TAFE Psychology Courses

If you’re interested in studying a psychology course at TAFE, there are some options available. Institutes and various colleges deliver mental health courses at the Certificate IV and Diploma levels. Students learn how to manage clients with psychological challenges.

TAFE psychology options mainly focus on vocational mental health training, while psychology is a scientific field usually studied through higher education. Chisholm Institute is an exception, offering an APAC-accredited Bachelor of Psychology.

Another option is to complete a Diploma of Psychology at a university. Entry requirements are typically lower than for degree programs. The diploma serves as a pathway to a degree and is typically equivalent to the first year of a bachelor program. Universities also offer graduate certificates and diplomas for uni graduates with non-psychology degrees.

Accredited Courses Available Across Australia

Nationally recognised mental health qualifications and university psychology courses are available across Australia. Study options include fully online university programs and mental health training through TAFEs and other registered training organisations (RTOs), including work placements.

Certificate IV in Mental Health

The Certificate IV in Mental Health is offered by TAFEs and other training organisations across Australia. Lasting 6 months to 2 years, depending on the provider and study load, it trains you to support people with psychological issues.

Programs combine theory with practical experience in settings like community centres and clinics, and include at least 80 hours of work placement. Students explore topics such as support strategies, recovery-oriented care, and community care practice. Graduates enter roles in healthcare and social assistance.

Diploma of Mental Health

The Diploma of Mental Health is available from TAFEs and other training organisations. Students learn essential support skills, including counselling and advocacy, complemented by at least 160 hours of practical work placement.

Graduates enter roles in health care and social assistance. The diploma leads to positions like community worker and mental health support worker, offering a path to delivering mental health support.

Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

The Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing is a government-accredited course from re:cognition, formerly Langley Group Institute. The 12-month program is available online or through face-to-face immersion sessions in Sydney followed by further study and assessment.

The program targets professionals seeking to enhance their own wellbeing and improve their performance at work. Positive psychology topics include enhancing wellbeing, positive emotions, engagement, creating meaningful experiences, and building positive relationships.

Diploma of Psychology

The Diploma of Psychology offers a foundational education in psychological principles, research methods, and interpersonal skills. The one-year university course typically provides credit for the first year of a psychology degree, allowing graduates to enter the second year of a related bachelor’s program.

The qualification serves as a stepping stone for students from various backgrounds to move into this field. Psychology diplomas are offered as bridging courses by several universities and their training partners.

Graduate Certificate in Psychology

The Graduate Certificate in Psychology is a relatively short course for university graduates from other disciplines. The 100% online program builds foundational knowledge, establishing a platform for further training to become a psychologist. The graduate certificate can be completed in 8 months of part-time study.

Students explore topics such as social psychology, personality differences, health attitudes, wellbeing and resilience, and human development. FEE-HELP loans are available to eligible students to cover tuition fees.

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

For university graduates (any discipline) who want to study psychology, there is the Graduate Diploma in Psychology. The online course can be completed in 20 months of part-time study.

The 10-subject qualification provides the accredited psychology sequence needed to apply for fourth-year study and can be a step on the journey to becoming a practising psychologist. Students explore psychological foundations, brain behaviour, disorders, lifespan development, research methods, ethics, societal impacts on wellbeing, and cognitive psychology.

Non-Accredited Training Programs

Australian training providers and global online learning platforms offer a vast range of psychology courses. Non-accredited short courses do not provide a nationally recognised qualification or an APAC-accredited psychology sequence.