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Discipline info for Australian students
Interested in Psychology?
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to embark on a fulfilling career in psychology with SA's No.1 university for graduate skills in Psychology1.
Through a mix of practical and theoretical learning, you will be able to demonstrate advanced problem solving skills, planning, judgement and decision-making – all necessary attributes of a successful psychologist.
We are the only university in South Australia to offer work placement opportunities as part of all 3-year undergraduate Psychology degrees. Depending on your chosen degree, you’ll complete 150 hours of work placement or a research experience as part of your studies, ensuring you graduate career-ready.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Key features
- Study with SA's No. 1 university for graduate skills in Psychology1.
- Learn from world-class leaders in research – UniSA's psychology research has been assessed as well above world class2.
- Gain industry experience through a work placement – we are the only University in South Australia to offer work placement opportunities as part of all 3-year undergraduate Psychology degrees.
- Enjoy the opportunity to study part of your degree overseas.
- Our Psychology programs are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
- Benefit from our on-campus facilities, including multiple research groups with international profiles, a Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, a fully-functioning Psychology Clinic, and a live-in, time-isolated sleep and chronobiology laboratory.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2The only university in SA to have all its assessed Psychology and Cognitive Sciences research rated well-above world standard. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
- UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities1, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
- You will be taught by industry professionals and well-above world-class researchers in the field of psychology2. Our academics have a very practical approach to learning and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience.
- Our Psychology programs are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.
- You’ll have the opportunity to use the latest technologies and learn in state-of-the-art facilities and teaching spaces.
- Access hands-on learning opportunities and connect with industry professionals right from day one.
- Choose from flexible learning options to suit your needs and lifestyle including online, on-campus, full-time and part-time study.
- Explore our wide range of grants and scholarships to support your studies.
- We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at the University of South Australia.
1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
UniSA offers the following Psychology degrees
Choose your level of study
Meet the Unstoppables
Meet some of UniSA's unstoppable graduates and explore how you can unlock your unstoppable career in Psychology with our world-class degrees.
How do I become a registered psychologist?
Kickstart your psychology career at UniSA through our wide range of study options. You can follow several paths to become a registered or research psychologist, or complete your studies sooner and explore exciting careers across a variety of other fields.
Explore your options and what studies you will need to complete by selecting between the tabs below.
Option 1: Study a 4-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree undertaking Honours in your final year.
Option 2: Study a 3-year Bachelor of Psychology degree, and attain a competitive GPA, then apply to transfer into our 4-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree with study credit (eligibility criteria applies).
Option 3: Pursue a second career interest with a double degree in psychology, attaining a competitive GPA and applying to transfer into our 4-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree with study credit (eligibility criteria applies).
Each option requires you to continue with further postgraduate studies in psychology to become a registered or research psychologist.
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Option 1
Study a 4-year psychology degree undertaking Honours in your final year:
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
or
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) (Cognitive Neuroscience)To become a registered psychologist
Study a 2-year Master of Psychology (Clinical) where you can graduate eligible to register as a clinical psychology registrar and become a full member of the Australian Psychological Society.To become a research psychologist
Study a 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) where you can graduate as a research psychologist and become a member of the Australian Psychological Society.Learn more about accreditation and other external registration options.
You can also successfully complete your undergraduate or postgraduate studies at any point and discover a wide range of dynamic careers in areas such as psychology, cognitive neuroscience, counselling and interpersonal skills, social work or business.
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Option 2
Study a 3-year psychology degree:
Bachelor of Psychology
or
Bachelor of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience)
or
Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills)Apply to transfer into the four-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree with study credit if you have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6 and have completed between four courses and 2.5 years of a UniSA bachelor’s degree.
To become a registered psychologist
Study a 2-year Master of Psychology (Clinical) where you can graduate eligible to register as a clinical psychology registrar and become a full member of the Australian Psychological Society.To become a research psychologist
Study a 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) where you can graduate as a research psychologist and become a member of the Australian Psychological Society.Learn more about accreditation and other external registration options.
You can also successfully complete your undergraduate or postgraduate studies at any point and discover a wide range of dynamic careers in areas such as psychology, cognitive neuroscience, counselling and interpersonal skills, social work or business.
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Option 3
Study a 4-5 year double degree pairing Psychology with Human Services, Law, Human Resource Management, or Exercise and Sport Science.
Apply to transfer into the four-year Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) degree with study credit if you have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6 and have completed between four courses and 2.5 years of a UniSA bachelor’s degree.
To become a registered psychologist
Study a 2-year Master of Psychology (Clinical) where you can graduate eligible to register as a clinical psychology registrar and become a full member of the Australian Psychological Society.To become a research psychologist
Study a 4-year Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) where you can graduate as a research psychologist and become a member of the Australian Psychological Society.Learn more about accreditation and other external registration options.
You can also successfully complete your undergraduate or postgraduate studies at any point and discover a wide range of dynamic careers in areas such as psychology, cognitive neuroscience, counselling and interpersonal skills, social work or business.
As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.
As a graduate, you will be qualified to gain employment in a wide range of areas, including the health and human services sectors, research organisations, and government and non-government organisations.
Careers to consider include:
- Registered psychologist (with further study): work with patients to identify and diagnose emotional, mental and behavioural issues
- Neuropsychologist (with further study): assess and evaluate the brain function of people with brain injuries or abnormal brain functioning
- Youth worker: work with young people, providing support and encouragement
- Disability support officer: provide support for people in the community with intellectual, physical, social and emotional disabilities
- Counsellor (with further study): work with individuals in a confidential setting, helping them to overcome problems
- Community development officer: work with communities to bring about social change
- Human resources manager: plan, implement and enhance an organisation's employee relations, as well as the organisation's policies, programs and practices
- Drug/alcohol case worker: provide counselling support to individuals and families affected by drug/alcohol
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. SA public universities.
Global networks
We are a globally connected university and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.
Our students have had placements and internships with organisations like:
- Drug ARM Australasia
- Kickstart for Kids
- The Salvation Army
- HYPA (Helping Young People Achieve).
Industry facts
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
Study at UniSA
Hear from UniSA staff and former Psychology students Dr Alex Agostini and Dr Stephanie Centofanti on where a degree in Psychology can take you.
What others are saying
"My education at UniSA went beyond reading a textbook – it gave me the ability to practise what I learned. I am now a supervisor at Lifeline where I can make a difference in the community. I plan to study a master's qualification to further my career as a clinical psychologist."
Francesco Forgione
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Counsellor, New ROADS: Uniting Communities
"From day one, there was a heavy emphasis on developing high quality report writing skills, which are essential to success in this field. I know that this, along with the quality of academics and the degree's focus on evidence based practice, will give me the critical analysis skills I need to work in the clinical psychology field."
Nicholas Ghan
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
"Psychology at UniSA has an excellent balance between research and hands-on practice - the standard of teaching combined with the state-of-the-art facilities prepares students for what they want to do after graduation. The inclusion of counselling courses and psychology placements also makes it a unique degree, providing both the skills and real-world experience needed for a variety of careers including disability support work and counselling."
Chris Ghan
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Psychologist, SA Health
Why study at UniSA?
As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:
Accessible, helpful and flexible
We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.
Graduate success
UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
