Study with the Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy
We improve mental health and wellbeing by producing outstanding graduates in the disciplines of Psychological Science, Clinical and Professional Psychology, Rehabilitation Counselling, Art Therapy and Family Therapy.
Our contemporary, evidence-based courses focus on practical skills and on preparing students for careers that are professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
Student experience
We value diversity and are committed to providing all students with the pathways, qualifications, support and learning experiences they require to meet changing workforce needs.
Our students enrich our Department and make a valuable contribution to our learning environments.
Find out how we set out students up for success.
At La Trobe University, we have a longstanding commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice; our students are among the most diverse of all Australian universities, and we are committed to providing a learning environment and workplace where all students and staff feel valued, respected and supported to achieve their full potential.
We care about building a connected community that actively champions diversity and inclusion to help people thrive. We achieve this by supporting our people, valuing diverse thinking as a key driver of innovation, and holding ourselves to account in delivering a culture where equity is a way of life.
La Trobe is committed to promoting equal opportunities and support for all students and staff, with a focus on six key pillars: cultural, disability, gender equality, Indigenous, LGBTIQA+ and life stages.
Find out more about our services and events.
We want our students to have an excellent experience with us and hope they return to engage with professional development and short courses as they progress through their careers.
We meet regularly with our student representatives to ensure that we are responsive and work together to enhance the student experience.
Students have opportunities to engage in flexible study, which may include online classes or placement settings close to home. Our courses also feature small class work to encourage peer connections and learning. All students have ready access to staff and our teaching facilities.
Psychology students can engage socially through the La Trobe Psych Society and all students can engage through a range of other student associations.
Extensive support services also exist for students at each campus to optimise success and the overall student experience. Find out more.
Our undergraduate students get exposure to the workplace through a range of placement opportunities. In partnership with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing, for example, our Psychology students undertake placements with Child Protection Services. Undergraduate Health Sciences students complete placements in a field aligned with health, wellbeing and performance, or rehabilitation counselling.
Placement opportunities also ensure that our postgraduate students have the experience they need to practise as psychologists, counsellors or therapists when they graduate. High-quality training opportunities are provided through onsite clinical settings and via external placements with partner organisations including public health services, drug and alcohol services, sports clubs and private clinics.
The Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy is globally connected with many international partners. Staff and students are encouraged to take a world view of health and wellbeing.
We encourage undergraduate students to consider studying overseas as part of their degree and provide resources to support them to do this. Students can study overseas for a whole semester, or take short courses over the summer or winter break, and earn credit toward their La Trobe degree.
Many of our staff work with researchers in Asia, North America and Europe on projects of mutual interest. These partnerships provide our students with opportunities to be involved in global research projects.
Find out more about our exchange programs.