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Studying psychology in Australia can be an incredibly rewarding experience with many career opportunities. Australia is home to some of the world’s leading universities offering a range of psychology degrees and related courses. As a prospective psychology university student, you’ll want to select the best program for your needs.
Australia is home to some of the top universities for psychology degrees, such as Deakin University, University of Melbourne, UNSW Sydney, and Monash University (plus many more!). Each offers unique insights into the field of psychology and will enable you to progress toward Honours and Masters.
If you are looking for a prestigious psychology program, this blog post will provide all the information you need to find the best universities for psychology degrees in Australia.
Best Universities for Psychology Degrees in Australia 2023
All of the universities listed below are highly reputable and offer excellent psychology programs. However, there are some differences between them that may be important to consider when choosing a university to study psychology.
- Location: Each university is located in a different city, which may be an important factor for students who have preferences in terms of living in a specific city or region.
- Course offerings: While all universities offer core psychology courses, there may be differences in terms of the breadth and depth of elective courses available, as well as the specific research areas of focus.
- Research opportunities: Some universities may have stronger research programs in certain areas of psychology, which may provide more opportunities for students to get involved in research projects and gain research experience.
- Student support: Each university may have different resources and support services available to psychology students, such as mentoring programs, academic advising, career services, and mental health support.
- Ranking and reputation: While rankings should not be the only factor in choosing a university, it can be useful to consider the overall reputation and ranking of each university, both nationally and internationally.
Ultimately, the best university for a psychology student will depend on their individual preferences and goals. It is important to do research on each university, including attending open days or speaking with current students, to gain a better understanding of what each university offers and which one may be the best fit.
Australia psychology rank 2023
University
City
1. University of Melbourne (Melbourne)
2. The University of Queensland (Brisbane)
3. UNSW Sydney (Kensington)
4. Monash University (Melbourne)
5. University of Sydney (Sydney)
6. Australian National University (Canberra)
7. The University of Western Australia (Perth)
8. Curtin University (Perth) and Macquarie University (Sydney)
10. University of Adelaide (Adelaide) and Australian Catholic University (Canberra) and Central Queensland University (Rockhampton) and Flinders University (Adelaide)
14. University of Newcastle (Callaghan)
15. Griffith University (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Logan) and La Trobe University (Melbourne) and Swinburne University of Technology (Hawthorn)
17. Deakin University (Melbourne / Geelong)
18. University of Tasmania (Hobart) and University of Wollongong (Wollongong)
19. University of Canberra (Canberra)
20. Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane)
21. RMIT University (Melbourne) and University of South Australia (Adelaide) and Southern Cross University (Lismore) and University of Southern Queensland (Toowoomba)
22. Western Sydney University (Sydney)
23. Edith Cowan University (Joondalup)
24. Federation University Australia (Ballarat)
25. James Cook University (Cairns, Townsville)
26. Murdoch University (Murdoch)
27, Victoria University (Melbourne)
28. Bond University (Gold Coast)
29. Charles Sturt University (Bathurst)
30. University of the Sunshine Coast (Sunshine Coast)
1. Deakin University
Now, I may be a little biased in my opinion, but I personally LOVED studying at Deakin University (Burwood campus) for my Bachelor of Psychology and Honours program. Deakin offers a high quality psychology program that prepares you for a career in the psychology field. Not only that, but Deakin university is constantly building innovative learning spaces and buildings that inspire you while studying. Deakin university also has a strong focus on student wellbeing, while other universities rely on their prestigious reputation to attract students, leading to lower student satisfaction. This is why I am personally ranking Deakin as my #1 choice and recommendation for psychology university students.
Deakin University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate psychology courses accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). For instance, their Bachelor of Psychological Science degree includes units such as Personality and Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology, which provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the human mind and behaviour. The university also offers a postgraduate program in Clinical Psychology, which is highly competitive and prepares graduates to become registered psychologists. Additionally, Deakin's School of Psychology is a leader in research, particularly in areas such as child and adolescent psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and behavioral neuroscience.
2. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is renowned for its innovative, world-leading research and teaching programs in psychology. With a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, it is a great choice if you’re interested in getting a psychology degree in Australia. However, the longstanding prestigious status should not be the reason you choose this university, there are many competitive courses available to study at different universities.
Firstly, the University of Melbourne has an outstanding reputation in the field of psychology. It consistently ranks highly in global university rankings, including being ranked #1 in Australia and #14 in the world for psychology according to the 2022 QS World University Rankings. This is due to the university's exceptional teaching and research programs, which are led by world-renowned experts in the field.
The University of Melbourne offers a range of excellent psychology programs that Australian university students should consider studying. These programs include Bachelor of Arts (majoring in psychology) and Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology, as well as a Master of Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology. The Bachelor's programs provide a comprehensive foundation in psychology, while the Master's and Doctoral programs offer advanced clinical training for those interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist. The University of Melbourne is also known for its research excellence in psychology, with its faculty members being active in various areas of research, including clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and social psychology.
3. The University of Queensland (UQ)
The University of Queensland is one of the largest universities in Australia located in Brisbane. One of the unique selling points about this university, is that students can attend and participate in their Parenting & Family Support Centre and the UQ Psychology Clinic. For those interested in a career in psychology, the University of Queensland is an excellent choice. With its outstanding facilities and research opportunities, it provides the perfect environment to launch your career.
At the undergraduate level, UQ offers a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree that covers a broad range of topics in psychology, such as social psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology. Students can also choose to undertake an honours year, which involves advanced coursework and a research project.
At the postgraduate level, UQ offers a range of programs, including a Master of Psychology (Clinical), a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), and a Master of Organisational Psychology. These programs are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become professional psychologists.
UQ also offers a range of research higher degree programs, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology. Overall, UQ's psychology courses are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core areas of psychology, as well as practical experience and research opportunities.
4. UNSW Sydney
The University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney is a public research university located in the suburbs of Kensington, Australia. The Faculty of Science offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in psychology, including clinical psychology and cognitive neuroscience. UNSW has world-leading clinical and cognitive neuroscience research, social and developmental psychology, cognitive engineering, and behavioural economics.
UNSW's School of Psychology offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including a Bachelor of Psychology, Honours program, Master of Psychology (Clinical), and Doctor of Psychology (Clinical). The school is renowned for its strong research culture and is home to several research centres and institutes, including the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing and the Black Dog Institute. Students can benefit from opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects, gain practical experience through clinical placements, and learn from internationally recognized experts in the field. UNSW also offers a unique program called "Psychology@Work," which enables students to gain hands-on experience in applying psychology to workplace settings. Overall, studying psychology at UNSW can provide students with a solid foundation in both theory and practice, as well as opportunities to engage in research and develop real-world skills.
The UNSW Psychology Clinic allows students to gain hands-on experience by working with clients under supervision from experienced psychologists. The postgraduate clinical and forensic psychology programmes offer professional training and module learning. The doctorate programme allows advanced study across various specialised research fields.
5. Monash University
The School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses covering clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, forensic psychology, organisational behaviour and more. Monash offers an extensive range of internships and field placements with partner organisations such as the Australian Psychological Society, the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, and more.
Monash University offers two postgraduate psychology programs, the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (GDP) and the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science Advanced (GDPA). Both of these programs are designed for students who have completed an undergraduate degree in an unrelated field and wish to pursue a career in psychology.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychology (GDP) is a one-year program that provides students with foundational knowledge and skills in psychology. The program covers topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology, as well as research methods and statistics. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a supervised research project.
The Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science Advanced (GDPA) is a two-year program that builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the GDP. The program covers more advanced topics in psychology, such as psychopathology and neuropsychology, and includes training in psychological assessment and therapy. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a supervised research project.
Both the GDP and GDPA are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), which means that graduates are eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia. The programs also provide a pathway to further study, such as a Master of Psychology (Clinical) or Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) program. Overall, the GDP and GDPA programs at Monash University are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in psychology and prepare them for a career in the field.
6. University of Sydney
One of the oldest psychology schools in Australia, the School of Psychology at the University of Sydney, offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in psychology. It provides students with a strong theoretical foundation and practical training through internships and research projects.
At the undergraduate level, the University of Sydney offers a Bachelor of Psychology degree that covers a broad range of topics in psychology, such as abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Students can also choose to undertake an honours year, which involves advanced coursework and a research project.
At the postgraduate level, the University of Sydney offers a range of programs, including a Master of Clinical Psychology, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology, and a Master of Brain and Mind Sciences. These programs are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become professional psychologists.
The University of Sydney also offers research higher degree programs, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology.
Students gain valuable experience by engaging in research facilities, including the Brain & Mind Centre and the Charles Perkins Centre. In addition to being a home for the renowned Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, which explores the medicinal uses of cannabinoids, the university is also host to the world's first coaching psychology unit based in a university setting. The Clinical Psychology Unit follows a scientist-practitioner model.
7. Australian National University (ANU)
The Australian National University (ANU) is a prestigious public research university located in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It was established in 1946 and has since become one of the leading universities in Australia and the world.
At the undergraduate level, ANU offers a Bachelor of Psychology degree that covers a range of topics in psychology, such as cognitive psychology, social psychology, and personality psychology. ANU's psychology programs also offer flexible study options, including online and on-campus learning.
At the postgraduate level, ANU offers a range of programs, including a Master of Professional Psychology, a Master of Clinical Psychology, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology. These programs are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become professional psychologists.
ANU also offers research higher degree programs, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology.
8. University of Western Australia (UWA)
The University of Western Australia is a public research university located in Perth, Western Australia. It was established in 1911 and is known for its research excellence.
At the undergraduate level, University of Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Psychological Science degree that covers a range of topics in psychology, such as abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Students can also choose to undertake an honours year, which involves advanced coursework and a research project.
At the postgraduate level, this university offers a range of psychology programs, including a Master of Psychology (Clinical) and a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical). These programs are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become professional psychologists. UWA also offers a research higher degree program, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology.
9. Macquarie University
Macquarie University is a public research university located in Sydney, Australia. It was established in 1964 and offers a range of psychology programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Macquarie University's psychology programs also offer flexible study options, including online and on-campus learning.
At the undergraduate level, Macquarie University offers a Bachelor of Psychology degree and Honours program. At the postgraduate level, Macquarie University offers a range of programs, including a Master of Research in Psychology, a Master of Organisational Psychology, and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology.
10. Curtin University
Curtin University students will deeply understand cognition, emotion, subconscious behaviour, perception, behaviour patterns, child behaviour, development, relationships, and social psychology. Students are encouraged to participate in research activities through the Curtin Psychology Research Centre and in collaboration with the psychology department’s research staff.
At the undergraduate level, Curtin University offers a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree that covers a range of topics in psychology, such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. Students can also choose to undertake an honours year, which involves advanced coursework and a research project.
At the postgraduate level, Curtin University offers a range of programs, including a Master of Psychology (Clinical), a Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), and a Master of Organisational Psychology. These programs are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to become professional psychologists.
Curtin University also offers research higher degree programs, including a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), for students interested in pursuing a research career in psychology.
Curtin University also offers a range of specialised units, such as Addictions and Clinical Neuropsychology, which prepare students for a professional psychology practice. In addition, the university has an active student support network and offers a range of activities and events.
Final Words
These top universities for psychology degrees in Australia are all great options for students pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the field. These universities provide an excellent education through their wide range of courses, research opportunities, and practical experience placements. They will give you the skills necessary to succeed in the psychology field. So, if you’re interested in studying psychology in Australia, check out these universities for an amazing education and an unforgettable experience!
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