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. 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Why UniSA?

  • 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.
  • 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

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.

Your career

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.

Your Career

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

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Employment for social and welfare professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 39,300 (24.3 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

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By 2024, employment for counsellors in Australia is projected to increase by 24.8 per cent.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

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Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government Department of Employment 2019

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

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. 

UniSA Video

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

Francesco Forgione

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)

Nicholas Ghan

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

Chris Ghan

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:

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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.

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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.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings