Online psychology courses: flexible ways to progress your career

The study of psychology offers students a multitude of benefits. They gain a deep understanding of human behaviours and mental processes, and they acquire the skills to read non-verbal communication in professional and personal settings.

Studying psychology has the added benefit of students gaining a better understanding of their own mental health and wellbeing, allowing them to approach the profession more holistically.

In this article, we will delve into the benefits of an online psychology course, explore the pathways that are available to students looking to enter the profession and discover the job opportunities they can pursue after graduation.

Studying psychology online

While online psychology courses offer numerous benefits, one of the most attractive is the ability to fit your studies around your daily routine. Whether it’s making the most of your commute to work or delving into the course material in between caring responsibilities and family commitments, you get to decide how to optimise your time best. With lectures and tutorials accessible through a study portal, you have the freedom to log in at a time and location that best suits you.

“I think it’s important you choose your courses depending on where you are in your life,” says clinical psychologist Valerie Ling. “Whether you’re studying part-time or full-time, having space to synthesise all of your learning and having the time to ask questions will make your studies feel more enjoyable and manageable.”

Studying a course online means you forgo having to pay for accommodation or travel to and from campus, meaning less out-of-pocket expenses. Studying online allows you to engage with other students and your lecturers through online discussions and video conferencing, allowing you important networking opportunities with peers outside your immediate location.

Skills you will learn during a psychology course

Psychology skills are highly sought after in a range of industries such as in health, education and business, so a qualification will make you an attractive candidate to a range of potential employers.

You can build on your previous studies or work experience, whether that’s in psychology or another field, such as marketing, human resources or teaching. You can also use your skills in non-clinical careers or continue your studies towards becoming a registered general psychologist with postgraduate study.

Here are some of the valuable skills you’ll gain through studying psychology to apply across a wide range of professions:

• critical thinking
• problem-solving
• communication skills
• research skills
• academic writing
• understanding of ethics
• understanding of human behaviour

“You feel that you’re making a difference,” says Ling, “not just to this person but to the other people they may be able to pass it on to.

Job opportunities for a qualified psychologist

Those who hold postgraduate qualifications in psychology can explore different specialisations when it comes to career options. There are nine types of psychologists. A few of these are:

• clinical psychologists who work with individuals to diagnose and treat mental illnesses
• educational psychologists who work with students to improve their learning outcomes
• forensic psychologists who work with individuals, government and organisations to assess a client, collect evidence and issue reports to use as evidence
• health psychologists who work with individuals to help them recover from or self-manage harmful health attitudes, beliefs and behaviours

How much does a psychologist earn?

How much you could earn as a psychologist comes down to the professional’s skills, experience and area of expertise. However, according to SEEK, the average annual salary for a psychologist in Australia ranges from $95,000 to $110,000.

Postgraduate psychology courses

If you’re studying psychology in Australia, it’s important to know that in order to qualify and obtain registration as a qualified psychologist, you will be required to complete a minimum six-year sequence of education and training. The Psychology Board of Australia states that this will typically include successful completion of an undergraduate degree followed by one of two subsequent pathway options.

The first option is the higher degree pathway. This involves completing an approved postgraduate degree program accredited at the fifth- and sixth-year level (for example, a two-year master’s degree) or higher (for example, a three- or four-year doctorate degree).

The second subsequent option is the 5+1 internship pathway, which requires completing a year-long internship and passing the national psychology exam before applying for general registration.

Finding the right course for you

There are a range of course options available for students looking to either begin or advance their psychology studies.

The Advanced Graduate Diploma of Psychology at ECU is designed for students who have completed their undergraduate degrees in psychology and are continuing on their path to becoming registered psychologists. ECU postgraduate courses allow you to tailor your study to your busy schedule and complete your degree sooner than traditional on-campus study.

Students beginning their pathway to becoming a psychologist can apply for the Graduate Certificate of Psychology like the one offered at James Cook University, or a Graduate Diploma of Psychology at University of Technology Sydney.

Students in this course come from various fields, such as education, human resources, business management, accounting, communications, social work and counselling. These courses help students gain a solid foundation in the field and to develop their literacy and knowledge in psychology.

For professionals simply wanting to enhance their skills in psychology, a graduate certificate or graduate diploma course is particularly beneficial.

A master’s in psychology is a two-year degree (if studied full-time) and is typically studied after completion of an accredited psychology program. Most students who successfully complete a master’s degree in psychology go on to obtain registration as a psychologist.

Take the next step in your career

Take the time to explore the variety of pathways and psychology courses available at GlobalHealth Education to discover the one that best fits your experience and career goals.