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Psychology — the study of human behaviour and mental processes — is a diverse and exciting field, from social psychology and organisational behaviour to neuroscience and clinical psychology.​

Studying psychology gives you a deeper understanding of yourself and others, and equips you with critical-thinking, research, and problem-solving skills that you can apply in many different careers, and in your everyday life.

After completing your undergraduate degree in Psychology, you may wish to pursue postgraduate study in Psychology and become a registered psychologist—or you may wish to go on to work in fields such as heath, justice, business, community services, research or education and training, where a deep understanding of human psychology is invaluable and highly valued. ​


How to apply

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FAQs

Step 1
Complete Murdoch University’s APAC accredited undergraduate psychology sequence in the Bachelor of Psychology BA Psychology or BSc Psychology, either alone or as part of a combined degree. This is three years full-time study (or equivalent part-time). Combined degrees are four (e.g., Bachelor of Psychology/Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science/Bachelor of Psychology) to five years (Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychology).

Step 2

Complete one of Murdoch’s  APAC accredited 4th year courses: Bachelor of Psychology Honours or Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). This is one year full-time of study (or equivalent part-time). 

Alternatively, you could complete the two-year Master of Professional Psychology, which combines the 4th and 5th years of study, after which you will be eligible for registration as a psychologist with one additional year of supervision. 

Step 3

At the end of 4th year you have a choice of pathway:

  • 5+1 pathway: complete Murdoch University’s APAC-accredited Master of Applied Psychology (Professional) as a fifth year of study as a provisionally registered psychologist. This is followed by one year of supervision. Refer to the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) for more information on supervision.
  • 5th and 6th (plus) year pathway: complete APAC-accredited Masters of Applied Psychology (Clinical) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) or combined Masters of Applied Psychology (Clinical)/PhD as a provisionally registered psychologist. After completion of the specialised postgraduate degree, the newly registered psychologist must be supervised by a PsyBA-approved supervisor in their area of endorsement for a specified period of time. This is a two-year period with masters, one year with a doctorate, and 18 months with a combined Masters/PhD. Refer to the PsyBA for more information.

Essentially these two degrees are the same. They both have the same sequence of core units and electives available. They are both accredited by APAC so allow entry to a 4th year of study. The choice is entirely up to you, and you even can change after you enrol if you change your mind! ​

Psychology has a tradition in both the Arts and the Sciences, so many Australian universities continue to offer both versions. Some people just prefer to have a BA or a BSc. One may combine better with another area of study, such as our double degrees, like the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Criminology and Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Exercise Science.

Murdoch offers secondary majors, co-majors and minors so you can pursue another area of interest besides psychology. These options are diverse, ranging from social media, marketing, and community development to human resources, forensics and criminology. These can be completed within your three-year degree.

We also have double degrees, where you get two qualifications. You can do degrees in both Psychology and Exercise Science, or Psychology and Criminology in four years, or combine with Law to finish in 5 years. For more information, explore our courses. For more information, explore our courses.

Murdoch has researchers across the psychological sciences, from neuroscience to cognitive, social, developmental, and clinical psychology. These dedicated academics are available to supervise Honours, Masters and PhD research.

For more information, see our Research or contact our Associate Dean Research and Innovation.

Murdoch offers APAC-accredited psychology degrees at fourth year, including Honours and Graduate Diploma (Advanced), and at Masters level. Murdoch also offers Masters by Research and PhD programs which can be completed in psychology.

Murdoch University offers recognition of relevant previous study and work experience. For more information, see Recognition of prior learning.

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