ep 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 with people of varying personalities
#6. Jobs You Can Get With a Psychology Degree
What are some psychology careers in Malaysia that you can pursue upon graduating? To work as a psychologist, you will need to obtain at least a master’s degree in a specialised field of psychology. After getting your postgraduate qualification in psychology, the following psychology job opportunities will be open to you:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counselling Psychologist
- Industrial & Organisational Psychologist
- Sport & Exercise Psychologist
- Educational Psychologist
As a Psychology Degree holder, you do not necessarily have to pursue a career that is directly related to psychology. Here are some relevant jobs for psychology graduates in Malaysia.
- Business Development Executive
- Career Counsellor
- Human Resources Executive
- Market Research Analyst
- Advertising & Media Executive
- Special Education Therapist
- Social Work Assistant
#7. Best Psychology Universities in Malaysia
If psychology sounds like the right course for you, then check out some of the best psychology universities in Malaysia. Alternatively, compare more universities for psychology here.
BSc (Hons) Psychology
Campus: Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan
Estimated Fees: RM103,280
Scholarships: Up to 35% tuition fee waiver
The curriculum focuses on real-world problems and employment-related settings
Graduates have a strong record of employment in a variety of industries, from counselling and teaching to business and market research
A truly global university with an option to transfer to campuses in the UK and Dubai
Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)
Campus: Subang Jaya, Selangor
Intakes: Jan, May & Aug
Estimated Fees: RM83,400
Scholarships: Up to RM14,700 fee waiver for first year
One of the largest and the most established psychology programmes in Asia with over 1,300 full-time students
Guaranteed transfers to over 30 universities in Australia, UK, US and New Zealand
Opportunities for practical training with over 300 organisations
BA (Hons) Psychology
Campus: Cheras,