Psychology

Why pursue research in Psychology?

We have a strong record of research in behavioural neuroscience, clinical psychology, cognitive and developmental psychology, and social and intercultural psychology. We provide specialised child development, biochemical and physiological laboratories, a superior animal house, computing facilities, technical, biochemical, and computer support staff, and illustrative services and facilities. You also have access to the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Australia’s first dedicated research centre for autism.

Collaborate with the best minds in your field locally and internationally. We attract research funding, peer reviewed project grant funding and have a strong record in publications. We are a member of Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Australia that attracts more than $340 million in annual funding.

Sean Cowlishaw – PhD

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared for work in government, non-government organisations, private practice, research organisations and academia locally and abroad.

Professional Psychology options

To help you choose the right course for your professional goals, see our psychology and employment pages.

We offer

  • Professional Doctorates (combined coursework and research) and  Master’s or PhD (by research)  – see the Courses table below
  • Clinical Master’s degrees (coursework)  - see the postgraduate tab.

Courses

Local students

Psychology courses
Offer yearCourse titleCampus(es)DurationSemester starts
2013 Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology Melbourne
3.5 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time Semester 1 (February)

Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology continued…

Course description
This degree includes coursework, practical placements and a research thesis. First year focuses on acquiring skills and developing candidates' research topics; second year includes research data collection and practical experience in a range of clinical neuropsychology settings. The remainder of the program includes advanced-level coursework, an extended internship, and completion of the research project.
Prerequisite
Three-year APAC-accredited psychology qualification with at least B average or equivalent across all years and APAC-accredited fourth-year in psychology with at least H1 first class Honours.
equivalent.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Apply for entry before the end of October. Please download an application form here.

Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration as a professional psychologist with the Victorian Psychologists Registration Board, membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and specialised supervision leading to full membership of an APS college.
Full course details
Clinical Neuropsychology (Doctor)Melbourne
2013 Doctor of Clinical Psychology Melbourne
3.5 years full-time, or up to 7 years part-time Semester 1 (February)

Doctor of Clinical Psychology continued…

Course description
This program includes coursework, practical placements in work settings and a research thesis in an area of clinical psychology. First year focuses on acquiring research skills and developing the research topic; second year includes research data collection and practical experience in a range of clinical psychology settings. The remainder of the program includes advanced-level coursework, an extended internship, and completion of the research project.
Prerequisite
Three-year APAC-accredited psychology qualification with at least B average or equivalent across all years, and APAC-accredited fourth-year in psychology with at least H1 first class Honours.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
Additional costs
Annual fee for Provisional Psychologist registration
How to apply
Apply for entry before 31 October. Please download an application form here.

Professional recognition
This course provides the specialist training required to gain registration as a professional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), to gain membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and eligibility for specialised supervision leading to full membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.
Full course details
Clinical Psychology (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
2013 Doctor of Philosophy Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
4 years full-time or up to 10 years part-time Anytime

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Course description
Areas of study available in this doctoral program include: agricultural science; behavioural science and psychology; biochemistry; botany; chemistry; civil engineering; computer science and computer engineering; electronic engineering; environmental management and ecology; genetics; information; mathematics; microbiology; pharmacy; physics; psychology; statistical science; and zoology.
Prerequisite
Candidates with first-class or H2A Honours degrees may be admitted directly to the PhD program. Others are normally required
to enrol in a Masters program and transfer to a PhD after demonstrating a capacity for independent research at a
suitable level.
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Professional recognition
Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with a relevant science professional association is possible.
Full course details
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Melbourne
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Bendigo
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Master of Psychological Science Melbourne
1-3 years full-time or up to 6 years part-time Anytime

Master of Psychological Science continued…

Course description
This program enables candidates to pursue research in any area in which they are appropriately qualified.The School's research areas include (but are not limited to): autism spectrum disorders; clinical and health psychology; behavioural neuroscience and neuropsychology; cognitive and developmental psychology; and social and intercultural psychology.

Candidates can seek transfer to a PhD six months from the commencement of a Master's program, subject to meeting certain requirements.
Prerequisite
Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours (at least upper H2A).
Fee type
Research Training Scheme (RTS) funded
How to apply
Please download an application form here.

Full course details
Psychological Science (Master)Melbourne

How to apply

You can apply for research candidature at any time. However, applications for research scholarships close on 31 October. In addition, a limited number of Bridging Scholarships are available for applicants at other times of the year. Please make enquiries with your prospective supervisor.

To apply for Master's candidature, you need an Honours degree or Master's Preliminary. For Doctoral (PhD) candidature, you need a Master's or a Bachelor's degree with Honours, usually with a result of at least H2A.

Before applying, it's best to contact a potential academic supervisor and receive in-principle approval for your topic.

Once you've done this, you can download an application form [PDF 1.02Mb] and submit it to La Trobe's Research Services office.

Fees and scholarships

Research degrees are funded by the Commonwealth Government via the Research Training Scheme (RTS) (fees may apply to some components of some Professional Doctorates).

There are a range of scholarships available for local students.

International students

Show mid year entryShow next year’s courses

Psychology international courses
Offer yearCourse title (CRICOS)Campus(es)DurationSemester startsAnnual Tuition Fee (AUD)
2013 Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology (069225B) Melbourne
3.5 years Semester 1 (March) $25 980

Doctor of Clinical Neuropsychology continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This degree includes coursework, practical placements and a research thesis. First year focuses on acquiring skills and developing candidates' research topics; second year includes research data collection and practical experience in a range of clinical neuropsychology settings. The remainder of the program includes advanced-level coursework, an extended internship, and completion of the research project.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0. Please note the Psychology Board of Australia only accepts IELTS results for English language requirements.
Academic entry requirements
APAC-accredited psychology program with at least a B Grade average or equivalent across all years; and APAC-accredited fourth-year psychology program with Honours of at least upper H2A or equivalent.
Special requirements
In addition to the standard requirement of two academic referee reports, two professional referee reports are also required. The report forms can be downloaded from the Supplementary Admissions Forms website
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and specialised supervision leading to full membership of an APS college.
Full course details
Clinical Neuropsychology (Doctor)Melbourne
2013 Doctor of Clinical Psychology (069224C) Melbourne
3.5 years Semester 1 (March) $25 980

Doctor of Clinical Psychology continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This program includes coursework, practical placements in work settings and a research thesis in an area of clinical psychology. First year focuses on acquiring research skills and developing the research topic; second year includes research data collection and practical experience in a range of clinical psychology settings. The remainder of the program includes advanced-level coursework, an extended internship, and completion of the research project.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic) - minimum overall band score of 7.0 with no individual band score less than 7.0. Please note the Psychology Board of Australia only accepts IELTS results for English language requirements.
Academic entry requirements
Australian Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent and at least three years of relevant professional experience. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial research expertise.
Special requirements
1. Applications for candidature and scholarships close on 30 September each year;

2. Applicants with overseas qualifications need to have their academic achievements assessed by the Australian Psychological Society prior to applying.

3. In addition to the standard requirement of two academic referee reports, two professional referee reports are also required. The report forms can be downloaded from the
supplementary admissions forms website
Additional costs
Annual fee for Provisional Psychologist registration
Professional recognition
This course provides the specialist training required to gain registration as a professional psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PBA), to gain membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and eligibility for specialised supervision leading to full membership of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists.
Full course details
Clinical Psychology (Professional Doctorate)Melbourne
2013 Doctor of Philosophy (006294K, 008712C, 014579G, 072940D, 008710E, 001724M) Albury-Wodonga
Bendigo
Melbourne
4 years Anytime $25 980

Doctor of Philosophy continued…

Year
2013
Course description
Areas of study available in this doctoral program include: agricultural science; behavioural science and psychology; biochemistry; botany; chemistry; civil engineering; computer science and computer engineering; electronic engineering; environmental management and ecology; genetics; information; mathematics; microbiology; pharmacy; physics; psychology; statistical science; and zoology.
English Language Requirements
IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Australian Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with Honours at H1 or H2A level, or approved international equivalent. Applicants must also provide evidence of substantial private research expertise.
Additional information
Please note: botany, computer science and statistical science are only offered at the Melbourne campus.

Pharmacy is offered only at the Bendigo campus.
Professional recognition
Depending on the specific studies chosen, accreditation with a relevant science professional association is possible.
Full course details
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Melbourne
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Bendigo
Science, Technology and Engineering (Doctor of Philosophy)Albury-Wodonga
2013 Master of Psychological Science (071896M) Melbourne
2 years Anytime $25 980

Master of Psychological Science continued…

Year
2013
Course description
This program enables candidates to pursue research in any area in which they are appropriately qualified.The School's research areas include (but are not limited to): autism spectrum disorders; clinical and health psychology; behavioural neuroscience and neuropsychology; cognitive and developmental psychology; and social and intercultural psychology.

Candidates can seek transfer to a PhD six months from the commencement of a Master's program, subject to meeting certain requirements.
English Language Requirements

IELTS (Academic): minimum score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0.

TOEFL Paper-based Test: minimum score of 575 (minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English).

TOEFL Internet-based Test: minimum score of 80 with minimum overall for SLR 18; W 22.

La Trobe Melbourne (ELICOS): completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B Certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70 per cent) PG1) level. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.

English as the language of instruction in tertiary studies may be accepted.
Please note: English as the language of instruction in previous study will not be accepted as a basis of admission (English)
for courses where the approved test score requirement is above an IELTS 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.0.

Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE): minimum score of 64 with no communicative skill score less than 59.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): a grade of B or higher.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): a grade of C or higher.

Or approved international equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours (at least upper H2A greater than 75 per cent), or approved international equivalent. Applicants with Honours at H2B level or equivalent may be considered in some instances.
Full course details
Psychological Science (Master)Melbourne

Fees and scholarships

Estimated fee costs for international students is indicated for each course above. There are also a range of scholarships available for international students to assist students.

Your study experience

Finding a supervisor

One of the most important aspects of your research study will be finding a supervisor in Psychology.

Find out about the experiences of our students.

Ms Candice Dunstan,
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

"I was awarded a scholarship to study my PhD and look forward to the career opportunities it will bring."

Psychology events

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