Postgraduate programs in Psychology

With research centres focusing on improving mental health and wellbeing, student-led psychology clinics in Melbourne and Sydney, and a world ranking of first or equal first in psychology research, choosing ACU for your postgraduate studies in psychology will immerse you in a vibrant culture of enquiry.

Research

The Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre (HBMRC) aims to advance knowledge critical to improving mental health, participation and wellbeing. The centre brings together three programs of research excellence in mental health, addiction neuroscience, and disability and development:

• Digital innovation in mental health and wellbeing, promoting the psychological wellbeing of individuals with serious mental health problems
• Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health, mapping the clinical, cognitive, and brain mechanisms of addiction, substance use behaviours, and related mental health problems
• Development and Disability over the Lifespan (DDoL), mapping key neurocognitive processes that drive the motor and cognitive development of children.

Our institutes, centres and faculties boast internationally renowned scholars and produce world-leading research.
In the latest Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment, ACU ranked first or equal first for ten fields of research in Australia including in:

• cardiorespiratory medicine and haematology
• clinical sciences
• cognitive sciences
• human movement and sports science
• nursing
• nutrition and dietetics
• psychology
• public health and health services

Postgraduate coursework programs

We are recognised globally as a leader in a range of subject specialisations including psychology for which we are ranked as one of the top 150 universities in the world. (Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023)

We offer a range of postgraduate programs including:

• from July 2024 an accelerated online Graduate Diploma in Psychology for graduates of non-APAC accredited Bachelor degrees seeking a Level 1 qualification.
• fifth and sixth year programs in clinical psychology and educational and developmental psychology
• a Master of Professional Psychology which provides a fifth-year program in psychology, preparing graduates for a final year of supervised practice prior to general registration as a psychologist
• two concurrent degrees combining professional training within clinical or educational and developmental psychology with a research Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master of Psychology (Clinical)*
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)*
Master of Professional Psychology
Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy

*Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) are available for this course.