Postgraduate studies
Postgraduate courses provide further opportunities for students who have successfully completed an undergraduate (or equivalent level) course to undertake studies at a more advanced level.
Cairnmillar is committed to providing a personalised education experience and our suite of postgraduate psychology, counselling and psychotherapy programs reflect that commitment. Established in 1961, our school's education and training of psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors is highly regarded.
Our quality, accredited postgraduate programs ensure Cairnmillar graduates are competent and confident to join the workforce. You can read more about our alumni and about the history of Cairnmillar in our About section.
Find All Courses
Explore Cairnmillar's suite of postgraduate programs in mental health, psychology and counselling & psychotherapy.
application process
Have some unanswered questions? Feel free to contact the Admissions team!
Why choose Cairnmillar?
We are committed to making student's experiences at Cairnmillar one that continues to assist you beyond your degree. We aim to provide you with skills beyond what you will gain through the units of study, including:
- A supportive environment and a close community of students.
- Academic writing and study skills support.
- An inspiring colloquium program.
- Career advice.
- Free leadership training and peer mentoring programs.
- Friendly staff with an open-door approach.
- Professional development opportunities.
Highest ranked non-university provider in psychology training1
87.8% of counselling & psychotherapy students rated their experience positively2
Ranked 8th in Australia for student support services3
87.5% found full time employment
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri and Bunurong Peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which The Cairnmillar Institute is located, and we pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We also extend these respects to any First Nations peoples engaging with these materials, and our services
Ash Thomas Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri people There's a Lot Goin' On, 2025
Sometimes in life there’s lots of things goin’ on that can be hard and trying, or easy and happy, but my artwork gives me strength to see out the bad times. This is my Country before colonisation. The lines are like a map representing how our people shaped the Country with their spiritual connections told in songs and stories. The blue water and the red oxide land show my journey line with places I’ve stopped along the way. The small linear patches of dots are all the different mobs and families around Country. The brown patterns and shapes are mountain ridges and waterholes representing time past. The diamond patterns are from patterns on our old shields. Their colours represent connection to culture and the red dirt and many coloured sands that make up our beautiful Country. The group of Elders sitting with their spears are telling stories of Bunjil the eagle, our Creator, and passing down their knowledge of tracking and hunting. The goannas are my Ancestors watching, mesmerised, over their Country and culture.
This artwork was created through The Torch, a not-for-profit organisation that provides art, cultural and arts industry support to First Nations people currently in, or recently released, from Victorian prisons.
12020-2021Â Student Experience Survey. https://www.compared.edu.au/institution/the-cairnmillar-institute/postgraduate.
22020-2021Â Graduate Outcomes Survey. https://www.compared.edu.au/institution/the-cairnmillar-institute/postgraduate.
32020-2021Â Student Experience Survey. https://www.compared.edu.au/institution/the-cairnmillar-institute/postgraduate.