Key information
Start dates
March
July
Psychology: A field with limitless career opportunities
Whether you're pursuing a registered pathway in professional and clinical psychology or seeking to apply advanced knowledge of human behaviour in diverse contexts, a degree in Psychology opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities. This qualification equips you with the professional skills needed to make a meaningful impact on people's lives and contribute to a deeper understanding of human behaviour.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists work with people experiencing a wide range of mental health challenges, from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions such as trauma or personality disorders. Using evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), they assess, diagnose, and treat individuals to help them improve their wellbeing and lead more fulfilling lives.
In Australia, clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, private practice, or community health settings, and must complete further postgraduate training and registration. It’s a rewarding pathway for those who want to make a deep, lasting impact on people’s mental health.
Policy Adviser
Policy advisers use their understanding of human behaviour, data analysis, and research to shape policies that improve community wellbeing. Working in government departments, non-profits, or advocacy organisations, they analyse social issues, consult with stakeholders, and develop evidence-based recommendations across areas like mental health, education, justice, and disability services.
For psychology graduates, this career offers the chance to influence change at a systemic level, and is ideal for those who are strategic thinkers and passionate about creating fairer, more supportive environments for all individuals.
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025 | Seek Australia, 2025
School Psychologist
School psychologists support student learning and wellbeing by assessing behavioural and cognitive issues, delivering interventions, and working closely with educators and families. Employed by schools or education departments, they help create safe, supportive learning environments. This career suits those who enjoy working with children and want to make a difference in their development.
Mental Health Support Worker
Mental health support workers assist people with mental health challenges to live independently and access the services they need. Often working in community or residential settings, they provide hands-on, person-centred care. This role offers psychology graduates meaningful experience in the sector and is a great step toward future registration or allied roles.
Researcher
Psychology researchers investigate how people think, feel, and behave to drive improvements in mental health, education, and society. They design studies, analyse data, and share insights that influence practice and policy. Researchers work in universities, institutes, and government. If you’re curious and analytical, this career offers a pathway to meaningful discovery.
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
- Neuropsychologist
- Organisational psychologist
- Sports psychologist
- Educational psychologist
- Research psychologist
What will you study to start your career in Psychology?
Study a variety of core topics and option topics and get hands-on experience with professional placements.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
The Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Flinders University is accredited* by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), meaning it meets national standards for psychology education. This ensures high-quality, professionally recognised training and provides a clear pathway toward further study and registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
To become a psychologist in Australia, you’ll first need to complete a four-year accredited sequence in psychology. This usually involves studying a four-year honours program such as the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), or a three-year undergraduate degree such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science, followed by an additional honours year.
After your honours year, you can choose from different pathways depending on your career goals. If you want to become a registered psychologist, you’ll need to complete either a fifth-year graduate diploma plus one year of supervised practice, or a two-year postgraduate psychology program (such as a master's degree). If your goal is to become a clinical psychologist or gain endorsement in another area (like organisational or forensic psychology), you’ll need to complete a master’s or doctorate with a clinical placement component, followed by a period of supervised practice.
Each pathway is designed to meet the registration requirements set by the Psychology Board of Australia and accreditation by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
Please note that honours (fourth year) starts a month earlier than other Flinders University courses. Some students miss this date, so it's important to take note of it.
The sky's the limit. From HR to youth work, or even market research, there are plenty of options beyond becoming a psychologist. Potential employers include community health providers, consulting firms, government agencies, research centres and more.
Psychology brings together all the key skills you need to thrive in a modern world: it teaches you to think scientifically and analyse data, and deepens your understanding of human behaviour. Qualifications in psychology - much like engineering, or economics - are highly valued by employers, and they are a good indicator that an applicant will likely have the analytical problem-solving skills that businesses need. And importantly, it's interesting!
According to SEEK, the average salary for a psychologist in Australia ranges between $100,000 and $110,000 per year.
For clinical psychologists, the average salary is slightly higher, typically between $110,000 and $120,000 annually.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 90.55 | 95.60 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 81.55 | 90.15 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 10 | 13% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 0 | 0 |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 48% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 21 | 27% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 7 | 9 |
| International Students | <5 | <5 |
| All students | 77 | 100% |
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