Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy

Minimum eligibility

You’re considered an international student based on your citizenship – even if you're studying in Australia.

To be eligible to apply for graduate research courses, you're normally required to have completed at least a four year Australian Bachelor course or overseas equivalent and achieved an overall average of greater than 75% in the final year of the course.

You're also normally required to have completed a research project/component that accounts for at least 25% of your year's work at 4th year undergraduate or masters level.

Some courses may have higher or additional entry requirements and a pre-application process. Check the course you're interested in to learn what these are.

Course-specific requirements

Requirements vary by course. Usually, to apply for a graduate research course, you first need to determine your research topic and find a supervisor. Some graduate schools advertise available projects. Visit Find a Course for the requirements of the course that interests you. You will need to be able to commit to the workload required by the course.

Finding a supervisor

Check with the course you're applying for to see if you need to find a supervisor for your course before applying.

If so, you want to make sure the supervisors you choose are right for your needs and can support you in your research. Support from supervisors does not guarantee admission, nor does it guarantee a scholarship or financial assistance.

For help finding a supervisor, visit Find an expert

Writing a research proposal

Some graduate schools also require a research proposal as part of your application.

To develop a successful proposal, you need to be familiar with current research in the area. Your proposal also needs to state your research question, your area of interest, and how you'll undertake your research.

Many graduate schools offering research courses will have their own pre-application process, entry requirements and application due dates. Check the entry requirements for the course you're applying for.

Careers

Become qualified to work as an educational psychologist with expert skills in counselling, psychological assessment, research methods, intervention, group work, consultation and multidisciplinary team work. In addition, through your major research project, you will gain advanced research skills.

Education

You may find work in schools and other education settings as a:

• Psychologist
• Student counsellor
• Welfare coordinator.

Government and community

Many of our graduates find work in government education and health departments, and agencies treating children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Hospitals and private practise

Graduates with interests outside of the field of education can seek positions in clinics, hospitals and private psychological practice.

Academia

You could become a thought-leader and undertake your own research at universities in Australia and overseas.

Accreditation

Successful completion of the course qualifies graduates to practice as a registered psychologist and become a Member of the Australian Psychological Society and Associate Member of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists.