Psychology Courses In Australia: Universities, Eligibility Criteria and more

As one of the leading countries in terms of educational excellence, Australia is home to some of the world’s most recognized universities. 

Prospective students wishing to apply for psychology courses in Australia will find that they have several prominent institutions to choose from, with programs offering training in:

• Criminology and forensic analysis
• Behavioral and cognitive development
• Clinical management of psychological disorders
• Social work and voluntary humanitarian services
• Educational psychology and cognitive retraining
• Organizational and Human Resources management

As such, Australian universities offering psychology courses enable students to develop a wide array of skills. Behavioral recognition, development of individual communication skills and cultural and social awareness are just a few examples in this regard.

Needless to say, the country’s educational institutions offer applicants a holistic learning experience and comprehensively cover the subject’s sub-specializations.

Top universities offering psychology courses in Australia 

Listed below are eight prominent educational institutions offering psychology courses in Australia, alongside their Q.S. World Rankings (2023) and a few of the offered courses:

Psychology courses in Australia eligibility criteria

The psychology courses in Australia eligibility criteria varies across universities. However, there are specific commonalities between all the offered programs.

For instance, students applying for a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology must have cleared their Higher Secondary education from a recognized educational board.

For those who wish to opt for a Master’s, it is mandatory to hold a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or have studied the subject in a 1-year program at an undergraduate level. For Ph.D. or Doctorate programs, applicants need to hold a postgraduate degree in psychology or have a similar qualification in other related courses from an Australian university. 

Applicants must also be proficient in English, with several institutions desiring an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.0. In the case of TOEFL, the recommended scoring range sits between 79 and 100. In addition, a few institutions may hold entrance examinations, requiring applicants to produce a GRE score above 280.

Aside from this, prospective students must be eligible to serve as a provisional Australian psychologist when applying for Master’s level programs and above. It is also necessary to submit two academic reference letters, an SOP and a 500-word personal statement and hold the required identification proof alongside a student visa (in case of international applicants).

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Course Specializations

The psychology courses in Australia subjects are segmented primarily into cores and electives. As such, each university offers different specializations based on the hosted program. For undergraduate students, the courses mainly include general introductory papers. 

For Master’s and Ph.D. degrees, programs are highly specialized to enable applicants and students to pursue their preferred niche. While the options may differ based on the applied university, a few common examples include the following:

• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive & Perceptual psychology
• Counseling psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Environmental psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Neuropsychology

Scope of education in psychology courses in Australian universities

Typically, psychology courses in Australian universities offer the subject across a wide range of programs. These include Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and Master of Arts (M.A.). In a few institutions, specialized courses are offered through Doctorate or Ph.D. level degrees.

Psychology courses in Australia fees and tuition expenses 

The fees for psychology courses in Australia differ based on the given institution, the applied program and the applicant’s nationality. 

While there is no set standard, based on the numbers from the University of Sydney, an approximate figure for Year 1 of B.A. (Hons) courses would be AUD 9,300 for domestic students. Conversely, for international prospects, that number may be around AUD 53,500.

For Year 1 of M.A. programs, the tuition is around AUD 39,000 for domestic applicants, while international prospects will have to pay roughly AUD 54,000.

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Job prospects

Psychology has always been an extensive educational field. Now, owing to the growing awareness around mental health, there has been a rapid expansion in terms of career prospects. As such, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate holders can venture into the following professional fields:

• Psychotherapist
• Social Worker
• Counselor
• Educational Psychologist
• Human Resource Manager
• Psychology Teacher or Professor
• Clinical Psychologist

Expected remuneration/salary

The average salary for psychology graduates varies widely based on the specific sub-specialization. However, the starting figure tends to be generous compared to other educational fields. This is primarily due to the growing awareness around mental health and the need for such healthcare experts.

Listed below are some of the typical entry-level positions and their annual incomes:

• Clinical Psychologist: AUD 166,653
• General Counselors: AUD 132,891
• Psychotherapists: AUD 128, 619
• School Psychologists: AUD 155, 095

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical duration for psychology courses in Australia?

The course duration varies based on the opted degree. B.A. programs run for 3 years, with Honors courses being a 4-year degree. Conversely, M.A. typically lasts for 2 years. The course length for Ph.D. and other related diplomas varies according to the selected research topic.

How much can an Australian psychology graduate earn at an entry-level job?

The average salary for a recent psychology graduate ranges from AUD 128,000 to AUD 166,000.