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Psychology courses

Help others become their best selves

Introduction to Psychology

The human mind is a curious thing. Sometimes we need a little help to make sure it’s working at its best.  

After studying psychology, you’ll have the expert knowledge needed to help people overcome challenges, whether they’re untangling tricky personal issues, at a crisis point in their lives, or simply eager to take care of their mental wellbeing. 

You can use these skills to start a rewarding career in mental health. Or apply your advanced understanding of human behaviour to a career in another discipline, like social work, management, HR or marketing.  

Thinking of becoming a psychologist? There are several pathways you can take, depending on the level of study you’ve already completed. The online psychology courses available through us offer you the added flexibility to get there on your terms. Start comparing your options below.

David - Studied Behavioural studies with Swinburne University, through Open Universities Australia and is now a psychologist.
David studied a Bachelor of Behavioural Studies with Swinburne University, through Open Universities Australia

What psychology course to study

If you want to become a registered psychologist or apply psychological science to another career, you’ll need to start with study.

So what’s the right option for you?

Bachelor degree

Best suits you if:
You’re new to study, curious about psychology, or want to become a registered psychologist in the future

View bachelor degrees

Don’t have the right ATAR? No worries

View pathways

Postgraduate degree

Best suits you if:
You’ve already got a bachelor degree and want to upskill or reskill by growing your knowledge in psychology, counselling or mental health.

View postgraduate degrees

Pathways to a psychology degree

You don't have to put your future on hold if you didn't finish high school, or get the right ATAR.

Start uni with a study pathway today.

No entry requirements

Two options to start

Most popular

Undergraduate certificates

  • Begin your study path in psychology
  • Best for domestic students who want to become a registered psychologist
  • Flexibly upskill in as little as six months to open up career opportunities
  • Gain a qualification and four subjects to credit toward a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View undergraduate certificates

Single subjects

  • Best for students who want to start small and try out study
  • Flexibly upskill a specific area in as little as 10 weeks
  • Earn credit with each subject to count towards a bachelor degree
  • Access student loans to support your journey
View single subjects

Meet entry requirements to continue to a degree

Bachelor degrees

  • 100% online study
  • Graduate directly from the university
  • Apply what you learn to a variety of careers, or continue on your path to become a psychologist.

Discover psychology courses

Online psychology certificate

Start with no entry requirements, and gain a certificate qualification on the way to completing your degree.

Curtin University

Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology

UndergraduateCUR-HPS-CTF

Launch your future in psychology

This is your introduction to formal studies of the human mind. Study 4 core subjects in psychology—and get entry and credit in Curtin’s Bachelor Degree. Explore individual and group behaviour. Start thinking about your career as a psychologist.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
View all undergraduate certificates

Online psychology subjects and short courses

Start small with no entry requirements, and gain entry into a Bachelor of Psychology.

University of Tasmania

Psychological Processes

UndergraduateTAS-PSY125

Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 6 Jul 2026
La Trobe University
Study method
100% online
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Start dates
Starts 13 Jul 2026
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Online psychology degrees

Understand human behaviour, thought processes and get ready to make a difference in people's lives by studying a bachelor degree.

La Trobe University

Bachelor of Psychological Science

UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG

A scientific approach to emotions, thoughts, and behaviour

From public health to business, this course opens a range of career pathways in addition to professional psychology. You’ll study the scientific foundations of psychology, and zoom in on human relationships or neuroscience. Includes research methods.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Macquarie University

Bachelor of Psychology

UndergraduateMAQ-PSY-DEG

A journey through psychology: accredited online course for curious minds

Take an online journey through the corridors of the mind. Explore how people think and behave. You’ll deep dive into the science of behaviour and open windows to a range of career options in psychology and beyond.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Tasmania

Bachelor of Psychological Science

UndergraduateTAS-PSY-DEG

Unlock career pathways—including professional psychology

Studying the biological and physical principals of human behaviour can lead to careers in business, education, justice, or care. Get psychology foundations and transferrable skills. Add further accredited study to become a registered psychologist. 

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Edith Cowan University

Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling

UndergraduateECU-PSC-DEG

Analyse, listen, and respond to people with empathy

Begin to explore people’s behaviour and gain the confidence to help them change. Complement your growing knowledge of psychology with introductory counselling skills. By exploring your own values, you’ll be prepped to work with groups and individuals.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Edith Cowan University

Prepare for a fascinating career in the criminal justice system

Learn how to use psychology to understand criminal behaviour. Explore the theories of criminology and get to know the major institutions of criminal justice in Australia. Graduate ready for meaningful roles in justice, police, and human services.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Southern Queensland

Add research and professional skills to your psychology expertise

Dedicate a year to honing your knowledge and complete a research project. Unpack the standards and ethics expected of today’s practising professionals. With provisional registration you can unlock psychology careers. Or pursue postgraduate studies.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
University of Southern Queensland

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

UndergraduateUSQ-BPH-DEG

Psychology research + professional skills

Take this significant step towards becoming a professional psychologist. You’ll build a portfolio of skills to work with clients. Cover the major fields in contemporary psychology. Explore psychology research methods and complete your honours project.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
University of New England

Bachelor of Psychological Science

UndergraduateUNE-PSY-DEG

Explore the complexities of human behaviour

Build a strong foundation of psychological principles and practices. You’ll unpack human mental processes like thought, experience, and the senses. Take this blended course for thorough grounding in psychology and get prepared for a people-focused career.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
La Trobe University

Understand human behaviour to reduce criminal behaviour

Explore the dynamic partnership of psychology and criminology. With a grounding in psychology, you’ll be prepped to unpack why groups and individuals commit offending behaviours. Get ready for careers in justice, advocacy, forensics, and policy.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
La Trobe University

Make the world a healthier place. Your way.

Forge your own path with this multi-disciplinary degree. Choose from 9 health science majors. Gain experience through internships and placements. Explore your interests via majors like creative writing or sociology.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeological and Heritage Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
  • Digital Media
  • English
  • Ethics and Social Justice
  • Hindi Studies Beginners
  • History
  • International Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Sustainabilty and Development
  • Visual Cultures
  • Digital Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Health, Wellbeing and Performance
  • Psychological Science
  • Public Health
  • Rehabillitation Counselling
Adelaide University

Combine psychology and sociology to create meaningful change.

Explore how society shapes behaviour. You’ll begin to think deeply about everyday life as you find links between social structure and policy. Graduate ready to support people and communities – especially in ageing, disability or justice.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Adelaide University

Bachelor of Psychology

UndergraduateADU-BPS-DEG

Turn your curiosity about the mind into a meaningful career

Explore fascinating human behaviour. You’ll study how people think, feel, and behave. Pick up research methods, critical thinking, and communication skills. Graduate ready for roles in counselling, research, and community work.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Swinburne University of Technology

Bachelor of Psychological Sciences

UndergraduateSWI-PSY-DEG

Recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

This accredited degree is the first step in becoming a professional psychologist. Study statistics, research methods, personality, and abnormal psychology. Work in health and allied industries, or keep studying towards a psychologist qualification.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Edith Cowan University

Bachelor of Psychology

UndergraduateECU-PSY-DEG

An accredited pathway to becoming a psychologist

Understanding feelings, thoughts and behaviours builds your awareness of why people act and interact—making you a highly valued employee. Work towards a professional psychologist practice, or unlock careers in mental health, business, and policy. 

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Swinburne University of Technology

Build amazing people skills to understand those around you

Investigate issues in contemporary Australian society, zooming in on the behaviour and social interaction of individuals and groups. By understanding personality and predicting behaviour, you’ll be prepped for careers in support services and more.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
La Trobe University

Bachelor of Arts

UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG

Pursue your passion and your profession

A flexible arts degree offering a large selection of humanities and social sciences majors. Mix it up with minors and electives in business, health, and science. Develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, and communication skills.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Anthropology
  • Archaeological and Heritage Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Crime, Justice and Legal Studies
  • Digital Media
  • English
  • Ethics and Social Justice
  • Hindi Studies Beginners
  • History
  • International Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philosophy
  • Politics
  • Psychological Science
  • Sociology
  • Sustainability and Development
  • Visual Cultures
University of Tasmania

Combine business with psychology to understand consumers

Interested in business but can't help thinking about psychology? Graduates of business who have studied psychology have a unique edge in understanding employees and consumers alike - launching fulfilling careers dealing with both people and brands.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Economics
  • Finance
  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Marketing
Southern Cross University

A double degree in law and psychology

A broad exploration of the Australian legal system and human behaviour. You’ll complete core subjects in law and psychology and add electives to suit your career aspirations. Opens opportunities to work at the junction of law, psychology and mental health.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
5 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

A double degree in business and psychology

Complete core subjects covering psychological science and add a business major like marketing. You’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of human behaviour that’s useful in careers spanning both psychology and business.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
La Trobe University

Bachelor of Health Sciences

UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG

Explore health from many perspectives

The field of health is diverse. This online health course offers broad majors, minors, and work based learning to focus your skills and get real-world experience. From psychological science to public health, the choice is yours.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Digital Health
  • Environmental Health
  • Health Promotion
  • Health, Wellbeing and Performance
  • Psychological Science
  • Public Health
  • Rehabilitation Counselling
Flinders University

Bachelor of Psychological Science

UndergraduateFLI-PSY-DEG

Build a people-focused career with psychological science at Flinders

Explore key subjects and start a career pathway towards practising psychology. You’ll cover topics like personality, emotion, development, and mental health. Get ready for work in healthcare, government, and market research sectors.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Torrens University Australia

Bachelor of Psychological Science

UndergraduateTUA-BPS-DEG

Deep insight into human behaviour

Equip yourself with psychological tools and theory. You’ll develop transferrable skills in communication and ethics. Unpack mental health and psychological issues. This is your first step towards becoming a professional psychologist. 

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Southern Cross University

Bachelor of Psychological Science

UndergraduateSCU-PSY-DEG

Explore the human mind and behaviour

Study key topics in psychology including perception, motivation, and memory. Consider psychology across the lifespan, in states of health and illness. You’ll develop skills for research, statistics, and problem-solving. Understand yourself and others.

Study method
Online & on-campus
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of Tasmania

Explore multiple avenues in science

Why choose one field of science when you can explore many? Specialise in psychological science while exploring the other avenues scientific study has to offer.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • B. Science - Geography and Environment Major
  • B. Science - Sustainability Major
University of Tasmania

Explore decision-making for people and populations

In this dual degree you'll explore the inner-workings of decision-making for persons and populations. Delve into the mind as well as wealth distribution.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Industry, Policy and Business Strategy Major
University of Tasmania

Carve out a career as unique as you are

Explore hypotheses and understand the inner workings of businesses while you're at it. Graduate with the ability to work in either field or combine your expertise.

Study method
100% online
Duration
4 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Accounting
  • Business Analytics
  • Business Economics
  • Finance
  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Marketing
  • Geography and Environment
  • Sustainability
View all bachelor degrees

Online psychology postgraduate courses

Progress your career and deepen your understanding of psychology with postgraduate study.

Australian Catholic University

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

PostgraduateACU-PSY-GDI

Pursue a career in psychology

Explore the principles, theories, and ethics that underpin contemporary psychology. Topics include mental processes, psychological disorders, and more. Careers include community work, counselling, human services, market research, and welfare.

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1 year full time or part time equivalent
RMIT University

Graduate Diploma in Psychology

PostgraduateRMI-PSY-GDI

A psychology qualification that unlocks multiple career pathways

After studying how people behave and think, you’ll be able to pursue employment pathways including communications, marketing, HR, and mental health. Explore psychological perspectives with practicing industry professionals and RMIT’s expert academics.

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1 year full time or part time equivalent
View all postgraduate degrees

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Psychology study FAQs

Why should I study psychology?

Psychologists have a unique insight into what drives human behaviour. Studying psychology will set you up to:   

  • Help other people, no matter what psychological issues they’re facing.  

  • Graduate with in-demand skills and join a profession that allows you to be constantly learning.  

  • Gain skills that are transferable across industries, including advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, highly developed communication and writing skills, and the ability to conduct research.  

  • Specialise in a field of psychology that matches your interests, such as sports and performance, clinical, forensic, or organisational psychology.

What is the difference between psychology and counselling?

Like a psychologist, a counsellor works with a patient to resolve issues they are facing. However, a counsellor has a lot less professional training than a registered psychologist.  

A counsellor may be helpful for people facing short-term life stress, such as that caused by a divorce, grief or job loss.  

A psychologist may be helpful for someone who wants to explore past events and ongoing mental health concerns, such as anxiety or depression.   

To learn more about the key differences, read our blog about counselling vs psychology.

What is the difference between psychology and psychiatry?

Psychologists and psychiatrists are both mental health professionals—and sometimes work together with the same patient. But there are differences in the way they work, and the path they take to become professionals.  

The key difference is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, which means that they can prescribe medication, and that their patients are referred to them by a GP. This means that they may work with patients who have more complex or serious conditions.

Do I need a masters degree to become a psychologist?

The short answer is: you will most likely complete a masters degree—such as a Master of Clinical Psychology—if you want to become a registered psychologist in Australia.  

Psychology is a regulated profession in Australia, meaning there is a specific study pathway you need to complete before you can register as a psychologist. This involves a minimum of six years of education.  

However, there are a few different ways you can get there. This can involve:  

Or you can opt for the 5+1 pathway, which looks like:  

  • Five years of psychology study 

  • A one-year internship 

  • Completion of the National Psychology Exam

If you have already completed an undergraduate degree in another field, you may like to start your psychology education with a Graduate Diploma in Psychology

For more information on the best pathway for you, book a call with a student adviser.

What are the entry requirements for a psychology course?

Entry requirements vary depending on the online psychology course that you’re interested in. To be sure, have a look at the entry requirements section on each psychology course page for more information.  

If you don’t have an ATAR or didn’t get the score you were hoping for, it may still be possible to enrol in a psychology course. Open Universities Australia can help you get into a psychology degree through an undergraduate certificate or single subject entry pathway.  

Ask us how today.

What career opportunities can I explore after studying psychology?

After studying psychology, you may go on to become a:  

What if I’m not sure psychology is right for me?

A great way to find out is to enrol in a single psychology subject. You can give the field a test run, without committing to a full qualification.   

Otherwise, you might be interested in one of these closely related study areas, which also involve analysing behaviour, working with people, and supporting the community: 

I want to...

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How do I enrol?

Enrolling online is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. Find your course

2. Start your enrolment

  • When you’re ready, click ‘Start studying now’ on the course page.

  • Follow the prompts to begin your enrolment.

  • You’ll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

3. Wait for confirmation

Your chosen university will email you to confirm if your enrolment has been successful.

Note: Some courses have enquiries and applications handled directly by the university. If this applies, it will be clearly stated on the course listing page.

For more details, check our online self-service enrolment guide. And if you need help at any stage, contact us and we’ll talk you through it.

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Small business owner uses online course to grow his business

For Jason, the idea of going to university felt like stepping into unknown territory. It had been decades since he last sat in a classroom. But as a small business owner, he knew that completing a uni course would open doors for his career and future.

We’re here to guide you to the right uni course

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Enrol in courses from 24 of Australia's leading universities

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