Top-Ranked Psychology Courses in Melbourne: 2026 Guide
Australia continues to experience substantial demand for mental health services and trained psychology professionals. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 1 in 5 Australians aged 16 to 85 experienced a mental disorder in the previous 12 months, based on 2020–2022 data.
If you are looking for psychology courses in Melbourne, this guide covers Cairnmillar Institute’s main undergraduate, fourth-year, professional postgraduate and research psychology pathways, with current course details and study pathway information.
Why Choose Cairnmillar Institute for Psychology in Melbourne?
Established in 1961, Cairnmillar is a not-for-profit mental health education and clinical services organisation based in Melbourne.
Cairnmillar states that 100% of tuition fees are directed back into the community, helping support counselling, psychological services and assessment programs.
Cairnmillar publishes the following ComparED-based student and graduate outcome data:
- 82.6% had a positive overall experience — 7.8 percentage points above the national average
- 94.4% found employment after graduating — 1.6 points above the national average
- 84.5% rated support services positively — 10.1 percentage points above the national average
- 87.4% rated teaching practices positively — 5.1 points above the national average
Source: compared.edu.au/institution/the-cairnmillar-institute/postgraduate
Cairnmillar’s campus is located at 391–393 Tooronga Road, Hawthorn East — 400 metres from Tooronga train station, with free on-site parking and full wheelchair accessibility. Delivery options vary across Cairnmillar’s psychology courses, with selected programs available online, in person or through a combination of study modes.
Undergraduate Psychology Courses in Melbourne
Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling
The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is a TEQSA, APAC and ACA-accredited double-major undergraduate degree. Cairnmillar describes its curriculum as focused specifically on mental health.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | UG071 |
| Duration | 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time |
| Location | Hawthorn East — online, on-campus or blended |
| Domestic Fees | $43,221* |
| FEE-HELP | Available to eligible students; a 20% FEE-HELP loan fee applies to eligible undergraduate FEE-HELP borrowing. |
| Minimum ATAR | 60 (mature age entry available for 21+) |
| Accreditation | TEQSA, APAC and ACA — AQF Level 7 |
The course includes 24 units — 22 coursework units and two placement units — with a counselling placement in the final year that includes at least 40 hours of direct experience with clients. Students who achieve a 70 average in the psychology major units are eligible for automatic entry into the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours).
This degree can form the first three years of an accredited psychology study pathway toward general registration, with additional fourth-year and fifth/sixth-year training required.
Ready to study psychology in Melbourne? Book a free one-on-one consultation with Cairnmillar’s Student Services team to find the right course for your background and goals. Book a Consultation or call 1800 391 393
Fourth-Year and Postgraduate Psychology Courses in Melbourne
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
APAC-accredited fourth-year sequence; pathway to eligible postgraduate psychology training.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | PY083 |
| Duration | 1 year full-time / 18 months or 2 years part-time |
| Location | Hawthorn East — online or in-person |
| Domestic Fees | $32,960* |
| FEE-HELP | Available |
| Entry WAM | Minimum 60% in APAC-accredited psychology sequence |
| Accreditation | TEQSA and APAC — AQF Level 8 |
Graduates are eligible to apply for APAC-accredited masters-level psychology training programs. The course includes five coursework units and two research units, with an individual research thesis required.
Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science
Designed for students who want to strengthen their WAM for Honours entry or take early steps toward a psychology career.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | PY085 |
| Duration | 6 months full-time or 1 year part-time |
| Study Mode | Online |
| Domestic Fees | $11,850.32* |
| FEE-HELP | Available |
| Minimum WAM | None required |
| Accreditation | TEQSA — AQF Level 8 |
| Available To | Domestic students only |
Students who achieve a WAM of 65 or higher, including 65 or higher in PSY402, will automatically be offered a place in the Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science at Cairnmillar.
Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science
A one-year bridging program for those holding any AQF Level 7 degree who want to change careers into psychology.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | PY084 |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time |
| Study Mode | Online |
| Domestic Fees | $24,885* |
| FEE-HELP | Available |
| Entry Requirement | Any AQF Level 7 degree |
| Accreditation | TEQSA and APAC — AQF Level 8 |
| Available To | Domestic students only |
Students who receive a WAM of 70 or higher with a mark of 65 or higher in PSY402 or PSY408 will automatically be offered a place in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Cairnmillar.
Master of Professional Psychology
The first year of the 5+1 pathway to general registration as a psychologist in Australia.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | PY093 |
| Duration | 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time. |
| Study Mode | Online or face-to-face |
| Domestic Fees | $35,101* |
| FEE-HELP | Available |
| Minimum WAM | 70 |
| Accreditation | APAC accredited |
The Master of Professional Psychology represents the fifth year of the 5+1 pathway. After completing the degree, eligible provisional psychologists undertake a one-year Board-approved internship and must meet the National Psychology Exam requirement before applying for general registration.
Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
Prepares students for professional practice and endorsement as a clinical psychologist.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | PY091 |
| Duration | 2 years full-time |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face |
| Domestic Fees | $84,981* |
| FEE-HELP | Available |
| Minimum WAM | 75 |
| Accreditation | TEQSA and APAC accredited |
Students participate in over 1,000 hours of supervised work placements. After completing the approved higher-degree pathway and obtaining general registration as a psychologist, graduates can undertake a Psychology Board-approved clinical psychology registrar program leading toward Area of Practice Endorsement in clinical psychology.
Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology)
An AQF Level 10 professional doctorate combining advanced clinical psychology training, substantial research and more than 1,500 supervised placement hours.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | PY101 |
| Duration | 4 years full-time |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face |
| Domestic Fees | $169,963.50 |
| FEE-HELP | Available |
| Accreditation | TEQSA and APAC accredited |
| Scholarships | Available |
Graduates can apply for general registration as psychologists and, after obtaining general registration, undertake the applicable Psychology Board-approved clinical psychology registrar pathway toward Area of Practice Endorsement.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
A research doctorate for those wanting to make an original contribution to psychological knowledge.
| Detail | Information |
| Course Code | RS101 |
| Duration | 3 to 4 years full-time |
| Study Mode | Face-to-face |
| Domestic Fees | $31,752 |
| FEE-HELP | Available (if self-funded) |
| Minimum WAM | 78 (AQF Level 8/9) |
| Applications | Accepted all year round |
Students work with experienced and well-published research mentors and receive training in advanced statistical design and research methodology.
Psychology Pathway at a Glance
| Course | Duration | Fees* | Key Outcome |
| Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling | 3 yrs FT | $43,221 | Pathway to Honours; counselling career opportunities |
| Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | 1 yr FT | $32,960 | APAC-accredited fourth year; pathway to postgraduate psychology training |
| Graduate Certificate of Psych Science | 6 months FT | $11,850.32 | WAM improvement, pathway to Grad Diploma |
| Graduate Diploma of Psych Science | 1 yr FT | $24,885 | Career change into psychology, pathway to Honours |
| Master of Professional Psychology | 1 yr FT | $35,101 | General registration pathway (5+1) |
| Master of Psychology (Clinical) | 2 yrs FT | $84,981 | Clinical psychologist endorsement pathway |
| Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) | 4 yrs FT | $169,963.32 | AQF Level 10 professional clinical doctorate |
| PhD | 3–4 yrs FT | $31,752 | Original research contribution |
*All fees are estimates only and subject to annual review.
Flexible Study Options
One of the key advantages of studying psychology courses in Melbourne at Cairnmillar is flexibility. Many programs are available online, on-campus at Hawthorn East or in a blended format. Delivery varies by course. The Bachelor and Honours offer in-person and online options, the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science are online, the Master of Professional Psychology offers online and in-person study, while the Clinical Master, Doctor of Psychology and PhD are currently delivered in person at Hawthorn East.
For those who prefer in-person learning, the Hawthorn East campus is completely wheelchair accessible, has free on-site parking and is 400 metres from Tooronga train station — close to major bus and tram routes.
Cairnmillar also operates four psychology and counselling clinic locations across Melbourne. Supervised placement requirements and placement settings vary by course.
How to Apply for Cairnmillar Psychology Courses for 2027
Applications for Semester 1 2027 are now open for a range of Cairnmillar undergraduate and postgraduate psychology programs, including the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling, Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science, Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology). PhD applications are accepted year-round. Check the relevant course page for current intake availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top psychology courses in Melbourne for 2026?
Cairnmillar offers psychology study from undergraduate through doctoral level. Professional accreditation varies by course. The Bachelor, Honours, Graduate Diploma, Master of Professional Psychology, Master of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) and Doctor of Psychology (Clinical Psychology) form accredited psychology study pathways at different levels. The Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science is a TEQSA-accredited AQF Level 8 award but is not itself APAC-accredited, while the PhD is a research doctorate and does not by itself provide a professional registration pathway.
Q: What ATAR do I need for a psychology degree in Melbourne?
The minimum ATAR for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling at Cairnmillar is 60. Mature age applicants aged 21 and over can apply without an ATAR through the mature age entry pathway, demonstrating capacity through work experience or Year 12 completion.
Q: Can I study a psychology degree online in Melbourne?
Yes. Cairnmillar’s Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is available fully online, on-campus or blended. Postgraduate programs including the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science are delivered fully online, making them accessible to students across Melbourne and regional Australia.
Q: What is the pathway to becoming a registered psychologist in Australia?
General registration currently requires a six-year sequence of psychology education and training. After an accredited four-year sequence, students complete either a Board-approved higher-degree pathway, such as an approved professional Master or Doctorate, or the 5+1 pathway consisting of an accredited fifth-year degree followed by a one-year Board-approved internship. Provisional registration is required during fifth- and sixth-year supervised training.
Q: Is FEE-HELP available for psychology courses at Cairnmillar?
Yes. FEE-HELP is available for eligible domestic students across all higher education psychology courses at Cairnmillar. A 20% FEE-HELP loan fee applies to applicable undergraduate FEE-HELP borrowing for the Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling.
Q: Are Cairnmillar’s psychology courses accredited?
Accreditation varies by course. The Bachelor of Psychology and Counselling is accredited by TEQSA, APAC and ACA. Cairnmillar’s Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and professional postgraduate psychology programs have relevant TEQSA and/or APAC accreditation for their respective psychology training levels. The Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science is TEQSA-accredited but is not itself APAC-accredited, while the PhD is an AQF Level 10 research doctorate rather than a professional psychology registration pathway. Students should check the accreditation section of the individual course page when comparing programs.
Take the Next Step in 2026
Whether you are a school leaver considering your first psychology degree, a professional looking to change careers, or someone already working in the field who wants to advance to clinical level Cairnmillar offers psychology study options across undergraduate, fourth-year, professional postgraduate and research levels.
Cairnmillar offers psychology study across undergraduate, fourth-year, professional postgraduate and research pathways, with delivery mode, accreditation and professional outcomes varying by program.
Ready to get started? Visit the How to Apply page to begin your application, or call 1800 391 393 to speak with the Student Services team. You can also book a free one-on-one consultation to get personalised guidance on the right course for your situation.