000

Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!

2. Australian National University (ANU)

The Australian National University, abbreviated as ANU, is a renowned university in Australia. The university has history dating back to 1929 and among universities globally, ANU was placed in the 34th rank, proving their dedication as an education provider to the masses.

The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) programme at the Australian National University is an accredited course allowing for students to embark the journey for a career in Psychology. Graduates of the programme will be equipped with essential skills for Psychology such as, having an understanding of human motivation and behaviour, possessing analytical skills and research skills including statistics.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Duration

4 Years

Intake

February, July

Indicative Fees (2024)

International Students: AU$203,040

Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!

3. University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

The University of Technology Sydney, or UTS, founded in 1988, has 9 faculties and schools, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate study programmes. UTS is proudly among the top 10 Australian universities in the year 2024.

The Psychology programmes at the University of Technology Sydney is a graduate’s initial step into becoming registered Psychologists. The programmes are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) with a comprehensive curriculum following guidelines by multiple Psychology professional boards including the American Psychological Association (APA).

Programme Offered

Duration

Intake

Indicative Fees (2024)

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

4 Years

February

International Students: AU$169,344

Bachelor of Psychology

3 Years

February

International Students: AU$127,008

Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!

4. Curtin University

Curtin University is a notable higher education provider in Australia, with origins from 1966. With nine campuses, four faculties, and fifteen schools, the range of programmes offered by Curtin is wide, showing its high commitment towards academia progress.

The Bachelor of Psychology offered at Curtin University is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), where upon graduation, graduates are eligible to apply for an associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). The programme also includes a research project in the final year of studies intended to promote skill development fit for the professional field of Psychology. 

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Psychology

Duration

4 Years

Intake

February, July

Indicative Fees (2024)

International Students: AU$153,506

Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!

5. Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University, or more commonly referred to as WSU, was founded in 1989. WSU is a multi-campus public research university based in the Greater Western region of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 

The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) programme offered by Western Sydney University permits students with a solid foundation on aspects relating to Psychology. Students also have elective options such as Crime and Law, Digital Mental Health as well as Positive Psychology to further develop knowledge on human behaviour and experience. WSU is a viable choice for those wanting to pursue Psychology in Australia at a comparatively affordable price point. 

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Duration

4 Years

Intake

March, July

Indicative Fees (2024)

International Students: AU$131,936

Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!

For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.

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About The Author

Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.

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