Step 1 - Complete an APAC accredited three year undergraduate psychology sequence
If you have an undergraduate degree in a different discipline, you can do a 3-year bridging program (12-18 months duration) to then enable you to apply for entry to an accredited 4th year program.
Step 2 - Complete an APAC accredited 4th year such as, an Honours year or a 4th year equivalent Graduate Diploma in Psychology
This is one year in duration in full-time capacity.
Note: some institutions offer years 1-4 in one degree which is a four year psychology sequence.
Step 3 - At the end of 4th year you have a choice of pathway:
- 4+2 pathway: complete two years of supervision as a provisionally registered psychologist. This pathway is being phased out by the PsyBA. Refer to the PsyBA for more information.
- 5+1 pathway: complete a fifth year of study (Master of Professional Psychology) as a provisionally registered psychologist; year five is completed at an education provider, followed by one year of supervision. Refer to the PsyBA for more information.
- 5th and 6th (plus) year pathway: complete an APAC accredited Masters (or Doctorate) as a provisionally registered psychologist in an area of specialised study (Clinical, Community, Counselling, Health, Forensic, Sport and Exercise, Educational and Developmental, Organisational, Clinical Neuropsychology). 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.
After completing the 5th and 6th (plus) year pathway and subsequently gaining General Registration plus Area of Practice Endorsement from the PsyBA, completing a professional level bridging program may be an option. The Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Psychology (GCP or GDP) offers additional education and training for a psychologist who is already eligible for membership of an APS College and has completed an accredited professional postgraduate coursework degree to accumulate coursework and study which might assist when applying for membership of another APS College, or for other professional purposes. The program is a minimum of one year part-time.
Information on careers and study pathways in psychology is available from the Australian Psychological Society.
Our Search for Programs page lists all of the current APAC-accredited programs of study.
Enquiries relating to Areas of Practice Endorsement and Internships are to be directed to the PsyBA.
