Notes
These APAC accredited degrees are designed for provisionally registered psychologists who have completed their "4th year" of psychology studies. The programs span one year if studied full-time or two years part-time. A subsequent one-year internship, followed by passing the registration exam, enables graduates to apply for full registration with the PsyBA.
These courses require on-campus attendance for activities such as clinical simulations and workshops, alongside off-campus work placements. Mandatory in-person engagement is a key component, though specific requirements vary across providers.
The course satisfaction ratings are the latest approval scores by recent graduates of postgraduate psychology programs at the provider. They capture the overall assessment of individuals who completed courses around four months earlier.
Course Structure
The course structure is similar from one provider to the next because of professional requirements. Common core units include:
- Psychopathology and Formulation
- Professional Practice in Psychology
- Psychological Assessment
- Interventions
- Research Evaluation for Psychology Practice
- Clinical Placements or Practicums
- Ethics and Skills for Professional Practice
- Evidence-Based Practice
These units ensure students acquire essential skills and knowledge for psychology practice, meeting the standards for professional accreditation and registration.
5+1 Psychology Explained
The 5+1 pathway combines a year-long masters program (Year 5) with a year-long internship (+1). This internship lets you practice psychology under supervision, covering 8 core competencies for registration.
- Once you've chosen a course, you can apply to Ahpra to be provisionally registered as a psychologist. This will allow you to participate in student placements and internships. You'll need to renew this registration annually until you've completed the pathway. Registration is only granted after your course providers confirms enrolment to Ahpra.
- Organise your internship after the masters. You might find one through your university, your own contacts, or job listings. Submit your internship plan and master’s completion evidence to Ahpra for approval before starting.
- Finish your internship with the National Psychology Exam. Passing it allows you to apply for general registration as a psychologist.
Check the Psychology Board of Australia's website for guidelines on provisional registration, internships, and the National Psychology Exam.
The main alternative to the 5+1 internship pathway is to do a two-year psychology master's degree. This may be in Clinical Psychology or one of the other eight areas of practice for which psychologists in Australia can be endorsed.