Best Psychology Degree Courses in Malaysia at Top Ranked Private Universities

Studying the Psychology Degree Programme at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia

Psychology is both an applied and academic field that studies the human mind and behaviour. Research in psychology seeks to understand and explain how we think, act and feel. Most people know that a large part of work in psychology is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. They apply their knowledge to help people function better. Their work covers a wide range of activities, and their clients include children, adults, couples, families and community organisation. To work in the psychology field in Malaysia, students must possess at least a Masters degree. However, with a degree in psychology, graduates are able to find work in many other fields such as Human Resource Management, Marketing, Education Counsellors, Management, and more.

Find out the education pathway to becoming a Psychologist in Malaysia and which are the top private universities that will best prepare you for this exciting career.

You might also be interested to read:

• Top 3 Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology
• Best Psychology Degree Course in Malaysia at Top Universities
• Best Psychology Degree Courses in Malaysia at Top Ranked Private Universities
• What is Psychology and the Best Universities for Psychology in Malaysia
• Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology
• Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology
• Best Psychology Degree Course in Malaysia at Top Universities

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Studying Psychology at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Psychology is a fascinating journey into understanding and decoding the human mind, offering valuable insights into behaviour, emotions, and the science behind why we do what we do.

Studying psychology opens doors to many different career opportunities. From clinical psychologists providing therapeutic support, to industrial-organisational psychologists shaping workplace dynamics, this course equips you with the understanding and skills to improve all aspects of human life.

Furthermore, Psychology is also transferable to other exciting careers such as marketing, human resources, and healthcare, making it a versatile foundation for personal and professional growth. Whether you choose to pursue counselling, research, or organisational development, a background in psychology gives you valuable insights into human behaviour and the skills to make a positive impact on both individuals and communities.

Obtaining the degree is just the first step to a career as a Psychologist. A top private university will provide you with a contemporary approach to the study of the human mind. You will gain a thorough understanding of human behaviour and learn to apply psychological science to a variety of contemporary and social challenges.

Below are a list of the best private colleges and universities in Malaysia in their various fields, in my opinion.

1. University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM)
2. HELP University
3. Asia Pacific University (APU)
4. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
5. University of Nottingham Malaysia
6. Monash University Malaysia
7. Taylor’s University
8. UCSI University
9. Sunway University
10. UTAR

Education Pathway to Become a Psychologist in Malaysia

There is no regulation in Malaysia for anyone to become a “professional Psychologist” except for Clinical Psychology. The Allied Health Professions Act 2016 (AHPA) has made it illegal for anyone to call themselves a “registered clinical psychologist” unless they are registered and have a practising certificate from the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council.

Many clinical psychologists in Malaysia would also register with the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology. Registration with MSCP means that your training is acknowledged, and that the MSCP would be able to endorse you. At present, clinical psychologists in Malaysia need to abide by the Allied Health Professions Act 2016.

Generally, the minimum to practise as a “Psychologist” in Malaysia is to obtain a Masters degree.

1. 

   Foundation

   • After secondary school, you will need at least a credit in Science and Maths, and a pass in English. With 5 credits, you will enter into a Foundation in Science or Foundation in Arts course for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year degree programme.
2. Degree
   • The degree is where you will study a wide range of areas in Psychology. You do not specialise yet. In the degree you will study a broad cross-section of topics in applied and professional psychology. Your studies will cover aspects related to the theoretical and empirical basis of the current understanding of human psychology.
3. Masters
   • Upon completion, you will then need to pursue a Masters degree for at least 2 years depending on the university. This is the time where you will choose your specialisation such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, counselling psychology, sports psychology, industrial and organisational psychology, etc. After completing the Masters programme, you can register yourself at the relevant body and start work. Alternatively, some may want to pursue their studies and research in the PhD.
4. Professional Registration
   • For clinical psychologists, you will need to register with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council to obtain a practising certificate. Most clinical psychologists in Malaysia would also register with the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology.  This gives you the credibility of a psychologist or a counsellor and allows you to safely practice in Malaysia.
   • For those who want to pursue Counselling as a career, you will need to register with the Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia. This body regulates counsellors that provide counselling services at places such as schools, universities, community centres and corporations.

Studying the Psychology Course

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes- in simpler terms, understanding how people think, feel and behave. In addition, Psychology is a broad field of study, encompassing areas like biopsychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, organizational psychology, health psychology, abnormal psychology, educational psychology, sports psychology, human personality and more. This field is ideal for those interested in understanding, working with and helping people.

Psychology requires a lot of reading and analysis, and considerable research. To succeed in this area, students will need to be committed wholeheartedly which is why passion and interest are essential.

There are many different things you could do with a psychology degree in Malaysia. You will find that, while they are all very different professions, they all have one thing in common: they involve working with people. The psychology programme will equip you with very important skills in dealing with people, decision-making skills, teamwork and managing people.

Duration

Normal duration for the degree is 3 years. Some universities have a professional placement for 1 year making it a 4-year course.

General Entry Requirements for Psychology

Below are the minimum entry requirements as required by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Some universities may have higher requirements.

• STPM
  Passed at least two (2) subjects with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in any two (2) subjects
• A-Level
  Passed at least two (2) subjects with a minimum Grade D in any two (2) subjects
• UEC
  Passed at least five (5) subjects with a minimum Grade B
• ​Matriculation
  A minimum CGPA of 2.0 with credit in Mathematics and a Science subject, and pass English at SPM/O-Level
• Foundation Programme / Diploma
  Passed with a minimum CGPA of 2.00
• ​International Baccalaureate
  Passed with a minimum score of 26/42 from 6 subjects
• South Australian Matriculation (SAM) / South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) / Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) / Tertiary Entrance Examinations (TEE) / Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation (CIMP)
  Passed with a minimum average of 60%
• New South Wales Higher School Certificate (HSC), Australian Year 12 / Northern Tertiary Certificate of Education (NTCE), Australian Year 12 / Western Australia Certificate of Education (WACE), Australian Year 12
  Passed with a minimum average of 60%
• High School Certificate / Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) / Canadian (Grade 12)
  Passed with a minimum average of 60%
• ​Pra-U2 Singapore
  Passed with a minimum CGPA of 2.00
• ​Other qualifications deemed equivalent by Malaysian Qualifications Agency
  *Discretion is given to Head of School to deal with borderline academic requirements.

Important Note:
*All the above qualifications need to be supported with at least credits in (Mathematics and Biology/ Physics/ Chemistry/ General Science/ Applied Science and a pass in English at SPM level).

FOUNDATION LEADING TO PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE

• SPM / O-Level
  Minimum 5 credits including credit in Mathematics and a science subject & Pass English
• UEC
  Minimum 3 credits including credits in Mathematics and a science subject & Pass English

Sample of Psychology Subjects in a Degree Course

• Biopsychology
• Individual Differences
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology)
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Methods
• Social Psychology
• Human Personality
• Biopsychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Counselling Skills
• Conflict Theory and Resolution
• Human Services
• Educational Psychology
• Group Process
• Developmental Disorders
• Psychological Testing
• Industrial / Organisational Psychology
• Counselling Theories and Techniques
• Issues in Contemporary Psychology
• Psychosocial Effects of Substance Abuse
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Cross Cultural Psychology
• Psychology of Eating
• Human Motivation
• Learning Disabilities

Careers for  Psychology Undergraduate Degree Holders in Malaysia

• Business and Public Sectors
  Management, Marketing, Human Resource, Advertising, Public Relations, Consultancy, Training, Media, Financial Advisor
• Description of Careers
• Advertising
  The profession of planning, designing, and writing advertisements
• Advertising Copywriter
  Researches audience and media, write text of advertisements
• Human Resource 
  The personnel employed by a given company, institution, or the like.
• Personnel Administrator 
  Works with employee relations, selection, promotions etc.
• Management
  The skill or practice of controlling, directing or planning something, especially a commercial enterprise or activity.
• Marketing Research Analysts 
  Marketing research analysts are concerned with the potential sales of a product or service. They analyze statistical data on past sales to predict future sales.
• Marketing
  Business the techniques or processes by which a product or service is sold, including assessment of its sales potential and responsibility for its promotion, distribution and development.
• Public Relations
  The department that is responsible for creating a good relationship between an organization, etc and the public, especially with regard to reputation, communication of information
• Consultancy 
  A person or firm that provides consulting advice or services
• Media Buyer
  Researches product and audiences to select most effective media for advertising.
• Newspaper Reporter
  Social science, psychological interest areas.
• Opinion Survey Researcher 
  Does opinion polls and interprets results
• Financial Advisor
  A person who advise the allocation and management of finances and capital through budgeting, investment and etc.
• Public Statistician 
  Collects and interprets data on health and disease and community relations.
• Research Assistant
  Assists in the collection and analysis of data for major investigations. Positions usually available only in large hospitals, businesses, and government.
• Sales Representative 
  Major publishers of psychological books often seek out undergraduates with psychology majors for these positions on college campuses.
• Technical Writer
  Researches and writes material dealing with social science and psychological knowledge for magazines, newspapers and journals.
• Customs Inspector
  Serves at international borders and airports in investigations and inquiries.
• Education Sector 
  Teaching, Kindergartens, School Counseling, Teacher Training

Description of Careers for Psychology Undergraduate Degree Holders in Malaysia

• Educational Psychologists
  Educational psychologists study how people learn, and they design the methods and materials used to educate people of all ages.
• School Psychologist 
  School psychologists help educators and others promote the intellectual, social, and emotion development of children.
• Special Education 
  Educating children with special needs.
• University or College Lecturer 
  Teaching undergraduate students and post graduates students
• Social Work 
  Children’s Work, Special Education, Crisis Counseling, Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• Description of Careers
• Child Psychology 
  The study of the mental states and processes of children
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  Designate processes for bringing about agreement or reconciliation between opponents in a dispute.
• Director of Volunteer Service 
  Responsible for volunteers recruits, supervises, trains, and evaluates volunteers.