Top 10 Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology

Find Out Which are the Best Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology

With mental health and well-being now seen as a critical public health area, psychology is of growing importance with increased demand for trained psychologists now spanning health, sports, business, and education sectors. With a Psychology degree, you will gain essential knowledge and skills required for further study to practise as a registered psychologist.

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, according to the American Psychological Association. Psychology is a multifaceted discipline and includes many sub-fields of study such areas as human development, sports, health, clinical, social behavior and cognitive processes.

Psychology is the science of behaviour and the mind. It uses a variety of scientific methods to explore key areas, including: the influence that our biology has on behaviour; the ways in which we develop from early infancy to adulthood; the ways in which we perceive, think, solve problems and make decisions; and the way we interact with each other. All of these approaches enable theories to be developed and tested within psychology.

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. Malaysian students interested in pursuing a career in psychology can choose from some of the best private universities to study the degree course.

You might also be interested to read:

• Best Psychology Degree Course in Malaysia at Top Universities
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• Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology
• Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology
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Studying Psychology at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Studying Psychology as a major within a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science is a good option if you are generally interested in the field of Psychology, but don’t necessarily want to become a professional practicing psychologist. A BA or a BSc in Psychology allows students to study other subjects alongside Psychology and would be three years in length.

The first step to becoming a Psychologist is to pursue an undergraduate degree at a top university in Malaysia. Many students do not know that to work in the Psychology field, you will need to get at least a Masters degree. Secondly, you do not specialised in your degree. You will study general psychology subjects in your Bachelor’s degree and then only choose your specialisation for your Masters. After that, you can continue on to PhD. if you want.

A 3-year Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) degree programme in Malaysia prepares students with the essential knowledge and skills in psychology. The degree programme covers a wide range of subjects including biology, physiology, sociology and philosophy, preparing students for a wide range of career options. You cannot call yourself a Psychologist with a Bachelors degree. One can only use that title with a Masters or PhD qualification.

When choosing a university to study psychology, students should keep in mind that the subjects and specialisations are not the same at every university. Therefore, you should look at the subjects for each university to compare to see which one fits your academic and career goals. In this article, you can compare the subjects between 4 top private universities in Malaysia offering the bachelors degree in psychology.

Which are the Top Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Psychology?

Explore the psychology degree programmes with leading Malaysian private universities. Help people understand their thinking, navigate their feelings and choices in a way that changes lives for the better. Specialise in a variety of areas including clinical, organisational or educational psychology or upskill in human resources, research, user experience or social welfare. Each private university will have their own focus or specialisation or research expertise, so do enquire to see which one fits your career goals.

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

What is the 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.

What will I study in a Psychology Degree at a Private University in Malaysia?

Below are a sample of some of the degree subjects that you will take in a Psychology degree programme at a private university in Malaysia.

• Introduction to Psychology 1 (Biopsychology, Individual Differences, Cognitive Psychology)
• Introduction to Psychology 2 (Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Abnormal Psychology)
• Psychology of Personal and Academic Development
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• Advanced Qualitative Methods
• Social Psychology
• Human Personality
• Biopsychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Learning and Cognition
• Ethics in Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Counselling Skills
• Conflict Theory and Resolution
• Human Services
• Educational Psychology
• Group Process
• Exceptional Children: Developmental Disorders
• Introduction to Psychological Testing
• Career Development & Planning
• Introduction to Industrial / Organisational Psychology
• Counselling Theories and Techniques
• Issues in Contemporary Psychology
• Psychosocial Effects of Substance Abuse
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Cross Cultural Psychology
• Youth Work and Services
• Psychology of Eating
• Human Motivation
• Learning Disabilities
• Psychology of Film
• Human Personality
• Learning & Motivation
• Biological Psychology
• Brain & Behaviour
• Family Psychology
• Psychology of Intimate Relationships
• Qualitative Methods
• Theories of Psychotherapy
• Cross-Cultural Psychology

What are the Entry Requirements for Psychology?

• Foundation in Arts/ Foundation in Science with minimum CGPA 2.00 or 2.50
• 2 STPM Grade C/ ‘A’ Level passes and 3 SPM/ ‘O’ Level credits
• 5 Bs in Senior Middle 3 (UEC)
• Overall CPU pass with a minimum average of 50%
• Overall SAM/ TEE pass with a university aggregate of 50%
• Equivalent qualification

What are the Career Opportunities for Psychology Graduates in Malaysia?

Career opportunities occur in these and other specialties in community, government, schools and commercial organisations, and wherever counselling, psychological assessment and treatment are required. One can also find work in advertising, human resources or social work.

Graduates with Master or PhD degrees can find work as:

• Clinical Psychologist
• Child Psychologist
• Counsellor
• Crisis Counsellor
• Educational Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Academic Lecturer & Researcher
• Industrial Psychologist
• Sports Psychologist
• Ergonomist

Graduates with bachelor’s degrees can find work as:

• Human Resource Management
• Management Executive
• Market Research Analyst
• Marketing Executive
• Advertising Consultant
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation Consultant
• Customer Relationship Management
• Public Relations Manager
• Political Strategist
• Life Coach
• Corporate Training and Consulting
• Social Worker
• Youth Worker
• Family Worker
• Newspaper Reporter
• Occupational Health Consultant
• Opinion Survey Researcher
• Academic Tutor
• Public Statistician
• Religious Worker
• Research Assistant