How to Try a Single Subject Psychology Course Before Committing to a Degree
Cairnmillar offers single-subject enrolment as a flexible way to study an individual higher education unit without committing to a full degree. Available single subjects include selected undergraduate and postgraduate coursework units, excluding placement units. Students can choose an assessed or non-assessed option. When the assessed option is completed successfully, the unit may later be recognised as prior learning toward a related Cairnmillar degree, subject to eligibility criteria and recognition of prior learning restrictions.
Key Takeaways
- Non-award entry: Applications for single subjects are made through Cairnmillar’s direct application portal as non-award subject applications, allowing students to study an individual unit without enrolling in the full award course.
- Entry requirements vary: Applicants should check the specific prerequisites and eligibility criteria for the subject they want to study. For example, several Psychological Science single subjects require a recognised AQF Level 7 undergraduate degree, while requirements for other units vary. Recognition of prior learning restrictions may also apply.
- Credit can transfer: Students who choose the assessed option, maintain the required attendance, participate in class activities and complete all assessment tasks receive a statement of results. The completed unit may then be recognised as prior learning toward a related Cairnmillar degree, subject to eligibility criteria and recognition of prior learning restrictions.
- Cost is per subject: Single-subject students pay the relevant unit tuition fee plus a $250 administration fee and GST. FEE-HELP is not available for single-subject units. Students choosing the non-assessed audit option receive 50% off the unit fee. Unit fees are published annually on Cairnmillar’s website.
- Flexible study for different goals: Cairnmillar describes single-subject study as suitable for people considering a career change, taking first steps toward further study, adding to their professional or personal development, or learning more about a particular topic.
At a Glance: Single Subject Study Snapshot
| Factor | Single Subject (Non-Award) | Full Postgraduate Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Enrolment commitment | One unit at a time | Varies by course. |
| Entry requirement | Varies by unit; check the specific subject prerequisites | Varies by course and qualification |
| Fees | Unit tuition fee + $250 admin fee + GST; FEE-HELP unavailable | Varies by course; refer to the relevant Cairnmillar course and fees information |
| Credit transfer | Assessed units may be recognised as prior learning, subject to eligibility and RPL restrictions | Not applicable, already enrolled in the award |
| Time commitment | 3 hours of classes per week for 12 weeks over a 14-week period, plus assessment requirements where applicable | Varies by course and study load |
| Best suited to | Career change, first steps toward further study, professional or personal development, or exploring a topic | Students ready to enrol in a complete award course |
1. Understand What a Single Subject Psychology Course Actually Is
A Cairnmillar single subject is an individual higher education coursework unit that can be studied without enrolling in the complete award course. Selected units are available across undergraduate and postgraduate study levels, with placement units excluded. Single-subject students study the same course material as students enrolled in the relevant full course and can interact with lecturers and fellow students. Students can choose whether to undertake the assessed or non-assessed option where available. Those completing the assessed option receive a statement of results, and the completed unit may later be considered for recognition of prior learning toward a related degree.
Cairnmillar’s microcredentials differ from higher education single subjects. Its microcredentials are drawn from VET courses and are designed as focused, flexible units completed through self-paced online study. Cairnmillar describes its microcredentials as stackable, meaning completed units can contribute toward recognised qualifications such as a Certificate or Diploma over time. It is also different to a diploma of counselling, which is a separate VET-level qualification. Single subjects are offered at different higher education levels. Students who choose the assessed option and meet the applicable requirements may be able to use the completed unit as recognition of prior learning toward a related course.
Because the student is not enrolled in the full award course, the application is made as a non-award subject application. Single-subject study provides a flexible option for people who want to explore a particular subject, take a step toward further study, support their professional or personal development, or consider a career change.
2. Decide Why You Want to Test the Waters First
Cairnmillar identifies career change as one reason someone may choose a single subject. Studying an individual unit can also suit people who want to explore a particular topic, add to their professional or personal development, or take an initial step toward further study without enrolling in a full degree.
The outcome depends on whether the student chooses the assessed or non-assessed option. Assessed students who meet the requirements receive a statement of results, while audit participants receive a statement of attendance. Audit completion cannot later be used to apply for credit or recognition of prior learning.
3. Check the Entry Requirements Before You Apply
Entry requirements differ between single subjects, so applicants should review the prerequisites listed for the specific unit they want to study. For example, Cairnmillar’s Psychological Science units such as Theories of Personality, Research Design and Statistics, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience currently require a recognised AQF Level 7 undergraduate degree.
Other subjects may have different prerequisites. Cairnmillar advises applicants that eligibility criteria and recognition of prior learning restrictions apply, and prospective students can contact the Applications team or relevant faculty to discuss whether a particular unit suits their goals.
Completing an individual single subject does not by itself qualify someone for registration as a psychologist. Psychology is nationally regulated in Australia by the Psychology Board of Australia, while Ahpra manages the administrative processes associated with registration. Prospective psychology students should review Cairnmillar’s Pathways & Registration information when planning a pathway toward provisional or general registration.
This distinction is important for anyone researching how to become a registered psychologist in Australia. Completing a single subject does not replace the accredited education and training requirements for psychology registration.
Choose the Right Subject for Your Goals
The best single subject depends on the student’s existing qualifications, interests and future study plans. Cairnmillar currently offers subjects across areas including counselling, psychological assessment, psychological science and trauma-informed care. Because entry requirements, study modes and potential credit outcomes vary between units, applicants should review the individual subject information and discuss their goals with the Applications team where needed.
4. Apply and Enrol as a Single Subject (Non-Award) Student
Applications for Cairnmillar single subjects are submitted through the Institute’s direct applications portal. Applicants first create an account and submit a non-award subject application. Current admission requirements include:
- a current curriculum vitae; and
- a short-answer statement of no more than 300 words outlining the applicant’s interest and relevant experience.
Applicants can contact Cairnmillar’s Applications team or may be referred to relevant faculty to discuss the proposed unit and whether it aligns with their study goals.
5. Understand How Credit Transfers Later
Students completing a single subject through the assessed option may be able to have the unit recognised as prior learning toward a related Cairnmillar degree. Students who choose the assessed option, meet the 80% attendance requirement, participate in class activities and complete all assessment tasks receive a statement of results. The completed unit may then be recognised as prior learning toward a related Cairnmillar degree. However, this is subject to eligibility criteria and recognition of prior learning restrictions, and single-subject enrolment does not guarantee admission to the related course.
6. Weigh the Costs and Time Commitment
Single-subject students pay the applicable tuition fee for the individual unit rather than enrolling in a complete award course. Unit tuition fees are published annually. Single-subject enrolments also incur a $250 administration fee and GST, and FEE-HELP is not available for single-subject units. Students choosing the non-assessed audit option receive 50% off the unit fee. Additional discounts are available to students already enrolled in another Cairnmillar degree.
Cairnmillar states that higher education single-subject classes run for 3 hours per week for 12 weeks over a 14-week period, including a two-week mid-semester break. Study mode varies by unit, with current options including online and face-to-face delivery.
Single Subject Study vs Microcredentials vs Full Degree Enrolment
| Factor | Single Subject (Non-Award) | Microcredential | Full Postgraduate Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic level | Selected higher education units at undergraduate or postgraduate level | Individual units drawn from Cairnmillar’s VET courses | Complete postgraduate award course |
| Typical duration | 3 hours per week for 12 weeks over 14 weeks | Self-paced online learning; duration varies by unit | Varies by course |
| Credentialing outcome | Assessed: academic transcript/statement of results; Audit: statement of attendance | Completed VET unit that can stack toward a related recognised qualification | Recognised degree qualification |
| Credit toward a degree | Assessed completion may be recognised as prior learning toward a related degree, subject to eligibility and RPL restrictions. | Microcredential: Stackable; VET units can contribute toward related Certificate or Diploma qualifications. | N/A, already the degree |
| Registration relevance | Depends on the unit and related course; a single subject alone does not qualify a student for psychology registration | Can build specific skills and stack toward related VET qualifications | Registration relevance depends on the course and its accreditation |
| Best for | Exploring a topic, career change, professional or personal development, or taking a step toward further study | Retraining, upgrading specific skills or working toward a related VET qualification | Those ready to pursue full qualification |
For someone still deciding whether counselling, psychotherapy or psychology is the right direction, this comparison often overlaps with broader questions such as psychologist versus counsellor versus psychotherapist, or whether it is possible to become a counsellor without a psychology degree. Single-subject study gives students the opportunity to engage with Cairnmillar course material, lecturers and fellow students without enrolling in the complete award course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a single subject count toward becoming a registered psychologist in Australia?
An assessed psychology single subject may be recognised as prior learning toward a related Cairnmillar course where the applicable eligibility and RPL requirements are met. However, completing an individual single subject does not itself qualify a student for provisional or general registration as a psychologist. Psychology registration requirements apply nationally in Australia through the Psychology Board of Australia.
Q: Do I need a psychology degree to enrol in a single subject?
Entry requirements vary by subject. Several of Cairnmillar’s Psychological Science single subjects currently require a recognised AQF Level 7 undergraduate degree, while other units have different prerequisites. Applicants should check the entry requirements listed for their chosen subject.
Q: How many single subjects can I complete before applying for the full degree?
The amount of recognition of prior learning available depends on the related course and applicable RPL rules. Students planning to complete multiple single subjects should discuss their intended pathway with Cairnmillar’s Applications team.
Q: Will completing a single subject guarantee my place in the full program later?
No. Cairnmillar specifically states that enrolment in a single subject does not guarantee a place in a Cairnmillar program of study. Eligibility criteria and recognition of prior learning restrictions still apply.
Q: Is a single subject the same as a microcredential in mental health?
No. At Cairnmillar, single subjects are higher education units, while microcredentials are drawn from VET courses. Cairnmillar’s microcredentials are stackable and can contribute toward recognised VET qualifications such as a Certificate or Diploma. Assessed single subjects may instead be considered for recognition of prior learning toward a related higher education degree.
If you are considering a single subject at Cairnmillar, review the current Microcredentials and Single Subjects page to see available units, entry requirements, delivery modes and fees. Applications for Semester 1, 2027 single subjects are currently open. You can also contact the Applications team, book a consultation about your study pathway, or register for an upcoming Cairnmillar course information session.