How to become a sex therapist
1. Complete a degree in medicine or health
Gaining admission to our range of degrees that include the Psychosexual Therapy pathway in our Postgraduate Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health first requires either a medical degree or a bachelor or postgraduate degree in a health or science-related discipline from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
2. Complete the Postgraduate Program in Psychosexual Therapy
At the University of Sydney, we offer eight postgraduate coursework options that include the Psychosexual Therapy pathway. There are four that require a degree in medicine, and four that require a bachelor or postgraduate degree in a health or science-related discipline.
Our Postgraduate Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health provides four pathways including: HIV and STIs, Psychosexual Therapy/Sexology, Public Health (aspects of Sexual and Reproductive Health) and Reproductive Health and Fertility.
There is also option to choose a no pathway option where you can tailor an individualised course that suits your career goals.
Path for medical graduates
The four postgraduate degrees designed for medical graduates are:
- Graduate Certificate in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Graduate Diploma in Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Master of Medicine (Sexual and Reproductive Health)
- Master of Medicine (Advanced)(Sexual and Reproductive Health)
Path for health or science graduates
The four postgraduate degrees for health or science graduates have been designed for recent graduates in psychology (4th year and above with AHPRA registration), counselling (ACA or PACFA), occupational therapy (AHPRA registration), rehabilitation counselling (ASORC), social work (AASW) and physiotherapists (AHPRA registration) who are interested in pursuing a career in HIV, STIs, Sexual and Reproductive Health counselling and Psychosexual Therapy.
The degrees available are:
3. Learn in a distinctive teaching environment
The Psychosexual Therapy pathway provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum tailored for both Australian and international students interested in building careers in psychosexual therapy, sexual health counselling, and sexology.
Led by esteemed academics and practicing counsellors, this pathway adopts a thorough and multidisciplinary approach to sex therapy, equipping students to effectively address a broad spectrum of issues within this vital field.
Students will pursue this pathway within the Postgraduate Program in Sexual and Reproductive Health, meticulously crafted to deliver maximum professional relevance, flexibility, and choice.
The course structure is adaptable, primarily delivered online with a two-week intensive face-to-face session held on campus.
4. Gain professional accreditation
Graduates who complete one of our eight degrees in Sexual and Reproductive Health with a Psychosexual Therapy pathway meet the sexological requirements for accreditation with the Society of Australian Sexologists.
Added to this, components of the degree count towards formal study requirements for the Advanced Training of the Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
5. Start your new career
Sex therapists have a wide range of career paths available, enabling them to positively influence individuals, couples, and communities by promoting sexual health, nurturing intimacy, and tackling relationship obstacles.
Added to this, obtaining a degree with a specialisation in sex therapy from the University of Sydney, a globally recognised top 20 university (QS World University Rankings 2025), can significantly enhance your career opportunities and prospects.
Graduates who complete the Psychosexual Therapy pathway can be found in a range of clinical practice settings, such as private practice or sex therapy clinics where they provide individual, couple, or group therapy sessions focused on sexual health and relationship issues.
Alternatively, you could choose to work in a hospital or medical centre as part of a multidisciplinary team, often in departments such as reproductive health, urology, or gynaecology.
Other career options include working in mental health and counselling centres providing support to individuals or couples dealing with a wide range of mental health and relationship issues.
There is also the potential to work in academia through further study of either a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This could see you teaching and conducting research in academic institutions, universities, or colleges, focusing on topics related to human sexuality, sex therapy, and relationship counseling.
For those interested in research, our Master of Medicine or Master of Science in Medicine (Advanced)(Sexual and Reproductive Health) provides introductory training on research methods in the field of Psychosexual Therapy.