Top programs in Australia for distance learners to study psychological science.
If you want to study psychology from the comfort of your home or office, it is important that you choose a good online course. Here we have the top programs in Australia. These are fully accredited courses that can lead to you qualifying as a clinical psychologist.
Accredited Psychology Courses Online
Here are the 9 best online psychology courses that are potential pathways towards becoming a registered psychologist. Each program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
The courses consist of 3-year bachelor degrees, 4-year honours degrees (where the honours year is embedded rather than a separate one-year degree), graduate diplomas (equivalent to a 3-year degree), and advanced graduate diplomas (equivalent to an honours year).
Statistical information on bachelor programs was sourced from Uni Reviews.
1. UniSQ - Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
The University of Southern Queensland offers a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) online. The four-year degree is for those aiming to become practitioners. The program includes 28 core units, such as Cross-Cultural and Indigenous Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Abnormal Psychology. The honours year focuses on developing professional skills and preparing for provisional registration as a psychologist. Graduates are eligible to apply for further studies to become clinical psychologists.
ATAR required: 68.25
Graduate satisfaction rate: 87.5%
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2. Deakin - Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Deakin University’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is a four-year degree designed to prepare students for provisional registration as psychologists. An embedded honours year includes practical training and a group research project. Students can specialise from the first year with majors in forensic studies, child and family studies, and organisational studies. The program also includes 140 hours of professional placements to build practical skills in psychological assessment and counselling techniques.
ATAR required: 80
Graduate satisfaction rate: 88.0%
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3. SCU - Bachelor of Psychological Science
The Bachelor of Psychological Science at Southern Cross University is a three-year degree to boost your understanding of human behaviour and the mind. Students can study at the Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, or online. Core topics include social psychology, learning and memory, and psychological assessment. You can specialise through the Psychology Extension Major or select a group of units in a shared major, including fields such as counselling, health care systems, and sport psychology.
ATAR required: 70
Graduate satisfaction rate: 87.5%
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4. ECU - Bachelor of Psychology
The Bachelor of Psychology at Edith Cowan University is a three-year degree that opens doors to fields suh as mental health, human resources, and child and family services. It is APAC-accredited, providing a pathway to Honours and postgraduate studies for registration as a psychologist. Students can study full-time or part-time at Joondalup or online. It also offers flexibility with elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other university schools.
ATAR required: 70
Graduate satisfaction rate: 86.5%
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5. FedUni - Bachelor of Psychological Science
Federation University’s Bachelor of Psychological Science is a three-year degree covering subjects such as developmental, cognitive, and social psychology, as well as abnormal psychology and personality. Students develop skills in communication, research, and critical thinking. Elective subjects broaden knowledge throughout. Graduates work in community welfare, case management, business, youth and family support, criminal justice, marketing, or do further study to become psychologists.
ATAR required: 50
Graduate satisfaction rate: 85.0%
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6. JCU Online - Graduate Certificate of Psychology
The 100% online Graduate Certificate of Psychology from James Cook University is an 8-month part-time course. It is for uni graduates seeking a relatively short psychology course that could lead to advanced study. You’ll cover subjects like Social Psychology, Health and Wellbeing, and Environmental Psychology. The program is flexible, with six start dates per year. It’s ideal for professionals looking to enhance their careers in fields such as human resources, mental health services, and education.
Entry: Bachelor degree in any field other than Psychology.
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7. UTS Online - Graduate Diploma in Psychology
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology from UTS Online is a 20-month part-time course that equates to a bachelor degree in terms of psychology credentials. Six start dates per year allow for flexibility. The program is for professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Learn to apply psychological principles in fields such as healthcare, business, HR, and public service. Graduates can progress to the Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced), the next step to become a psychologist.
Entry requirements: Bachelor degree or higher qualification in any discipline.
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8. JCU Online - Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging)
The online Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) from James Cook University is a 20-month part-time course designed to fast-track your career. This APAC-accredited program covers subjects like Social Psychology, Neuroscience, and Environmental Psychology. It offers six start dates per year, allowing for flexibility. The grad dip is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree but can be completed in a much shorter time. It covers the first three years of the six-year timeframe to become a psychologist.
Entry requirements: Bachelor degree in any other field.
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9. UTS Online - Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced)
The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) from UTS Online is equivalent to an honours year and is the fourth year in the sequence to become a psychologist. This 16-month part-time course includes advanced coursework and major research projects. You'll explore topics like psychological assessment, evidence-based intervention, and research methods. It prepares students for further postgraduate studies or careers in clinical, educational, or research settings.
Entry: Psychology bachelor degree or graduate diploma with a GPA of at least 5.0 out of 7.
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Advanced Degrees
Masters and doctorates in psychology often require occastional attendance at residential schools, even for online programs. This is essential for practical components like clinical simulations and workshops.
Programs such as the Master of Professional Psychology at Southern Cross University and CQUniversity Australia may have a residential school each semester. These multi-day sessions develop clinical skills under professional supervision. For a detailed list of online MPP programs, visit Masters of Professional Psychology Online at Lerna Courses.
Doctoral programs, such as the PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of New England, also require on-campus attendance for specific elements. These programs integrate research with clinical practice while maximising online delivery.
Source: Best Psychology Degrees Online in Australia
Study Psychology Online
Australian universities are highly supportive of students who wish to study psychology online. Many offer distance learning programs that provide the same quality of education as on-campus courses. Online degrees cover the same curriculum and also qualify for accreditation.
Currently, 17 universities in Australia offer online Bachelor of Psychology or equivalent degrees. These programs typically span three years full-time, offering flexibility for part-time study. For those with a degree in another field, an online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is an accelerated path.
You can choose a university in your home state to provide the option to also attend a campus if needed. This allows for a blend of online and in-person learning experiences. A detailed list of online psychology degrees by state is available from AustralianUniversities.click.
Related: Study Psychology Online in Australia