If you are interested in how the mind works and are after a career that helps people, then you may be wondering How do I become a psychologist in Australia?

In Australia, psychologists must complete at least six years of approved education and training and be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia before they can practise. Just like doctors, nurses and lawyers, it’s a legal requirement to register before you can practise as a psychologist.

A six-year investment may seem like a lot, and while it does take serious dedication and commitment to becoming a psychologist, the reward is in your future career. From helping society’s most vulnerable to working with people to unlock success, registered psychologists could enjoy a wide range of roles spanning fields such as mental health, sport, education, business, human resources, forensics and community services.

So how do you become a psychologist in Australia? 

1. Complete your undergraduate degree 

All psychologists must successfully complete an accredited three-year Psychology degree that’s recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You’ll gain a foundation in psychological theory and scientific knowledge, as well as learn the technical research skills you need for postgraduate study.

Already completed an undergraduate degree in another area of study? With recognition of prior learning, you can complete an accredited Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in as little as three semesters full-time, or part-time equivalent. 

2. Complete further accredited psychology study

After completing an accredited three-year psychology degree, one of the most direct pathways towards registration will be the Master of Professional Psychology*. This innovative two-year postgraduate qualification streamlines fourth- and fifth-year psychology training into a single degree and admission process, allowing you to secure your place in advanced psychology training from the outset.

As the first and only packaged Level 2 and Level 3 APAC-accredited psychology pathway offered by a WA university, the Master of Professional Psychology is designed for students whose primary goal is becoming a registered psychologist.

Alternatively, you can complete a standalone accredited fourth year of study through either an Honours degree in Psychology or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). Upon successful completion, you will then complete further study of an APAC accredited Masters program – which we explain further below.

*This course is accredited with conditions as a packaged Level 2 and Level 3 program by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Approval is currently being sought from the Psychology Board of Australia for this course to be approved as a qualification for the purposes of registration as a psychologist. 

3. Complete the final requirements for registration

If you choose the Master of Professional Psychology pathway, you'll undertake one additional year of supervised practice once you complete the degree before becoming eligible to apply for general registration as a psychologist.

If you choose a standalone accredited fourth year of study through either an Honours degree in Psychology or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), you will continue into one of the postgraduate pathways outlined below.

General registration (5+1 pathway)

You can use the 5+1 pathway to gain general registration as a psychologist. General registration means that you can work as a registered psychologist, but would need to undertake further training or study to specialise in any particular area of psychology.  

The 5+1 pathway gives you the best of both worlds – postgraduate level training at university, and on-the-job training in an internship. After completing your fourth-year program, you need to complete one further year of study, meaning you’ll study for 5 years before moving into a one-year supervised internship. If this sounds ideal to you, explore our Master of Applied Psychology (Professional), where you’ll complete coursework, practical placements and research training to support your professional practice.

Registration with Area of Practice Endorsement

If you would like to become a registered psychologist with endorsement in a specific area of psychology, choose one of the following pathways. 'Endorsement’ means you have advanced qualifications and supervised practice experience in a particular area. There are nine areas of endorsement in Australia: clinical neuropsychology, clinical psychology, community psychology, counselling psychology, educational and developmental psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, organisational psychology, and sport and exercise psychology. Find out more here.

Masters in an area of endorsement 

Murdoch offers expert training in clinical psychology, so if this is the area you’d like to work in, explore our Master of Applied Psychology in Clinical Psychology. This is a two-year course that combines coursework, clinical placements and clinical research components. You’ll graduate as a registered psychologist ready to start a registrar program of supervised practice in clinical psychology, to gain an area practice endorsement in clinical psychology.

Professional Doctorate

If you love research and are interested in clinical psychology as your area of endorsement, continuing into our Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology is the path for you. Building on the Master of Applied Psychology in Clinical Psychology, the doctorate includes additional placements and a research project focused on translating knowledge into practice. The course takes 3.5 years to complete, and the extra placements can reduce the time required in your registrar program of supervised clinical practice after graduation.

View the pathways to becoming a registered psychologist (PDF)

So whether you’re passionate about research, or prefer more hands-on learning, there’s a pathway towards a career in Psychology that’s right for you.