Definition of a Psychology Bridging Course
A psychology bridging course is an accelerated pathway for people who already hold a degree in another field and want to transition into psychology. By completing a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, you can gain the equivalent of a three-year psychology bachelor degree in a much shorter timeframe.
- What is a Psychology Bridging Course?
- How to Become a Psychologist If You Already Have a Degree?
- Psychology Bridging Course Online
- Is 30 Too Late to Become a Psychologist?
What is a Psychology Bridging Course?
A psychology bridging course is commonly referred to in Australia as a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. It is designed for graduates who already hold a degree in a non-psychology discipline and need an accredited psychology major to progress further.
These programs condense what would normally be three years of undergraduate psychology into one year of full-time study or up to 20 months part-time. Core areas typically include social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and psychopathology.
The postgraduate psychology course structure provides breadth rather than specialisation. Its purpose is to establish foundational knowledge and research literacy rather than professional practice skills.
Programs must be accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). APAC accreditation is essential for progression into a fourth-year psychology program, which is a mandatory step toward psychologist registration.
How to Become a Psychologist If You Already Have a Degree?
If you already hold a university degree, a psychology bridging course is the standard entry point into the psychology profession. Completing the Graduate Diploma grants an accredited psychology major equivalent to that obtained in a three-year Bachelor of Psychology.
If you are a university graduate already, the first stage of becoming a psychologist doesn’t require you to complete a three-year Bachelor of Psychology degree. Instead, you can complete a ten-subject Graduate Diploma in just one year of full-time study, or over 20 months part-time.
Lerna Courses , What Is a Psychology Bridging Course in Australia?
After completing the bridging course, students must progress to a fourth-year psychology qualification, such as honours or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). Entry into fourth year is competitive and typically based on academic performance.
Successful completion of fourth year allows graduates to apply for provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia. From there, further postgraduate training, usually a master’s or doctoral degree, is required for general or area-of-practice registration.
Psychology Bridging Course Online
Psychology bridging courses are offered fully online by several Australian universities. This delivery mode allows students to combine study with work and other commitments while meeting the same accreditation standards as on-campus programs.
Online courses typically include recorded lectures, structured readings, discussion forums, and supervised assessments. While flexible, these programs remain academically demanding, particularly in statistics, research methods, and academic writing.
Students considering online study should be prepared for a high level of independent learning and time management, especially if they intend to progress into competitive fourth-year programs.
Is 30 Too Late to Become a Psychologist?
Starting psychology at 30 or older is common in Australia. Many students enter bridging courses after time spent in education, health, business, or community services.
Later entry can offer advantages, including stronger communication skills, professional maturity, and clearer career motivation. These qualities are often valued in psychology training, particularly during supervised practice.
A psychology bridging course provides a structured way for mature students to enter the field without repeating an entire undergraduate degree. However, prospective students should be aware that the full pathway to registration still involves multiple years of further study and competitive selection points.
The part-time structure of many online graduate diplomas makes it possible to balance study with work or family responsibilities, but the overall commitment required should not be underestimated.
