The Psychology Board of Australia has been asked by Australian Government to provide recommendations for a redesign of the psychology higher education pathway. There is a need to consider a simpler education pathway that removes bottlenecks in the training pipeline to increase the supply of Psychologists to respond to community need.


The focus of the two-year project is to consider the appropriateness and proposed design of a single, shorter, and more practical course of study to qualify as a registered psychologist in Australia, beginning in the undergraduate years. A secondary consideration will relate to the workforce potential of psychology students who do not complete the full training pathway, such as a psychology assistant workforce.


To achieve the project objectives, the work will involve three streams:
1. Understanding the current training context and levers for change
Using data to understand contextual factors and complexities in the current model.
Uncovering blockers and levers for change.
2. Exploring redesign options that support safe and effective professional practice and workforce, and
Reviewing international models of training.
Developing options for redesign that align with Australian accreditation and regulation requirements, as well as industry, workforce and consumer needs.
3. Developing a clear vision for redesign in collaboration with stakeholders.


The presentation will provide an overview of project and progress to date, the policy levers for change, and learnings that are of international interest.