Why Psychology with JCU?

We do not allow students to undertake more than one subject in their first study period, as we like to ensure students are set up for success and can manage the workload and requirements. After the first study period, your Student Success Advisor will be available to discuss your options for studying multiple units in one study period.

After gaining your Graduate Certificate of Psychology, you may decide to continue your studies and gain a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). After completing your Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), you may choose to continue your studies to become a registered psychologist by completing either a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (4th year), allowing access to the General Psychology pathway or by completing a 4th year Honours to access both General and Clinical Psychology pathways.

If you choose not to pursue further study or a career in psychology, this degree can help empower you to find employment across a variety of industries like business, community services, education, health services and protective services.

Depending on which pathway you choose to follow it can take around 6-8 years to become a registered psychologist.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and have studied first to become a medical doctor. Once they have graduated as a doctor, they take on more study and training to become a psychiatrist. A degree in psychology will not qualify you to become a psychiatrist.

Depending on what skills and experience your future employer is looking for, a postgraduate degree in psychology may provide you with the skills required to apply for counselling positions. Each role will be different, therefore we suggest reading the key selection criteria thoroughly.

JCU Online's Graduate Certificate of Psychology consists of four subjects and costs $3,572 per subject. FEE-HELP is available for eligible students.

Some students may be eligible for government assistance to help their study. For more information and to see if you are eligible visit our Fees page.

A graduate certificate is a short, specialised postgraduate program designed to upskill professionals quickly, usually over 6–12 months part-time. In contrast, a graduate degree, such as a master’s, offers a deeper and broader study experience, often including research components and advanced practice skills. 

The Graduate Certificate of Psychology at JCU is delivered online in 4 subjects over 8 months part-time. It provides foundational psychological knowledge and prepares students for further postgraduate study, such as the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), which is required for eventual registration as a psychologist. 

Graduate certificates in Australia are recognised postgraduate qualifications that offer career-enhancing skills in a short timeframe. They are ideal for professionals seeking specialised knowledge, career transitions, or pathways into higher postgraduate study. 

The Graduate Certificate of Psychology at JCU provides students with an understanding of core areas of psychology, including social psychology, personality, health and wellbeing, and human development. Completing this psychology certificate online allows graduates to stand out in industries such as education, health services, community services, and business. 

A Graduate Certificate of Psychology is a short postgraduate program that introduces core psychological theories, methods, and applied practices. It is designed for graduates from other fields who wish to gain foundational knowledge in psychology or begin the pathway towards becoming a registered psychologist. 

The JCU Graduate Certificate of Psychology is delivered fully online, part-time, and covers 4 subjects designed to align with current global challenges and psychological research. This program prepares students for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging). 

To become a registered psychologist in Australia, one must: 

1. Complete an APAC-accredited sequence of study in psychology (typically a 4-year undergraduate plus postgraduate qualification). 

2. Complete a 5+1 postgraduate program (typically Master of Professional) or a two year postgraduate program (e.g., Master of Clinical Psychology). 

3. Apply for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia via AHPRA. Note that at this point students are only able to register as a general psychologist. Those on the two-year postgraduate program can further complete a registrar program to be registered in their area of practice endorsement (e.g., clinical, organisational, sport and exercise). 

Completing the Graduate Certificate of Psychology at JCU is the first step in this pathway for graduates from non-psychology backgrounds, enabling progression into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) and eventual eligibility for registration. 

Exact salary figures vary by state, role, and experience. Graduate psychologists typically enter the workforce in roles such as counselling, education, or community services, with salaries guided by employer frameworks. It is best to focus on career progression and skill development rather than specific salary numbers. 

Completing the Graduate Certificate of Psychology online at JCU gives students foundational skills to progress into higher qualifications and employable roles in psychology-related fields. 

A graduate certificate is shorter, focused, and ideal for quickly gaining foundational knowledge. A graduate diploma is longer, more comprehensive, and often provides a direct pathway to a master’s degree. 

The Graduate Certificate of Psychology at JCU can be completed in 8 months part-time online, while the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging) builds on this foundation for those aiming to pursue registration as a psychologist. 

To become a psychologist: 

• Complete an APAC-accredited sequence of study (undergraduate plus postgraduate) 

• Undertake supervised practice 

• Apply for registration with AHPRA 

For graduates from non-psychology backgrounds, the JCU Graduate Certificate of Psychology offers a foundational, online, part-time pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Bridging), the next step towards registration as a psychologist.