Career Pathways

Become a psychologist

Join a fascinating and challenging profession that impacts every aspect of our lives

How long will it take?

4 years Bachelors degree + fourth year
Add
2 years Master of Psychology

Why study psychology?

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. Whether you’re interested in becoming a clinical psychologist, applying psychological principles in the worlds of marketing and health, or you just want to learn more about mind and behaviour – studying psychology opens up a world of possibilities

There are many specialisations within the field of psychology, but whichever path you follow, you will be applying your specialist knowledge to assess, diagnose, prevent and treat psychological problems.

With further study in one of our accredited masters programs, you can gain registration as a professional psychologist.

Where will this take me?

Career outcomes

Choose from specialisations in:

  • Clinical psychology
  • Clinical neuropsychology
  • Community psychology
  • Counselling
  • Educational psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Health or sports
  • Organisational/industrial psychology

Professional accreditation

  • Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
  • Eligibility for the College of the Australian Psychological Society
  • Registration with the Australian Psychological Society and the Psychology Board of Australia

Hear from our graduates

Find out what motivated our current students to choose Melbourne, and the impact studying with us has had on their lives and careers.

Grad Dip students come from a range of backgrounds and we have all studied in different faculties previously, which keeps the conversations and discussions interesting!

Michael Diamond- Graduate Diploma in Psychology

What are the study options?

Standard entry

1. Undergraduate degree

To qualify as a psychologist, students must complete an accredited undergraduate degree and honours with a major in psychology followed by a Masters or PhD.

2. Graduate degree

The Master of Psychology and Master of Educational Psychology require applicants to have completed an APAC accredited four-year undergraduate sequence in psychology, with a fourth year Honours specialisation in psychology with a weighted average mark of at least 75% or higher. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must also:

  • Be eligible for registration as a provisional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia
  • Satisfy English language requirements
  • Provide a personal statement of 500 words
  • Nominate three references
  • Complete a selection interview

The Master of Professional Psychology also offers students who have completed a three-year undergraduate sequence in psychology a pathway to register as a General psychologist.

Other entry pathways

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars

Melbourne Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed a place into the graduate degree of their choice following successful completion of their undergraduate degree.

Discover more about Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholars

Scholarships

The University offers a range of scholarships at both undergraduate and graduate level.

Find a scholarship that's right for you

Looking for personalised advice?

Find out more about our graduate degrees and get support with your application. Speak to our expert staff online, via phone or at an upcoming event. You can also register to learn more about your course options and opportunities via email.

Why study psychology at the University of Melbourne

Join our health network

Join our health network

Benefit from our partnerships with leading health service providers, learning in our state-of-the-art facilities, clinical labs and virtual spaces.

Learn from the experts

Learn from the experts

You'll learn from experts in their field, clinical practitioners and nursing leaders with relevant, up-to-date knowledge, experience and research.

Be inspired by your surrounds

Be inspired by your surrounds

Situated within the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, our campus is at the heart of a global hub of world-leading research institutes and health services.

Talk to us

Please speak to our expert staff to discover more about our learning opportunities and get support with your application.