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Psychology

Online psychology courses: flexible ways to progress your career

Becoming a registered psychologist in Australia takes a minimum of six years. Online psychology courses offer students greater flexibility compared to on-campus study, allowing individuals to balance their studies with work and other commitments.



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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.

The courses below are listed by qualification level, from lowest to highest.

Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Stand out Differentiate your CV as a professional with an understanding of contemporary psychology and its application to human-centred roles across industries. Unique curriculum Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and current and emerging global challenges, this course offers a broad scope of subjects, including Environmental Psychology and Health, Wellbeing & Resilience. 50 years experience JCU has 50 years experience in teaching and research in Psychology. You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced academics. The JCU Online Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a contemporary and hands-on qualification designed for the future. You will develop professional skills, learn about emerging trends in psychology and study a range of contemporary subjects. A way forward in human-centred professions Advance your career in industries such as teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, social work or consulting. A course for passionate inquirers Build your knowledge and skills while gaining a better understanding of yourself and the people around you. A stepping stone to becoming a registered psychologist This qualification can also be a pathway to studying the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)* and to becoming a registered psychologist. *The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Social Psychology
  • Individual Differences in Personality
  • The Psychology of Health, Wellbeing and Resilience
  • Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • Psychological Disorders and Interventions
  • Learning, Memory Cognition and Language
  • Neuroscience and the Biological Bases of Behaviour
  • Environmental Psychology and Sustainable Futures
  • Principles of Counselling
  • Research and Statistics for Psychology
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Graduate Certificate of Psychology
Entry without a bachelor's degree Have the opportunity to study psychology and begin the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist without a bachelor’s degree. If you have five years of work experience in any field, you can gain entry to the Graduate Certificate of Psychology. Pathway towards a career as a registered psychologist The Graduate Certificate of Psychology can be your first step towards becoming a registered psychologist. Study an additional four units and gain your Graduate Diploma of Psychology, which can be a pathway to further study. Enhance your current skill set Apply psychology in professional contexts that benefit from an understanding of human behaviour. Take your career in education, human resources, marketing or another human-centred field to the next level. With ECU’s Accelerated Online Graduate Certificate of Psychology, you will build your psychological literacy and gain a foundational understanding of the field. Learn to promote psychological health and wellbeing, develop your cultural awareness and gain skills that you can apply to a number of roles and sectors. This degree is a great option for professionals who want to gain skills in psychology that can be applied to their current and future roles.
Graduate Certificate 8 months 4 Units
Units
  • Psychological Science of Wellbeing
  • Psychological Development and Diversity in Childhood
  • Psychological Development and Diversity in Adulthood
  • Psychological Science of Human Social Behaviour
  • Psychological Science of Human Information Processing
  • Neuroscience and Human Behaviour
  • Correlational Research Design and Analysis
  • Experimental Research Design and Analysis
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)
APAC accredited Our Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). 50 years experience JCU has 50 years experience in teaching and research in psychology. You’ll study and connect with industry leaders, specialists and experienced academics. Unique curriculum Subjects align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals as well as current and emerging global health challenges in a technology-enabled society. The JCU Online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) is a contemporary and hands-on qualification designed for the future. It provides the foundational knowledge of the history of psychology and develops your professional skills to apply contemporary psychology to solve community-based challenges. A stepping stone to becoming a registered psychologist This qualification is a pathway to further study for those who want to change their career to become a psychologist. This may include career pathways such as general or clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology and organisational psychology. A way forward in human-centred professions This degree is also for professionals in human-centred occupations who are focused on career growth and want the skills to help them achieve more in current and future roles. This may include teaching, human resources, marketing, counselling, social work and consulting. This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Graduate Diploma 20 months 10 Units
Units
  • Social Psychology
  • Individual Differences in Personality
  • The Psychology of Health, Wellbeing and Resilience
  • Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • Psychological Disorders and Interventions
  • Learning, Memory Cognition and Language
  • Neuroscience and the Biological Bases of Behaviour
  • Environmental Psychology and Sustainable Futures
  • Principles of Counselling
  • Research and Statistics for Psychology
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Graduate Diploma in Psychology
Learn from experts at the leading edge of psychological science. Keep up with the latest science and technology. Study an internationally-relevant course aligned with the latest American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines. Develop culturally-responsive skills in a curriculum guided by the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP). Have the flexibility to learn when it suits you with a course that’s been developed for the online learning environment. With UTS Online’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology, you’ll gain contemporary knowledge and practical skills, preparing you to harness the power of psychology in your work. Students of this course may come from various fields such as education, human resources, business management, accounting, communications, social work and counselling. The Graduate Diploma in Psychology is for professionals who are: From a diverse range of backgrounds and industries with no qualification in psychology. Have a passion for helping others and making a difference. Ready for a new challenge. Lead busy lives and are seeking work–life balance while studying online. The 100% online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is your first step towards pursuing a career in psychology. Upon successful completion of this course, you may apply for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), which is the next step in your pathway to becoming a registered psychologist or researcher. *UTS is currently seeking APAC accreditation.
Graduate Diploma 20 months 10 Units
Units
  • Introduction to Psychology Foundations​
  • Introduction to Psychological Science
  • Brain and Behaviour
  • Psychological Disorders and Interventions
  • Development Across the Lifespan
  • Research Methods and Theory in Psychology
  • Research Design and Analysis in Psychology
  • Psychological Assessment, Ethics, and Professional Skills
  • Society, Psychological Health and Wellbeing
  • Cognitive Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Graduate Diploma of Psychology
Pathway towards a career as a registered psychologist The Graduate Diploma of Psychology can be your first step towards becoming a registered psychologist. Fast-track your studies by completing your graduate diploma in only eight units compared to typical ten or 12-unit graduate programs.  Entry without a bachelor's degree Have the opportunity to begin the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist without a bachelor’s degree. If you have five years work experience in any field, you can gain entry to the Graduate Certificate of Psychology before progressing the Graduate Diploma of Psychology.  Flexible, accelerated and 100% online ECU degrees allow you to tailor your study to your busy schedule and complete your degree sooner than traditional on-campus study. Experience our engaging online learning environment with support from academics, Student Success Advisors and fellow students. This is a degree for students who have not studied psychology before. For students who want to start the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist, it is the equivalent to a bachelor's degree with a major in psychology*. Alternatively, this degree is also a great option for students who are interested in learning about psychology and gaining skills that can be applied to their current field. Students who have studied Psychology at a bachelor's level before should consider the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced). *ECU is currently seeking APAC accreditation. 
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Psychological Science of Wellbeing
  • Psychological Development and Diversity in Childhood
  • Psychological Development and Diversity in Adulthood
  • Psychological Science of Human Social Behaviour
  • Psychological Science of Human Information Processing
  • Neuroscience and Human Behaviour
  • Correlational Research Design and Analysis
  • Experimental Research Design and Analysis
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
Learn from experts at the leading edge of psychological science. Keep up with the latest science and technology. Take a world view with course content based on the latest American Psychological Association (APA) Guidelines. Become a culturally-responsive professional by undertaking a curriculum guided by the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP). Be on your path to becoming a registered psychologist or researcher. Have the flexibility to learn when it suits you with a course that’s been developed for the online learning platform. With UTS Online’s Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement principles of psychological science in diverse work settings. The 100% online and accelerated course enables you to immediately add value to your organisation and career. This course is developed in line with the American Psychological Association Guidelines and offers a curriculum informed by the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project. Don’t have a psychology background? We offer an online Graduate Diploma in Psychology for professionals from various backgrounds and industries with no qualification in psychology. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Psychology you may apply for the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced).
Graduate Diploma 16 months 6 Units
Units
  • Psychological Science Career Readiness
  • Advanced Professional Skills and Ethical Issues in Psychology
  • Advanced Psychological Assessment and Intervention
  • Advanced Research Methods
  • Research Project A
  • Research Project B
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)
Developed by industry experts The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) is designed and delivered by experienced psychology researchers and practitioners. Benefit from close support from engaged academics and build your professional network as you continue your journey to becoming a registered psychologist. Flexible, accelerated and 100% online ECU degrees allow you to tailor your study to your busy schedule and complete your degree sooner than traditional on-campus study. Get support from academics, Student Success Advisors and fellow students. Support while you study At ECU, you will receive the support you need to succeed when fitting study into your already busy life. Not only are our teaching staff supportive and attentive - you will also have a dedicated Student Success Advisor to support you every step of the way at ECU. This degree is for postgraduate students who want to leverage their previous study and continue along the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist. Upon successful completion, you will fulfil the education requirements for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia*. *ECU is currently seeking APAC accreditation. 
Graduate Diploma 16 months 8 Units
Units
  • Foundations of Client-Centred Psychological Practice
  • Applications of Psychological Assessment
  • Applications of Psychological Interventions
  • Applied Psychological Practice
  • Qualitative Research Skills and Applications
  • Evidence Based Practice in Psychology
  • Applied Psychological Research Design
  • Communicating Research in Psychology

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