e and meet the entry requirements.
- A-Level: Minimum of 2Es
- STPM: Minimum of 2Cs
- Australian Matriculation: Minimum of ATAR 60
- Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
- Diploma: Minimum CGPA of 2.00
In addition, you will also need a minimum of 3Cs in SPM including Mathematics and Science, and a pass in English.
#3. Studying a Psychology Course in Malaysia
a) What subjects will you study in a psychology course?
As part of your psychology studies, you will learn the fundamental principles of psychology and apply them to solve problems related to the human mind and behaviour.
Here are some of the subjects you will learn:
- Introduction to Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Personality, Motivation & Emotions
- Counselling Psychology
Most universities and colleges will also require you to complete supervised fieldwork in the form of industrial training or an internship. This is where you’ll gain real-world experiences working in NGOs, human resource departments or other corporate organisations.
b) How long does it take to study psychology?
A Diploma in Psychology will usually take 2 – 2.5 years to complete. A Psychology Degree, on the other hand, takes longer with a duration of 3 years.
However, in order to become a psychologist, you will need to obtain at least a master’s in a specialised field of psychology, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology or forensic psychology. This will take approximately 1 – 2 years of full-time study or up to 3 years of part-time study.
c) How much does it cost to study psychology in Malaysia?
The estimated cost to pursue a Degree in Psychology is between RM40,000 – RM120,000.
#4. How to Be a Psychologist in Malaysia
How long does it take to become a psychologist? The road to becoming a qualified psychologist is not as simple as you may think. Read on to discover the qualifications you’ll need to become a psychologist and how long it will take.
Step 1: First, you’ll need to complete a pre-university (e.g. A-Level, STPM) or Foundation course after SPM. This will typically take 1 – 2 years depending on the selected programme.
Alternatively, you can also pursue a Diploma in Psychology which usually takes between 2 – 2.5 years. A diploma qualification will give you the option of either entering the workforce in relevant fields upon graduating or continuing with a Degree in Psychology, starting in Year 2.
Step 2: Subsequently, you can enrol in a Bachelor of Psychology in Malaysia, which usually requires another 3 years of study. Completing this degree will allow you to enter the workforce. However, you are not considered a psychologist.
Step 3: In order to become a qualified psychologist, you’ll need at least a master’s degree in a specialised field of psychology, such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology or counselling psychology. This will take around 1 – 2 years of full-time study.
In summary, it takes at least 5 – 6 years from SPM to become a qualified psychologist.
#5. Should You Study Psychology?
a) Is psychology the right course for you?
If you’re wondering whether you should study psychology, here are some questions to think about:
- Do you enjoy learning about the human mind?
- Do you genuinely care about the welfare of others?
- Do you consider yourself observant and analytical?
- Do you enjoy conducting experiments using scientific methods?
- Are you a good listener?
- Do you like helping people solve their problems?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, studying a Degree in Psychology may be the right choice for you.
b) Skills required to be a psychologist
What does it take to be a psychologist? Here are a few skills you’ll need to master:
- Active listening skills
- Good research skills and reading comprehension
- Good social perceptiveness to recognise why people react the way they do
- Critical thinking skills to solve complex problems
- Good communication skills with the ability to convey information effectively
- Patience to deal 