• Charles Sturt University postgraduate psychology courses ranked first and sixth for student choice according to University Admissions Centre data for NSW and ACT
• The data considered postgraduate course preferences of approximately 6,000 applicants
• Charles Sturt ranked above major universities, including  The University of Sydney UNSW Sydney

Charles Sturt University’s postgraduate psychology courses have earned two top-10 ‘most popular’ rankings in the latest Universities Admissions Centre data for NSW and the ACT.

The Master of Clinical Psychology at Charles Sturt topped the list as the most popular postgraduate course for 2024, while the University’s Master of Professional Psychology (with Specialisation) ranked sixth.

The data included postgraduate course preferences of approximately 6,000 applicants, placing Charles Sturt ahead of other major universities, including The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney and Macquarie University

Course Director in the Charles Sturt University School of Psychology and clinical psychologist Associate Professor Gene Hodgins said the interest was testament to the flexible study options available and the value students receive from studying with the University.

“Our students are guided toward successful careers from day one at Charles Sturt University, being taught both the scientific and practical skills needed to become exceptional psychologists who can make a difference in society,” Professor Hodgins said.

“It comes as no surprise, then, that students are jumping on our postgraduate opportunities to further their education as much as they can through a course and a university which makes a real difference.”

With cost-of-living pressures continuing to bite, the flexibility of study at Charles Sturt has also stood the University in good stead when it comes to attracting interest.

Professor Hodgins said all psychology postgraduate courses at Charles Sturt could be completed entirely online, making the course very attractive to rural and regional students as well as mature aged students juggling family and work with their study.

“This means students aren’t required to move or travel, which can cut costs significantly,” he said.

“The cost of further education is one people consider heavily before signing up for a course, so they have to know they will get benefits which lead to real career progression to make it worthwhile, and this is exactly what they get at Charles Sturt.”

There is also a growing interest in graduate diplomas or certificates, which can be looked at as ‘stackable’, alongside other short courses to form the basis of a higher degree.

“These sorts of study options make it flexible for all demographics, such as working parents, mature-aged students and anyone with busy lifestyles,” Professor Hodgins said.

To find out more about postgraduate study options at Charles Sturt University, visit the website here.

ENDS