What Are the General Entry Requirements to Study Psychology?
The entry requirements to study psychology will vary based on the exact course you want to do. Academic requirements will differ between educational institutions and the level of study you undertake. For the most accurate information, you should view the course information on the institution's website.
For an undergraduate degree, you’ll need to have an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (Year 12) or the overseas equivalent.
For postgraduate courses, a satisfactory completion of an undergraduate degree is required. However, some institutions may take relevant work experience or research ability into consideration as well.
For Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses, most students will need to have reached a level of study equivalent to the Australian Year 10. Some courses may require extra prerequisite subjects or work experience.
What Skills Are Needed to Study Psychology in Australia?
When studying psychology in Australia, there are several skills that will help you be the best psychology professional you can be. While some things can be learned, these are some intrinsic skills you should possess, or be willing to work on:
- Empathy
- Communication Skills
- Work Ethic
- Patience
- Problem Solving Skills
- Stress Management
- Emotional Stability
- Time Management
- Confidence
- Receptive Attitude
Is a Psychology Course Right for Me?
If you love working with other people and helping solve psychological and behavioural problems, a psychology course may be the perfect career for you. Most psychology courses can be studied full-time or part-time, either in-person, online or a hybrid mix. This provides you with the flexibility to continue working while you study. It’s important to remember that most psychology courses will have a work placement period that is in-person. Be mindful, however, that psychology courses can be very long (6 years on average) and taxing.
What Are the Different Types of Psychology Courses?
There are several pathways to study psychology, from TAFE certificates to university-level degrees. To find the best psychology course in Australia, you need to decide where you want your psychology career to take you, while also taking into account your current level of psychology knowledge and any previous study you’ve done.
Here are some of the different psychology courses available in Australia:
- Certificate: For an entry-level qualification into psychology and to learn the basics, you can complete a Certificate. Upon completion of this course, you’ll have a basic understanding of what a career in clinical psychology will involve. These courses are a great gateway to further study, especially if you don’t have any previous experience or qualifications.
- Diploma: One step above a Certificate, A Diploma of Psychology gives students prerequisite knowledge to study a degree-level psychology qualification.
- Degree: A degree in psychology gives you access to a range of job opportunities and not just a clinical psychologist. From marketing to journalism, youth worker and beyond, there are many roles for people with psychology degrees. A degree is also a pathway to further study into postgraduate qualifications such as a Master’s Degree or a Graduate Diploma.
What Can I Do after Studying Psychology?
There are several career pathways you can enter after studying psychology in Australia. It truly is a diverse and varied field. You can become a:
- Clinical psychologist
- Counsellor
- Correctional Services Officer
- Youth Worker
- Social Worker
- Marketing, Communications or Journalism Professional
- Human Resources Professional
Which Are the Top Institutes to Study Psychology?
Some of the leading Australian institutes to study psychology include The Australian National University, The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, The University of New South Wales and the University of Melbourne. Most universities offer not just bachelor's degrees but also certificates and diplomas. TAFE is also an excellent institute to study a range of psychology courses.
How Much Can I Earn with a Psychology Qualification?
The average annual salary is $110,000 per year. This can be more or less depending on the clinic you practise in, and your years of experience.
Are Psychologists Still in Demand in 2022?
Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the employment field of psychology is alive and well. The pandemic had major severe consequences for mental health services across Australia with a record number of psychologists unable to see patients due to an influx of appointments. As a result, the job prospects for graduating psychologists are high in 2022, and will be well into the future.
Are Courses in Psychology Subsidised?
Government funding assists students by subsidising their tuition fees. Schemes vary from state to state. There may be scholarships available depending on your chosen University, but at this present time, there are no government subsidies for psychology courses.
