The Australian College of Applied Psychology is a centre of excellence for education and training in the field of applied psychology, both in Australia and internationally. It aims to make the study of psychology more accessible to a wider range of people than the confines of traditional university teaching. A highly respected private college with campuses in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, it specialises in the fields of counselling, communication, human resources, leadership, management and sports psychology.

The College delivers programs from Certificate to Masters level, along with a huge variety of single modules. It has established pathways with articulation into three Australian universities, namely Edith Cowan University for the Bachelor of Social Science, the University of Western Sydney for the Master of Counselling and the University of Southern Queensland for the Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, Master of Management and Master of Business Administration.

The College is registered to accept international students for programs listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS Provider Code: 01328A).

History

The Australian College of Applied Psychology opened in 1983 in Sydney. Since then more than 4,000 students have undertaken its training programs and the College has acquired an international reputation for excellence in educational outcomes and student services.

When Lionel Davis, a Registered Psychologist with extensive experience in community development, corporate consulting and training provision, acquired the College in 1989 he began the process of obtaining government accreditation. Today the College is highly credentialed and a registered provider of both vocational and higher education.

Special Features

Unlike many other education providers, class sizes at the Australian College of Applied Psychology are kept to a maximum of 18 people (average class size of 12). This enables students to work through the course content with the educator, in interactive, hands-on sessions.

Also students are provided the opportunity to simply start with one module and then continue at a later date, or complete an entire qualification. The College has highly flexible study pathways and all modules can be undertaken individually as a short course with a Statement of Attainment upon completion. Most modules are available face to face, as well as online and by distance education so a student could study for a short time in Australia and then complete his or her qualification back home by distance or online.

Special Offers

In January and February each year the College runs a ‘Summer School’. This allows students to accelerate their study and complete a full module in only 5 days (on campus) or 8 weeks (online or by distance education)

Location

The Australian College of Applied Psychology has campuses in or close to the central business district in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The main campus in Sydney is located in Surry Hills, close to a wealth of trendy cafes and bars and a 2 minute work to Central Railway Station.

Student Numbers and Staff

The College has some 800 students and 30 full time administrative staff, in additional to its body of experienced educators and trainers.

Admission Requirements

Dependent on education level, each program has its own entry criteria. Postgraduate applicants will be required to supply proof of undergraduate qualifications.

It is important that students have a solid grasp of both written and spoken English, as the College’s approach to learning is highly interactive and experiential.

Applicants whose secondary and/or tertiary education was undertaken in a language other than English will need to provide the results of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination.

Minimum English language proficiency requirement for entry to the College is an IELTS overall band score of 6.0

Enrolment Procedures

A formal application procedure, commencing with the completion of an application form must be followed

Important Dates / Academic Year

The College enrols students at four intakes each year: January, March, June and September. Students can commence their study program at any of these times. “Summer School’ commences in January.

The 3 terms, which each take place over 12 weeks, commence in March, June and September.

Foundation Studies and other special programmes

Throughout the year the College also offers a range of modules delivered over 2 weekends. These can be undertaken individually as a short course or as part of a qualification.

Support Services and Facilities

The College’s student Support Services provide a wide variety of services to students in their personal and professional development while studying at the College. In particular assistance is provided to international students in the form of one-to-one counselling and debriefing, orientation and career guidance and advice. Our excellent library staff and facilities asssit you in making the most of your studies irregardless of your study method.

Accommodation / Cost

The College does not have its own accommodation for students. However, it is happy to assist students to find suitable homestay arrangements.

The Department of Immigration advises, as a guide, an amount of AUD12,000 per annum be set aside for living costs. Add an additional 35% per annum for a spouse. Add a further 20% per annum for a first child and a further 15% per annum for each additional child.

Student Achievements

Australian College of Applied Psychology programs prepare students for a broad range of careers in community service, government, corporate organisations, consulting and private practice. They also develop skills that can be applied across a wide variety of professions and industries and produce graduates with a strong sense of professionalism and ethical practice.

A graduate survey conducted in 2002 showed that 94% of graduates successfully achieved their career goals as a result of completing their program at the Australian College of Applied Psychology. The key to their success was field placement.

Alumni Association

The College has more than 1300 graduates who continue to stay in touch through an alumni network and website. This offers valuable, ongoing professional support after a student has completed his or her qualification.