The benefits of postgraduate psychology courses
Studying psychology online at a postgraduate level offers many benefits. These are just a few you can experience when undertaking psychology courses accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
- Building on foundational psychologist knowledge and skills. Postgraduate studies allow students to dive deeper into the skills and knowledge needed by professional practitioners and beyond undergraduate qualifications.
- Obtaining endorsement as a psychologist. Psychologists can choose a pathway to an area of practice endorsement or provisional registration, depending on their goals. Postgraduate study can assist students in both directions.
- Improved job opportunities. Additional qualifications can give graduates access to new positions and opportunities. Even those working in non-healthcare-related fields can benefit from postgraduate psychology studies.
Psychology courses and levels of postgraduate study
Studying psychology at a postgraduate level looks different for every student, depending on the course level and institution. These are the common postgraduate study options, including the outcomes for each.
Graduate certificate
A psychology graduate certificate is a short postgraduate qualification, taking between six months of full-time study and up to two years of part-time study to complete. James Cook University’s Graduate Certificate of Psychology is studied online over eight months part-time, giving graduates a pathway to completing the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) and becoming registered psychologists.
Graduate diploma
A graduate diploma in psychology gives students specialised skills and prepares them for further study, usually equating to one or two years of full-time study. Edith Cowan University’s Graduate Diploma of Psychology is a 16-month, part-time online course. It offers a pathway toward becoming a registered psychologist and allows graduates to apply psychology to other fields. This course can be undertaken without a bachelor’s degree.
Master's degree
A master’s degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, with some online Master of Psychology courses offering accelerated studies. An accredited Master of Psychology involves research, placements and coursework, allowing graduates to become endorsed in one of nine areas of psychological practice.
Skills gained and learning outcomes for online postgraduate psychology courses
Online postgraduate study allows you to prepare for the next stage of your career without interrupting your day-to-day responsibilities.
Postgraduate study in psychology will build on your existing skills and introduce you to new ones. Topics covered include the following:
- Psychology theory: Explore theoretical perspectives of psychology, from cognitive, social and emotional development to environmental psychology and neuroscience. Examine the scientific foundations and methodologies of theories, and how they’ve developed over time.
- Diversity and cultural awareness: Learn how cultural differences affect how we conceptualise and express psychological health and wellbeing. Take a closer look at the psychological challenges that diverse communities face in regional, national and global settings.
- Scientific inquiry: Cultivate a scientific approach to understanding psychological health and wellbeing. Understand and evaluate research, and learn to identify ethical issues.
- Data analysis: Use technology and statistical methods to do research, care for clients and drive positive outcomes. Prepare to succeed in an increasingly data-driven field.
- Application of theory and evidence: Review, evaluate and apply psychology theory and evidence to solve research problems. Apply legal and ethical frameworks to psychological practice and research.
- Professional practice: Get hands-on experience with industry technology, work on community-based projects, and undertake non-traditional assessments that reflect the application of psychology in the workplace.
- Communication: Design, evaluate and share information and initiatives to promote good mental health, resilience and wellbeing in culturally diverse and geographically dispersed contexts.
Passionate about a specialisation in psychology? If you pursue a clinical pathway, you’ll have the opportunity to become an endorsed:
- clinical neuropsychologist
- clinical psychologist
- community psychologist
- counselling psychologist
- educational and developmental psychologist
- forensic psychologist
- health psychologist
- organisational psychologist
- sport and exercise psychologist
The skills and experience you gain studying a postgraduate psychology course can give you a winning edge in a non-clinical setting or support your journey towards registration as a practicing psychologist.
Career outcomes for online postgraduate psychology courses
Qualified psychologists are highly sought after in the current job market, and continued strong growth is projected.
Choose a specialisation that aligns with your interests and enjoy a fulfilling career. Or, if your goals lie within a different person-centred field, use your psychology expertise to bolster your employability and progress along your chosen career path.
If you’d prefer to work for yourself, you'll also have the option of setting up and operating your own private practice or consultancy.
Your career options may include the following roles, all of which have very strong growth projected by JobOutlook:
Clinical psychologist
- The average salary is $110,000 per year and the median salary is $103,000 per year.
- Clinical psychologists work with clients to assess and treat psychological problems.
- Specialised postgraduate qualifications and supervised practice are essential for becoming a clinical psychologist.
Organisational psychologist
- The average salary is $130,000 per year and the median salary is $121,000 per year.
- Organisational psychologists help organisations function more harmoniously and effectively.
- They apply their psychological expertise to improve organisational structures, address performance issues and help promote better morale and motivation.
- Specialised postgraduate qualifications and supervised practice are essential for becoming an organisational psychologist.
Educational psychologist
- The average salary is $135,000 per year.
- Educational psychologists help learners thrive in educational settings.
- They analyse student abilities and strengths and help teachers develop strategies to optimise learning.
- Specialised postgraduate qualifications and supervised practice are essential for becoming an educational psychologist.
There are many possible career paths other than psychology, depending on previous study and experience, and how far you go, including:
- human resources
- behavioural science
- life/career coaching
- marketing research and strategy
- customer experience and/or user experience specialist
How GlobalHealth Education can guide your postgraduate journey
GlobalHealth Education partners with Australian universities to offer students a more straightforward, supportive way to enrol and study postgraduate psychology courses. As a prospective student, these are some of the benefits you’ll experience when you plan your education with us.
- Personalised enrolment process. GlobalHealth Education’s Student Enrolment Advisors offer a unique approach to each student right from your very first enquiry. They’ll work with you to identify your goals, interests and career aspirations in the area of psychology, guiding you towards the best course for you.
- Ongoing support throughout your study journey. GlobalHealth Education understands that enrolment is only the first step in your path to upskilling or furthering your career in psychology. Our Student Success Advisors are with you throughout your study, ensuring you have the resources and support you need to excel in your psychology studies.
- Helping you make an informed decision. Deciding which psychology course is best for you is easier on one simple platform. GlobalHealth Education is your comparison tool, allowing prospective students to see what our partner universities offer and which psychology courses align with your goals and preferences.
Helping you navigate postgraduate education
Online study allows you big advantages to fast-track your career, making your shift to a career as a psychologist achievable. Select a course and enquire to speak with one of GlobalHealth Education’s Student Enrolment Advisors to discuss possible psychology courses you can study online and gain support to achieve your professional goals.
