Becoming a Registered Psychologist

The Queensland Psychologists Act (and similar legislation in all other States in Australia) regulates the practice of psychology. It is illegal to use the title psychologist, or to represent yourself in any way which leads people to believe you are a psychologist without being registered. Heavy penalties apply for breaches.

Requirements for initial registration are the completion of four years of approved training – such as completing the BSc (Honours)  at USQ or elsewhere. In addition there is a requirement to complete two years of supervised practice after initial registration. Alternatively an approved Masters Coursework program (such as the MPSH at USQ) can be undertaken. For more information contact the Registration Board.

Queensland Psychologists Registration Board
GPO Box 2438
Brisbane 4001
Telephone: (07) 3225 2500

The current pathways to becoming a registered psychologist in Australia involve an initial period of training culminating in completion of a fourth year (usually an Honours degree) in psychology which is the minimum requirement for general registration. Further postgraduate study OR a period of supervised experience whilst working are required in order to be fully registered. USQ offers a three year BSc degree majoring in psychology which, when completed, allows a student to apply for a place in the BSc (Honours) program. These degrees are offered oncampus and externally throughout Australia and in Singapore (BSc only). A new four-year program called the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is offered oncampus at Springfield. Further details are provided in the next section.

We have also created a new program called the Bachelor of Psychology in Business (BPsyBus) that is offered oncampus at Springfield from 2007. This program requires students to be trained across two disciplines rather than just one in order to provide students with a balance of skills in two areas. Graduates of the BPsyBus will require four additional psychology courses to be eligible for entry into a Psychology Honours program.

The Psychologists Board of Queensland <http://www.psychologyboard.qld.gov.au/> has additional information about the criteria that are used in deciding whether an applicant is eligible for general registration including an assessment of their fitness to practice the profession.

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