choosing a career

Psychology Careers

A career in psychology involves examining human thoughts, feelings and actions, to help explain a variety of ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions. This understanding and insight leads to vast career opportunities in mental health and wellness, education, child development, rehabilitation, human resources, business, research, and more.

As a psychologist, you may work in hospitals, government agencies, schools and universities, research organisations, or private practice, in roles such as:  

  • clinical psychologist,
  • general psychologist,
  • child or school psychologist,
  • sport psychologist,
  • neuropsychologist, or
  • psychotherapist.

Not everyone registers as a psychologist. A career in psychology could also lead to jobs in a research, executive and management settings exploring data, consumer behaviour and insights, or roles educating, training, counselling, or coaching others.  

By 2026, there is a strong projected growth of 13.3% (or 4,100 jobs) for psychologists alone, across a variety of industries (Labour Market Insights, 2022). 

Skills and traits

Whether you’re trained as a psychologist, exploring insights and data, or predicting human behaviour in an executive setting you’ll be perceptive, inquisitive, and analytical. In your career, you’ll make a positive impact on others as you help and support individuals, families, and communities to improve their well-being. You’ll develop active listening skills, and the ability to connect with others.

  • Emotional intelligence
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Active listening
  • Observant and empathetic
  • Patient and perceptive
  • An inquisitive mind
  • Ability to analyse and evaluate

Psychology degrees

CQU has many options for you to kickstart your career in psychology. The pathway to registration as a general or clinical psychologist requires a four year undergraduate qualification followed by a postgraduate  qualification. CQU offers a number of options to meet the undergraduate requirement in addition to professional and clinical psychology post graduate degrees. The undergraduate psychology  degrees are a good option if you don't intend to seek registration as a psychologist rather you wish to explore your interest in understanding behaviour. 

CC43 - Bachelor of Psychological Science

This three year course is the starting point towards an accredited undergraduate psychology degree. 

CC42 - Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

This course is the 4th year of the pathway towards provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

CF59 - Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

If you hold an existing non-psychology degree, then this is the course to study to obtain an accredited undergraduate psychology qualification. 

CL55 - Bachelor of Science (Criminology and Psychology)

Prepare for a career in criminal justice, police, customs, correction services and other law enforcement and regulatory agencies with this versatile degree.

CL51 - Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (Psychology)

This combined laws and psychology degree meets the requirements of an accredited undergraduate psychology degree. If you have an interest in psychology this course maybe a option that allows you to also explore laws. 

Postgraduate psychology degrees

CL68 - Master of Professional Psychology

If you have a completed a four year accredited undergraduate psychology degree then this course offers a pathway to registration as a general psychologist in Australia.

CG17 - Master of Clinical Psychology

Another option if you have completed four year accredited psychology degrees is to continue your studies to become a clinical psychologist with this accredited degree.