In early 2020, to coincide with the start of the university year, the APS trialled a new approach to improve our awareness within psychology student cohorts. Working with members of the APS Division of Psychological Research, Education and Training (DPRET) holding academic positions at APAC-accredited institutions, the APS sought opportunities to engage with psychology students, both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, to promote the work of the APS and the professional benefits of membership.

New marketing materials were developed showcasing the tangible and intangible benefits of APS membership and reinforcing the message that APS membership can help students enter the profession as well-prepared as possible. Over 30 campuses took part in the initiative, conducting presentations and distributing materials. From mid-February through to the end of financial year 1,105 students joined the APS compared with 992 for the same period the previous year, an increase of over 11%.

Students also made an important contribution to the success of APS conferences, with over 20 students volunteering and ensuring that all attendees were well supported.

Feedback from student members, 2019-2020

“I found the website extremely helpful with my studies and I believe though utilising different information on the website, it helped me achieved an incredibly high score in my unit on Ethics” – Sharla

“I primarily joined to access documents for assignments but have found the membership more beneficial than I expected” – Rocco

“The resources have been especially helpful for university assignments” – Andrew

Academic qualification assessments for migration

The APS continued to be the national authority for the assessment of academic qualifications in psychology for migration, university entry into Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) courses and assessments of skilled employment history.

Highlights:

• 542 assessments of psychology qualifications were completed
• 188 for migration to Australia under the skilled migration categories of psychologist
• 343 for entry into an APAC course
• 11 for skilled employment history purposes