Becoming a Psychologist

If you are keen to study people’s behaviour, thoughts, and feelings, to help them overcome or control their problems, this is the right place for you to start.

What does a psychologist do?

Your day-to-day tasks will depend on your specialism. The areas of psychology you could work in include:

• educational – helping children and young people overcome difficulties and further their educational and psychological development
• counselling – working with patients to explore their social, economic, cultural, and spiritual health
• neuropsychology – helping patients with brain injuries and diseases to recover or improve their quality of life
• forensic or criminal – using psychological theory to help investigate crimes, rehabilitate offenders and support prison staff
• clinical – working with people to help them deal with conditions like anxiety, stress, depression and mental illness

Where could I be working?

Psychologists work in a range of organisations within both the public and private sectors. These include clinical and health settings such as clinics and hospitals, a diverse collection of commercial and non-profit organisations, and forensic settings such as prisons and law courts.

You could work in the community, in a consultation room, at a client’s business, at a client’s home or in an office. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

What do I need to do to become a psychologist?

Studying to be a psychologist is a lengthy but rewarding process. On average it takes seven years. You’ll need to complete:

• a psychology degree accredited by a registered professional body of psychology, The Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• an accredited postgraduate qualification in your chosen specialism

The diagram below illustrates the currently available pathways to registration in Australia.

Degree Options

Entry requirements for psychology degrees vary from institution to institution. Although many good universities don’t require students with specific qualifications, you will need a strong academic record (especially in science and mathematics).

Consult your qualifications for entry to a psychology degree at one of the following Australia Top Universities with AUG!

• Australian National University
• University of New South Wales
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• University of Western Australia
• University of Adelaide

Meet the above-mentioned universities’ representative exclusively on 8 – 9 October 2021. RSVP now at

Source:

• Study pathways | APS (psychology.org.au)
• How To Become A Psychologist | Explore Jobs | UCAS
• Psychology Degrees | Top Universities