Psychology: A Look Inside a Booming Industry (Updated)

You, like many other Australians, might find the idea of becoming a psychologist very enticing, especially if one has an interest in human behaviour and social sciences.

To help you get a quick peek into the industry, to decide if your initial interest is enough to do more research, or even enrol in a psychology course and pursue a professional psychology career, we have made this article to help you explore your career opportunities.

Clinical psychology incorporates science and clinical knowledge of the human mind, in order to diagnose a patient, and improve their mental health by offering support or prescribing medication.

Investigates social change within school settings, and conduct psychological research to create techniques that will help individuals in a school environment. Many school psychologists exist within this area.

Studies on organisational structure, behaviour and working techniques in order to improve an individuals work performance or and/or organisation.

Provide health services such as relaxation therapy and behavioural therapy in order to improve clients wellbeing

To become a psychologist, it will take you 5-8 years to complete the education necessary to become a psychologist. Firstly, you have to make sure that working in any of the related fields such as social work, counselling and psychiatry would not be best for you. Martin recommends having meetings with a careers counsellor before making such an important decision.

The first step to becoming a psychologist is to enrol in a course and get a doctorate, or a bachelor of psychology. It will take 4-5 years to complete your psychology studies using this pathway.

The other study option available to become a registered psychologist is what is called the 4+2 pathway, which is a psychology program that does not involve one studying on-campus at a university. The program entails two years of working with a professional psychologist, and a few hours a week with a clinical supervisor, who will help you improve your skills as a practitioner. All supervisors need to be approved by the board but can specialize in any area of psychology, whether or not it is the area you wish to go into.

This pathway involves doing a year of study after earning your bachelors degree, in order to obtain a post-graduate diploma. You will need to complete assignments and case studies and hand them into the board, but the amount required is less so than in the 4+2 pathway.

This pathway would be for international students. You will firstly need to have your credentials evaluated by the Australian Psychological Society. They will consider how your previous training translates into the Australian education system. You need this information to apply to the Psychology board for consideration of registration. They may ask you to complete a 3-6 month transition period and/or take the national exam. It is also possible that you might have to do the 4+2 pathway or the 5+1 pathway as well.

If as a foreigner, your English is not at a fluent level, you may want to consider if working in Australia is right for you, as you will need to have a very high level of fluency to function in properly in a highly professional environment.