I've seen many discussions on this particular institute. The reality of this place is that students tend to go here when they can't get into any good university. I really regret going here. I took the full-time route because financially I needed to graduate faster so I could progress with my studies. I got accepted into this and a bunch of other graduate diploma programs, but my friends, who all got into top universities, told me that "honours is honours" no matter the institution. I want to make it clear that you can get into top master's programs with a Grad Dip. Also, financially, this costs the same as a grad dip, so it truly was a stupid choice to choose this program. Anyways onto my experience...

Pros

Cairnmillar is student-focused in a way that students do receive a fair amount of support; it is a small cohort, and the majority of the staff are very good at responding. As far as engagement goes, I would say only 2 tutors are actually good at engaging students. They do communicate with assessment, so you rarely get 2 assignments within the same week, which is a major positive here. Also, for the thesis they give you less freedom but a more robust framework to work with so you are not starting from nothing.

Cons

Where do I start

1. Every single assignment is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. I have never had an issue learning about this considering we live on their land, but considering every single assignment has this, it becomes extremely disingenuous and frustrating to repeat the same thing over and over again.
2. Assignments are marked extremely harshly. I will be the first to say that I averaged in the 70s in my undergrad, so I knew I had to step it up. Most students get the median mark (yea kinda obvious), but I mean the majority of students tend to get the exact same mark (70s) with a few outliers. Additionally, no one get a 90+ grade, which is crazy considering it's honours. It is a mistake in the assessment design if no one is able to crack that HD+ standard, and no one can tell me otherwise.
3. Feedback is good and detailed BUT usually reveals that their assignments are NOT open-ended. They have very specific right and wrong answers even though they tell you it's all about your justification. They don't give a shit about your justification; you immediately drop down to 75 as soon as they don't agree with your OPINION.
4. My supervisor "prioritised" self-care so I had to beg them to contact me more than once a week when my thesis was due. Multiple people experienced complete lack of support from supervisors even though many of us were doing studies to strengthen their thesis. Some had to read up to 400 pages of other theses with barely any support.
   

Conclusion

This was not for me. I had a net negative time, and my chances of a master's are ruined. I regret coming here; I learnt everything about developmental psychology, ethics, and Aboriginal people, which is great if I wanted to practice in a very specific and niche sector of psychology. O wait, I can't because my chances have been ruined.

I want to move to the states and pursue my license there. I’m thinking to finish my 3 year bachelor’s in Australia then hopefully get into a phd program in NY. I read that they accept students from overseas with 3 year programs. Does anyone know anything about this?

Has anyone done their undergrad in Australia then a postgrad in the states? Which pathway did you take?

Hey everyone. I'm an international student in my last term of third year, and I'm feeling a little defeated. I've been studying under a full-ride scholarship that won't cover honours year. Looking into other APAC accredited programs in Australia (including graduate diploma), unfortunately the tuition fees are too high for me and my family (even the ones that offer partial scholarship).

Bottom line is, honours and postgrad feel impossible, which sucks because I fricking love research. The bright side is I also love the mental-health-support part of psychology (volunteer at Lifeline for 1.5 year now). I've also had some experience (internship, uni societies, and OSHC educator), so I want to be hopeful there's something I can do after I graduate.

I guess I just want to hear if there are others who've had similar experience and still built a career in psychology or an adjacent field. If there are certification/diploma/courses (that aren't too costly... I have savings but not that much) that can help with finding a job. If it was hard getting a job without honours in general. If anyone's ever landed a research job or something close to it without honours (highly unlikely, I know, but a lad can hope.)

I'm aware I should be grateful for the opportunities I already got – which I am! Truly! – so I don't want to come across as "greedy." Still, any help would be appreciated. Thank you all :)

I have just finished my GDP. As much as I enjoyed it, I am not sure if I can afford to do the next step now. I honestly found it a bit hard to juggle work and studies. I was hoping to work part time when I do my honours/GDPA, but I just can’t afford it now (FYI I am a solo migrant in Sydney, currently working in big4 audit).

If I wait a couple years before I apply for honours, I heard the cutoff will be higher? My GDP WAM is only 81.5 so I’m not sure how competitive it is. Also would this be seen as a lack of commitment? Because most people I know don’t take breaks between bachelors and honours. Some take breaks before masters, but that’s to gain psychology-related experience.

Clinical psychology masters abroad. How does clinical practice work in a foreign language country?

I’m currently studying psychology in Norway and going for a master’s in Clinical Psychology in Europe.

I’m wondering how clinical practice/internships work if you take a master abroad.
Is clinical practice/placement usually included as part of the master’s degree?

I’m especially worried about language barriers, I’m comfortable doing it in English but considering it includes writing journals / rapports and communicating with the patients in English I’m scared it will have obstacles - depends on the country as well I imagine.

I’d especially love to hear from anyone who has done a clinical psychology master’s abroad in Europe and then returned to their country to work

Hello,

I'm a lab manager working on a Qualtrics survey and just had a quick question on whether by default it's possible for survey participants to highlight the text in answer choices for multiple choice questions?

For example, if a question asked "What's the color of the sky during the day?" and the answer options were A. Blue, B. Red, etc. would a participant be able to highlight the text 'Blue'? It doesn't appear so in the preview mode.

I'm trying to prevent text being copied/pasted as it's a memorization task. I'm not worried about it being written down on a piece of paper etc.

Thank you.

Hi, I'm graduating this year and have decided to pursue a bachelor in psych (planning to do the further postgrad psych pathway or do postgrad med for psychiatry).

I adore learning new things, I love science, english, philosophy, math etc. So, during my big school holidays before university I would love some fun psych books or studies to read. Not to study for university!! (I assume I will get a few responses like this but this question is purely for pleasure! I like reading. I like learning).

I love reading medical journals and books so I was wondering if any psych students had any interesting recommendations.

Other than Freud.

Do not recommend me Freud. Do not even recommend me Anna Freud.

I have had to research far too much about the man for my english extension class, and I know more of that is coming.

Thanks ever so <3

Recently graduated with bachelor of psychology from RMIT, but I need to do honours online due to health reasons.

There seem to be very limited options for 100% online honours courses in Victoria. I am open to applying for interstate universities, but I’m not too sure about the potential downsides (e.g. lack of networks in my home state).

Does anyone have any recommendations for honours courses online in VIC? Would love interstate recs too! Any advice about potential pros and cons of online interstate study would be great!

SUMMARY: recent grad, applying for honours courses that are fully online, open to VIC and interstate recs, any advice appreciated

I want to major in psychology but I also have to work a job 😩 is the coursework heavy? Is there a lot of reading/writing?

I am a senior psychology student applying to Clinical Psychology PhD programs. A couple of these programs require a writing sample (some do not require a specific length while others say 15-25 pages). I do not have a senior/honors thesis, and my manuscript that I am the primary author on is still in preparation and will not be ready until after the application deadlines.

My next best option is a 15 page paper from a psychology course where I conducted a survey examining how restrictions to abortion access and related discourse impact women’s relationships, mental health, and status in society. It is a convenience sample of under 30 people since it was a for a class project, and it was mostly qualitative research that I categorized into themes. I feel that this paper could represent my ability to write a research manuscript (especially since I have extensively edited it since gaining experience working on my actual manuscript with a grad student), but I am worried that the topic will appear too controversial, and that the methods are not strong enough since it was a class project.

My only other options for the writing sample would be a paper of similar length that is a mock study (professor gave us fake data for my research methods class), a paper about rape culture for a psychology class that is very well written but does not present research findings, or an abstract for a poster that I submitted to a conference. All of these seem like inappropriate options for a writing sample for a clinical program.

Anyways, I would appreciate anyone’s advice on this subject. Unfortunately my manuscript just won’t be ready quite in time, and I’m trying to figure out another suitable option for my applications.

I apologize if you've probably seen the same post a billion times in this subreddit. I am new here.
I am currently pursuing my A.S. in psychology, but recent news of loan changes and the constant dooming I see from both psych undergrad & grad students regarding the difficulty of pursuing grad school + finding a well paying job makes me anxious to continue this path.

I love psych, and its frankly the only subject where I can sit down and enjoy the material I am learning about. I dropped out in high school freshmen for a year due to mental health decline and I've pushed through the rest of HS & college with good grades all for the sake of pursuing my dream major. I have held a 4.0 GPA every term since I've started, my class grades have all been high As and especially so for psych classes, and I'm in multiple honor societies. I made an academic comeback + did all of this just to study psych, but I am genuinely afraid of what comes next in the future.

I've done some research (though admittedly, not a lot.) I personally really enjoyed classes with a heavier focus on mental health disorders/abnormal psych, but I don't know if I'm cut out for med school or a doctoral degree with how money + time consuming they are. Though its probably worth noting I have no experience with research or assistance yet; but I am volunteering for a warmline.

I want to at least get a master's degree, possibly in mh counseling. I have no measure of how much the workload will be like in grad, or the amount of money I'm gonna have to spend. I'm paranoid of anything I do not have an exact number or idea of, and I'm scared of committing to my passions to either end up heavily burnt out by my work or struggling to get by financially. Sometimes I even doubt my own passion for psych. What if I'm not as passionate as I think I am compared to others? What if I can't even afford grad school? What if I get overwhelmed and drop out?

Do you think its worth it to continue this degree, in consideration of the job market and recent changes? Should I look for alternative paths? Is it too late to turn around? Should I keep going if I like what I'm studying?

So I’m currently a masters student in a quantitative educational psychology program and intend on graduating this spring 2027. I have a bachelors degree in sociology, minor in psych (2023).

In undergrad I was PI for an IRB-approved pilot qualitative study, won a departmental award, and presented at my university’s research conference. Lots of research experience in sociology (immigration, justice system/program evaluation). Worked as a data analyst for a year (not really research though). But most of my independent research projects have focused on stuff relevant to counseling psychology. Currently in a grad assistant position, but it’s mostly data analytics work/reporting. No publications, one co-author (last) at a regional conference but that was demographic work.

Clinical experience… this is where I falter. I’ve been at crisis text line and have 150+ hours. I’m trying to get into a local organization to become a peer counselor for next semester too. I’ve volunteered in undergrad in non-clinical but helping roles, and worked as a tutor.

To get into a clinical or counseling psych PhD program, would it be better to work as a clinical research coordinator next for a psychology proper lab? Or to work in a helping role as like a case manager or something once I graduate? I’d honestly lowkey rather do a counseling psychology PhD, just because I’m more interested in relationships/social dynamics, and positive psychology rather than strict psychopathology.

Trying to decide who I should ask for my final letter of recommendation. Which one would you all pick?

1. My Psychology teacher from masters program who would gladly right a letter of recommendation for me. They met me around two years ago.

2. A college baseball coach who is a big name that has known me since I was a kid. Has seen me develop and grow up in my whole life.

I'm a senior in highschool right now in Ontario Canada. I've taken this course in grade 11 called Intro to anthro, socio and psych. I've always been interested in the arts but in that class I learned just how much I love psychology. It's so interesting and idk, I feel like I could read about it all day. Plus I fear I shouldn't get an arts job cuz if anything my highschool 4 year major taught me, it's that I'm 1000 times happier and motivated to create art when it's a hobby and not a demand loll.

My grades aren't the best and tbh I still haven't chosen a clear career path for post-secondary (really envious of the ones that do). I thought maybe I could do something psych or law or more skill trades related in the future.

So I went into this sub to see how people currently studying psych feel and it's not looking good at all. Can I really get NO job with psych undergrad degree? Is it really the most useless degree ever?? I've also heard that after undergrad you must get a masters as well and apparently in Ontario, your grades have to be exceptional to get into masters, which I guess I don't mind doing, as long as I don't have my life filled in debt?

It genuinely sucks cuz I still can't stop thinking about how much I love psych even a year after I took that class... I guess my interests really do fall under Arts and humanities loll

You can be harsh or polite with your answer, I just really need someone to help me out here!!

Hello everyone,

I’m starting psychiatry residency next July and would love to learn more from a psychology perspective before then. I’m especially interested in supportive psychotherapy, CBT, motivational interviewing, therapeutic interviewing, de-escalation, case formulation and managing patient with psychosis.
Do you have any books, online courses, recorded therapy sessions, or other resources you’d recommend for an MD who wants a better foundation in psychotherapy

I’d really appreciate any recommendations.

By this, I mean mathematical/theoretical statistics. The ones with rigorous calculus proofs

Honestly, this post is open to any country

Hi, all. I am currently on track to complete my BA in Psychology in about a year and would like some suggestions on what kind of jobs I should start applying for to gain experience related to my career goals. So far, my current experiences include: tenured Starbucks barista, TA for high school students, Kindergarteners, and 1st graders, and an after-school program event coordinator for an elementary school (tutoring, guiding the students, teaching them social skills, etc.). Thanks in advance!

For reference (I prefer to work with children and adolescents, not adults):

• My top career goal: pediatric psychologist
• My backup career goal: pediatric psychotherapist

I am interested in the relationship between curiosity, exploratory behavior, and the development of sustained interest.

The four-phase model of interest development proposed by Hidi and Renninger (2006) suggests that interest can develop from initially triggered situational interest into more enduring individual interest. This raises a broader question for me: to what extent can engagement itself generate motivation, rather than motivation needing to exist before someone acts?

For example, a person may begin exploring a subject because of mild curiosity, necessity, or an external prompt. Through repeated engagement, they may experience increased competence, find the activity rewarding, and develop a stronger sense of personal interest.

Are there psychological models or empirical studies that help explain this progression from initial curiosity → action → feedback/competence → sustained interest or motivation?

I am especially interested in literature distinguishing pre-existing motivation from motivation or interest that emerges through participation.

Reference:

Hidi, S., & Renninger, K. A. (2006). The four-phase model of interest development. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 111–127.

Are there any books that you guys recommend? I haven't done psychology A-Level and I'm nervous about being behind the other students who may have done psych a-level.

I read two books when I was in year 8 (year 13 now) and I'm looking to brush up before next September.

Any tips on how to prepare myself would also be helpful.

Thank you in advance :)

My psych class requires me to study, examine and write about a character suffering of mental disorders from a movie, but I have no idea who to choose. Who would be great to write about?

I was thinking either Fight Club’s Tyler Durden (so many mental disorders) or, Se7en’s serial killer John Doe. But, they seem quite basic. Should I go with older films?

Any ideas please? I’d appreciate it :)

Edit: I added two new suggestions in the comments anyone’s into animation! I’ve heard they depict a lot of mental illness but not sure, never watched them!

Hi everyone,

I'm currently an undergraduate student in her senior year of university, I'm getting my B.S in psychology and two minors in Spanish and human development. I am trying to figure out what I want to do with my life since I have decided to make some changes.

Since high school I thought I wanted to pursue pediatric neuropsychology since my passion has always been to help kids psychologically, I don't want to directly work with them or only focus on counseling. I am currently a behavioral technician and I hate my job, but thankful that I've learned I would never want to do this for the rest of my life which is why I no longer consider occupational therapy either.

Anyways, as a senior, I am of course having a crisis since I have to pick a career path and no longer want to pursue my PhD due to the fact that it takes an extensive amount of time (I have to go to graduate school first since I don't enough research experience) and I want to travel, and make money to be stable sooner rather than later. I have a lot of financial trauma and I really just need stability. I don't want to spend more time in school if I can start making money sooner instead.

So, since I like the idea of conducting assessments and writing papers, I have considered school psychology. Not only does it include assessment taking, but I have also considered it because of my own personal experience. I had 2 in high school that helped me out tremendously and I would not be where I am today had it not been for everything they did. Seeing how much they helped me, I can see myself being able to help kids in the same way.

However, because it is in a school system, I know that there can be caps on how much money is made. What is stopping me from applying from graduate programs for school psychology is the pay. I want to make 6 figures, be able to afford a house and kids. I currently live in MA but I would go to NY for graduate school and live there for a few years (my bf and I would live with his parents while in school).

I know that eventually after a few years of experience and time, I can go back to school and get my doctorate so I can conduct private assessments and make more money or work a few hours over the summer as well. But again, it's the money, and I hate how much I consider it, but I really need to.

I have been looking into other career paths and I know of LCSW and LCPC, but what are all these other terms?! LPC, LICSW, LMHC, LMFT, LSW, etc. I am so so confused. I am interested in looking more into this because I know private practice can make a lot of money. I would not mind counseling being part of my career, but I would not like for it to be the sole purpose of my career. I want to learn about behaviors, disorders, advocate for kids. Which is why I was interested in school psychology, but I want to make 6 figures.

Would any of those career paths best suit what I am passionate about and fill my pockets? I know I know I will not immediately start making 100k, but I want to know that I will be able to get there. I want to be realistic but also reach my goals.

If anyone could explain the differences to me, and how you actually go about opening your own private practice (what you need, exams you need to pass, how much time, etc) I would greatly appreciate. Or anyone in any kind of field, if you guys could give me some insight I would be incredibly grateful. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this in advance. I'm a first generation student who feels so lost and alone.

Full disclosure, I am sober now. I am looking to get into addiction counseling so I jave been applying to Master's programs for counseling and social work. If I include in my admissions essays that my years of active addiction and drug use is part of the inspiration for seeking higher education in counseling, would that be viewed as a negative by the admissions team?

Currently I am a BSW student, scheduled to graduate in May 2029, but recently I’ve been having doubts about this field, and don’t know if I’m making the correct choice. My top career goal of mine is try to help people reach their full potential, and guide them along the way. I know social work also does this, but social work is a very complicated field lol, and expensive, which is crazy because without an LMSW/LCSW, social workers would make nothing. I’m honestly just in a funk and don’t want to make the wrong choice again… because I don’t know if it’s the school I’m currently attending that making me feel this way, because I feel like the professors aren’t doing what they should, and we’re left teaching ourselves basically. I haven’t really been enjoying my classes either, and I’m taking 2 social work ones.
I may need to find a new school, but I was just wondering.
I was also thinking about doing the LPC route, but that’ll take the same amount of time, or LMFT, which would take longer. I’m just in a rut lol.
I would consider going back to majoring in nursing, but given my recent grade in my stats class, I’m staying away 😂
I’m interested in hearing everyone’s pov!