Health & Human Sciences

Psychology

Gain the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on people's lives.

Psychology is a broad-ranging discipline which incorporates both the scientific study of human behaviour and its biological, cognitive, and social bases. You will learn to systematically apply this knowledge to solve issues or problems affecting human behaviour. 

Associate Professor Maria Hennessey, Head of Psychology:

Hi and welcome to Psychology. Our discipline is about understanding the science of human behaviour.

We focus on strengths, not just weaknesses. We are curious about what makes people, communities and their societies tick.

As an undergraduate, you will learn the foundational knowledge and skills of psychology.

As a postgraduate you will apply these in professional practice and develop specialist skills in our Wellness Centre.

It's a dynamic journey of learning that never ends.

So join us, and share our passion.

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Flexible study options

Study psychology at CDU from the comfort of your own home or through traditional on-campus learning facilities.

Whether you want to begin your career (Bachelor of Psychological Science), fast-track your new career (Bachelor of Psychological Science Graduate Entry) or simply get a taste of studying psychology with one of our diploma courses, we are here to support and encourage you on your learning journey.  

Postgraduate studies

CDU offers a range options for postgraduate study including an Honours program, the Clinical Master program or a PhD. The Honours program enables you to undertake a research project in an area that interests you or might solve a problem. 

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) program trains you to become a highly-skilled, community-minded psychologist. You will be an expert in assessment and therapy for individuals and groups.

Given our location, our focus is on rural and remote mental health, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews of mental health.

You'll gain experience in urban, rural and remote contexts within government and non-government organisations making you highly employable on completion.

Career pathways

Becoming a psychologist is one of the many options open to you with a psychology degree. An increasing number of graduates are being employed as researchers in industry and government agencies, or enter careers in:

  • child and family services
  • child protection
  • community health and welfare
  • alcohol and other drugs
  • disability and rehabilitation services
  • human resources management
  • preventative health
  • education and training
  • community services
  • advertising and marketing
  • sport and rehabilitation
  • research
  • policy and planning.

Prize giving

The master's student with the highest scoring literature review in their first year of study receives the Australian Psychological Society (APS) College of Clinical Psychologists awards.

The highest achieving Honours students are also awarded this APS Prize.

We look forward to celebrating with students at our annual prize giving ceremony.