What do psychologists do?

Clinical Psychologists assess, diagnose and treat children and adults with a wide range of psychological problems in various settings such as private practice, community health, and general medical practises.

Organisational Psychologists enhance the effectiveness of organisations and the well-being of workers.

Clinical Neuropsychologists assess and rehabilitate people with brain injury.

Educational and Developmental Psychologists help children and adults with learning and adjustment challenges.

Health Psychologists work to prevent illness and promote healthy behaviour.

Research Psychologists investigate applied problems and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention and prevention programs.

How do I become a psychologist?

To become a psychologist, you must enrol in an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accredited degree. From the accredited degrees offered at Griffith, you can choose to do a Bachelor of Psychological Science, a Bachelor of Psychology or one of the many psychology double degrees.

Students completing the Bachelor of Psychological Science are eligible, following completing of Honours, to apply for conditional registration as psychologists with the Psychologists Board of Queensland. Alternatively, students who complete the Bachelor of Psychology (4 year degree) will also be eligible to apply for conditional registration. Full registration requires a further two years of approved postgraduate study or supervised on-the-job training. Full membership of the Australian Psychological Society requires a further two years of approved postgraduate study in addition to Honours.

You may choose to do a double degree that links the Bachelor of Psychological Science with programs in either Business, Law, Exercise Science or Criminology. These degrees have been designed to complement the knowledge gained from the psychology program. Students completing double degrees will still need to complete an Honours year in psychology to be conditionally registered as a psychologist.

The postgraduate Masters, Professional Doctorate or Doctor of Philosophy programs can be undertaken after the completion of Honours level or equivalent studies. Graduates of Masters programs will have a substantial theoretical base, advanced level professional skills, knowledge of professional ethics and best practice, and have advanced level research skills. The purpose of the Doctorate is to provide training for psychologists who wish to pursue  careers in research settings, academia, or achieve high level positions in the psychology domain.

Further information about the profession is also available from the Australian Psychological Society. Information about the Griffith programs mentioned above can be found via Programs and courses.