Study Psychology Course in Malaysia

Why Study Psychology in Malaysia?

Psychology, a branch of Humanities and Social Sciences. Studying psychology in Malaysia comes with unique benefits that make it a top choice for both local and international students.

Here’s why Malaysia could be the perfect place to kick-start your psychology career.

1. Affordable, High-Quality Education

Malaysia offers world-class psychology courses without the hefty price tag. Students here enjoy access to well-rounded programs that focus on both theory and practical skills, making psychology education both accessible and valuable.

2. Top-Rated Universities

Malaysia is home to some of the top-rated universities in Asia offering psychology programs that are recognized worldwide. These universities provide quality education and modern facilities, helping students build a strong foundation in psychology.

3. Expanding Job Market for Psychology Graduates

With the rise in mental health awareness, Malaysia has a growing demand for psychology professionals. Graduates can pursue diverse career paths in counseling, HR, healthcare, and social services, offering real potential for impactful work.

4. Broad Range of Specializations

Psychology programs in Malaysia cover various specializations, including clinical, industrial-organizational, and educational psychology. This flexibility allows students to align their studies with their career goals and interests.

Top 12 Universities for Psychology in Malaysia 2024

If you're looking to study psychology in Malaysia, here’s a list of top universities for psychology programs, known for quality faculty, research opportunities, and industry exposure. These institutions offer various psychology courses.

What are the entry requirements for Psychology programme in Malaysia?

Here are the key entry requirements for psychology programs in Malaysia.

The list below serves as a general guideline and does not generalise the entry requirement of universities as a whole:

How much is the tuition fee to study Psychology courses in Malaysia?

The estimated tuition fees per year for Psychology courses can be seen here:

What is the duration of psychology courses in Malaysia?

The duration of studies will depend on the level of studies and chosen universities. 

Diploma: 2.5 years

Bachelor’s Degree: 3 - 4 years

Master’s Degree: 2 - 3 years

Doctoral Degree: 3 - 8 years

What are the Psychology programmes offered in Malaysia?

You might be wondering, what are the psychology pathways offered, and which university is best for psychology in Malaysia? 

Don't worry, we've got a list of Malaysia's institutions that provide psychology programs at different levels of academic programs.

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Information (APU)

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology

Monash University Malaysia

• Bachelor of Psychological Science
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)
• Bachelor of Psychological and Business
• Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)

Management & Science University (MSU)

• Bachelor in Psychology (Honours)
• Bachelor in Marketing with Psychology (Hons)

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Psychology with Management
• MSc Business Psychology

Sunway University

• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• MSc in Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Biology with Psychology

University of Nottingham (Malaysia)

• BSc (Hons) Psychology
• BSc (Hons) Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience
• MPhil/PhD Psychology

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR)

• Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) Psychology
• Master of Psychology (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Taylor's University

• Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
• Master of Clinical Psychology

UCSI University

• BA (Hons) Psychology
• Master of Clinical Psychology
• Master of Child Psychology

Which subjects will you study in psychology courses in Malaysia?

Each college and university in Malaysia presents different subjects, yet there are basic courses you should prioritize. This is particularly significant if your goal is to become a licensed psychologist. Your coursework may emphasize scientific research or applied psychology, and the subjects you encounter will depend on your chosen specialization.

Here's a glimpse of the psychology subjects you will learn at Asia Pacific University (APU): 

Year 1

Common Modules:

• Intercultural Communication
• Trends and Visual Thinking
• Core Concepts in Communication Theories 

Specialised Modules:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Ethics in Psychology
• Historical Perspectives in Psychology
• Social Psychology

Year 2

Common Modules:

• Social Media
• Political Communication

Specialised Modules:

• Psychological Disorders
• Biological Psychology
• Introduction to Research Methods and Qualitative Analysis
• Personality Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology

Year 3

Common Modules:

• Investigations Module
• Project Module

Specialised Modules:

• Counselling Principles and Philosophy
• Psychological Testing & Measurement
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Conceptual Issues and Critical Debates in Psychology

Elective Modules (Choose 2):

• Health Psychology OR Cyberpsychology
• Educational Psychology OR Human Factors Psychology

MQA Compulsory Subjects*

• Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisation (Malaysian students) 
• Malay Communication Language (International students)
• Philosophy and Current Issues 
• Workplace Professional Skills 
• Integrity and Anti-Corruption
• Co-curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.)

Internship (16 weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment in various fields relating to psychology.

What are the major fields in Psychology?

For those of you who are new to the psychology fields, there are several major categories that you should know, such as:

1. Clinical Psychology

This treatment-oriented branch of psychology deals with scientific ways of handling psychological problems. Also known as psychotherapy or counselling psychology, it focuses on the understanding, cure and prevention of psychological issues by psycho-therapeutic treatments.

2. Cognitive Psychology

This branch deals with mental processes, such as thoughts, memory and problem-solving. It involves the perception and problem-solving capabilites of the brain.

3. Social Psychology

Focused on the psychological aspects of individuals within a community environment, social psychology explores characteristics such as interdependence, adaptation, diplomacy, empowerment, social justice, and more. 

4. Forensic Psychology

A forensic psychologist applies psychology to law enforcement, such as the examination of witnesses and the treatment of criminals.

Also known as legal psychology, this branch of psychology involves a thorough understanding of the law, unlike cognitive and clinical psychology.

5. Industrial Psychology

This branch of psychology addresses practical problems in the workplace through the application of psychological principles.

Industrial psychologists/Organisational psychologists are employed by companies to administer tests that measure employee aptitudes or skills in hiring and placement programmes.

6. Health Psychology

This role observes how behaviour, biology and social context influence illness and health. Health psychologists generally work alongside other medical professionals in clinical settings.

7. Experimental Psychology

Experimental psychologists work to understand the underlying causes of behaviour by studying humans and animals. They work mainly in a laboratory environment to investigate the evolutionary significance of different behaviours.

8. Developmental Psychology

Developmental psychology attempts to explain the development of humans over time, both in the micro sense (development from babies to mature adults), and macro sense (evolution of culture throughout the years).

Career Opportunities with a Psychology Degree in Malaysia

FAQ

1. Which university is best for psychology in Malaysia?

The best university for psychology in Malaysia depends on factors such as course offerings, faculty expertise, and your specific career goals. Top-rated universities like Monash University Malaysia and HELP University are renowned for their psychology programs, offering strong research opportunities and internship placements. Public universities like University of Malaya (UM) are also highly respected for their comprehensive psychology courses and global recognition.

2. Are there scholarships available for psychology courses in Malaysia?

Yes, many universities in Malaysia offer scholarships for psychology students, including merit-based, need-based, and specific program scholarships. Popular options include scholarships from universities like Monash University Malaysia, HELP University, and INTI International University.

It's recommended to check each university’s official website for detailed eligibility criteria and application deadlines for psychology scholarships.

3. What are the subjects that I must take to get into a Psychology course?

You don’t need all science subjects to meet the entry requirement of a Psychology course in Malaysia. Most universities, however, prefer at least one subject out of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. Other preferred subjects include sociology, anthropology, economics, philosophy, and literature.

4. What level of education must I possess to be a psychologist?

Completion of studies up to a Doctoral degree is a must if you want to practise as a psychologist. This includes counselling, forensic, industrial and school psychologist.

The final step to become a psychologist is obtaining a licence to practise. You must have a licence regardless of whether you're opening your own clinic or practising in a hospital/clinic.

5. How long does it take to be a Therapist/ Licensed Psychologist?

While there are several types of therapists, psychologists and counselors, the path to each profession is similar.

Most of the time, becoming a therapist will take at least around 7-15 years following graduation from high school. 

• 3-4 years of undergraduate studies 
• 7-10 years of postgraduate studies

Formal education is followed by supervised clinical hours of direct experience before you can receive your licence as a therapist. This means that once you have a bachelor’s degree, it is a matter of 4-10 years before you can be a full-fledged therapist.

6. What is the difference between a Psychologist and Psychiatrist?

Simply put, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication, but psychologists can't.

Most psychologists are specialists in clinical psychology and have a Master's in Clinical Psychology. They help the mentally ill cope with their day to day problems of living in a society that doesn’t quite understand their needs. 

Psychiatrists work directly with patients to provide a variety of treatments, including hospitalisation and direct counselling. They work closely with neurologists, surgeons and other medical practitioners to bridge the connection between the mind and body.

Wrap Up

In a nutshell, studying psychology in Malaysia offers fantastic opportunities with reputable programs and diverse career paths. With scholarships for psychology courses available, pursuing your passion is more accessible than ever!

If you’re excited to explore your options or have questions about psychology in Malaysia, our advisors are ready to help.

Talk to our advisor for personalized guidance on your journey to a rewarding psychology degree!