Why Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology?
Unpack human thinking and behaviour on your journey to make a difference.
Studying psychology helps us move through the world with more empathy, better communication and purpose. With Adelaide University’s Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology, take the first step towards building a rewarding career. Over six months of full-time study, be introduced to key methods and concepts of psychology. Understand the link between scientific knowledge and effective clinical practice. Develop skills in literature searches and reviews, critical analysis and communication.
Use this certificate as a pathway into a bachelor’s degree in psychology, psychological science and sociology, public health, or community health. Or complete this certificate and apply your knowledge to entry-level positions across health, education, business and social service sectors.
Overview
Gain a valuable foundation of knowledge with our Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology. Your studies will introduce you to many key areas of psychology including learning, social psychology, developmental psychology, psychological health and well-being, psychopathology, personality psychology, and motivation and emotion.
Build the skills to effectively communicate psychological concepts, including critical ethical and professional issues. Sharpen your problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills and discover their role in psychology practice.
You might use this certificate to pursue further study and become a registered psychologist. You could also apply your knowledge to a range of roles and industries, where managing people and making a positive impact on communities is vital.
Key features
Gain a psychology qualification in just six months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent). - Use this certificate as a pathway into a bachelor’s degree, including our Bachelor of Psychology.
- Build foundational knowledge in key concepts and methods of psychology.
- Be introduced to the scientist-practitioner model – which underpins the discipline of psychology.
- Learn how to complete literature searches and reviews, critically analyse findings and communicate effectively.
- Understand relevant ethical and professional issues in the psychology field.
What you'll learn
This undergraduate certificate covers key psychological concepts, introducing you to the science of human thinking and behaviour.
Over six months of full-time study, explore psychology methods and concepts across learning, social psychology, developmental psychology, psychological health and well-being, psychopathology, personality psychology, and motivation and emotion.
Learn how to complete literature searches and reviews, critically analyse information and communicate findings effectively. Gain an understanding of the relevant ethical and professional issues in psychology practice. Discover how psychological perspectives are influenced by social, historical, professional and cultural contexts.
Complete this certificate and be ready to enter entry-level roles in health, education, business and social service sectors. You might even like to continue your studies to widen your career opportunities.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1B
|
Course code
PSYC1020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
 |
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1B
|
Course code
PSYC1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units comprising:
- 6 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
UO Connecting and Working with Nature
|
Course code
PSYC1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
UO Personal and Professional Development
|
Course code
SOCI1014
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1A
|
Course code
PSYC1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Psychology 1B
|
Course code
PSYC1020
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Counselling Concepts
|
Course code
SOCI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Our Undergraduate Certificate in Psychology will give you a valuable foundation of knowledge. Use your qualification to make a positive impact on community health and wellbeing, better understand human behaviour to effectively manage people, or pursue further study to become a registered psychologist.
Our undergraduate certificate in psychology could lead you to the following entry-level roles:
- Mental health or disability support worker
- Youth services assistant
- Community services officer
- Recruitment or HR assistant
- Office or customer service manager.
Using credit gained from your studies, you could also transition into the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology
- Bachelor of Public Health
- Bachelor of Community Health.
With further study, you could be a:
- Registered psychologist (requires honours and postgraduate study)
- Counsellor (requires honours and postgraduate study)
- Case manager
- Community development officer
- Policy or research officer
- Human services officer
- Behavioural or market research assistant.
Industry trends
Demand for professionals in the psychology and mental health sectors is rapidly increasing. By 2030 over 87,600 more mental health workers will be needed to meet national targets (Australian Government, 2024). This projected growth highlights the value of psychological knowledge and skills, which will be increasingly sought after across communities, workplaces and among individuals.
Your study experience and support
Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey.
Student support services
Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.
As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available.
Online academic support
From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.
Tech support
We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.
Study hours
Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include:
- An industry-relevant project or case study
- An online presentation
- Essays and reports.
