The pathway to becoming a registered psychologist

The road to becoming a registered psychologist can be a little confusing without someone to guide you. Where do you start? Which direction is the right one? 

Becoming a psychologist is typically an eight-year journey, but Bond's accelerated programs mean you'll get  a headstart on your career goals.

Stage one: Bachelor of Psychological Science

The journey starts with a Bachelor of Psychological Science. You'll learn the base skills and knowledge you need, with a focus on the scientific approach. 

At most universities, the Bachelor degree takes three years, but it can be completed in just two years at Bond. 

Stage two: Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science

Once you've completed your Bachelor and meet the required GPA, you will continue on to a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science. Both courses are equivalent to what is known as the "Fourth Year of Psychology".

You'll expand your base skills and knowledge, culminating in a written research Thesis.

From here, you can become provisionally registered if you either obtain a two-year internship - also called Supervised Practice - or obtain a place in a Master's program. 

Stage three: Master of Psychology (Clinical) or Master of Professional Psychology

If you achieve a Distinction average GPA and interview successfully, you can continue into the Master of Psychology (Clinical) program. This is a two year degree that includes coursework subjects, a research dissertation and practical placements. You will also get to apply your knowledge and skills through Bond's in-house Psychology Clinic and external placements. When you complete this degree, you will have completed the equivalent of six years of study and can become fully registered as a psychologist.

If you achieve a Credit average GPA, your pathway will be through the Master of Professional Psychology. Here, you will complete the Master of Professional Psychology, as well as one year of self-sourced supervised practice, before being able to become fully registered. 

Stage four: Experience in a field of interest

For the final two years of your journey, you will find experience in your field of interest. This could include Health Psychology, Child Psychology or Organisational Psychology. This experience means you will be able to become endorsed in an area of specialisation. 

Becoming a psychologist is a long journey - but it's an extremely rewarding career. 

Read: Australia's #1 psychologist shares 7 ways to reduce stress
Read: A student's perspective on studying Psychological Science at Bond