The University of Tasmania is increasing access and opportunity to study psychology by expanding its post graduate course offerings in the State’s North.
“We want to see more Tasmanians become psychologists and help meet the growing needs in our local community,” School of Psychological Sciences’ Postgraduate course coordinator Professor Kimberley Norris said.
“To help assist with the demand we have worked to expand our postgraduate offerings and increase accessibility of these courses outside of Hobart.”
Professor Norris said the expansion of postgraduate offerings has been made possible with the support of the University’s partners, who provide essential placement opportunities for students in North and North West Tasmania.
Previously, students had to travel to Hobart to complete their postgraduate training to become a registered psychologist.
For the first time, students will be able to study a Master of Clinical Psychology, or a Master of Professional Psychology, in Launceston through the University’s School of Psychological Sciences.
Professor Norris said the School has experienced significant growth across its courses, in particular in the Master’s program.
Head of the School of Psychological Sciences Professor Lisa Foa said they were particularly excited with 11 new students opting to study in Launceston.
“These students will be able to stay and study in the North and then do placements throughout the North and North West coast, which is a fantastic development for the University and for the State,” she said.
“Along with having a number of Tasmanian students choosing to stay and study, we also have a number of interstate students who have chosen to pursue their professional careers in psychology with us.”
Professor Foa said the expansion has also provided opportunities for psychologists to join the School in Launceston, with local practitioners encouraged to contact the School to discuss options further.
Students must complete an APAC (Australian Psychology Accreditation Council) accredited Master’s program in order to be registered as a psychologist with AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
The Master of Clinical Psychology is a two-year program, where on graduation students are registered with AHPRA as a psychologist with general registration and eligible to commence a Clinical Psychology registrar program.
The Master of Professional Psychology is a one-year program, where on completion, graduates are provisionally registered with AHPRA and able to practise under supervision for a year before commencing work as a psychologist with general registration.
Image: School of Psychological Sciences lecturer Dr Daniel Zuj can now undertake his Masters in Launceston, with plans to become a practising psychologist in the region.
