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Why a career as a psychologist could be for you

A career in psychology lets you make a real impact. Whether you choose to work as a registered psychologist helping people overcome challenges or as a researcher advancing our understanding of human behaviour, both paths provide opportunities to improve lives and shape society.

Explore study pathways, registration steps and career opportunities in psychology.

I want to be a… Practising, registered psychologist

Psychologists help people navigate life’s challenges, improve mental wellbeing and reach their full potential. Whether working in hospitals, schools, businesses, courts or private practice, they use their expertise to support individuals, workplaces and communities. To practise as a registered psychologist in Australia, you’ll need to follow a structured training and registration process with the Psychology Board of Australia.

What do jobs in psychology look like?

What do jobs in psychology look like?

Psychologists work across diverse fields, from mental health and education to corporate and legal settings. Depending on your area of practice, you might provide counselling, assist victims of crime, design public health programs or help organisations create healthier workplaces. Registered psychologists can also specialise in areas such as clinical psychology, forensic psychology, educational psychology, health psychology or organisational psychology through an area of practice endorsement.

I want to be a… Research and academic psychologists

Research and academic psychologists explore the complexities of human behaviour, advancing our understanding of the mind and contributing new knowledge to the field. By pursuing a PhD, you’ll specialise in a particular area of research, shaping the future of psychology with your findings. Many research psychologists also blend their research with teaching, mentoring the next generation of professionals while advancing their own work.

What do jobs as a research or academic psychologist look like?

What do jobs as a research or academic psychologist look like?

Research and academic psychologists typically work in universities, government agencies, hospitals, community organisations or research institutes. Their roles include designing studies, analysing data and developing new theories. Their work influences mental health practices, public policies and community interventions.

How to gain provisional registration as a psychologist

Becoming a registered psychologist is an exciting and rewarding journey. The path starts with completing accredited studies in psychology, followed by advanced education and supervised practice. Each step builds your expertise, bringing you closer to making a meaningful impact.

  1. Complete an accredited course

    Your path to provisional registration starts with an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)-accredited undergraduate degree in psychology. This typically involves a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence, which consists of a 10-credit-point psychology major or equivalent within a single or double degree. These courses lay the foundation for your psychology career, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills.

    Option 1: Complete one of these undergraduate courses

    Choose one of the following undergraduate degrees, then move on to Step 2:

    Option 2: Complete an integrated honours course

    Some courses combine your undergraduate study with an honours year, providing a strong foundation for provisional registration. These combined courses allow you to specialise early and gain practical training, preparing you for the next steps.

    If you choose this path, complete the following course and then skip to Step 3 to apply for provisional registration:

  2. Complete your fourth year of study

    After completing your undergraduate course, you’ll need to complete an approved fourth-year psychology program through one of the following options:

  3. Apply for provisional registration

    With your fourth-year study completed, you can now apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. This is a key milestone in becoming a registered psychologist.

  4. Complete a postgraduate qualification

    Next, you’ll need to complete further study to move toward general registration. Choose one of the following pathways:

  5. Apply for general registration

    Once you’ve completed your postgraduate studies, you can apply for general registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. This is the official step in becoming a fully registered psychologist and taking your career to the next level.

Choose a psychology career with impact

Psychologists in a variety of fields play a key role in supporting individuals and communities, from clinical professionals and school psychologists to workplace wellbeing experts and academic psychologists.

These rewarding careers offer the opportunity to make a significant impact by improving mental health, advancing research, fostering resilience and creating positive change in both personal and community wellbeing.

Find out more about studying psychology and mental health at Deakin.

Explore more psychology careers.

Rankings and footnotes

*Students in the Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) and Bachelor of Health Sciences must select the 10 credit point major in psychology.

^Equivalent to an undergraduate psychology degree for those with an undergraduate qualification in another study area. It consists of the APAC-accredited sequence of core psychology units, without electives.

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Psychology and mental health
Psychology
Find a research degree or PhD
Counselling
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