Bachelors in Psychology Programs in Malaysia: Top 10

Malaysian psychology degrees turn on two things a prospectus rarely puts side by side: the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, which decides whether a programme is recognised at all, and the awarding arrangement, which decides whose name ends up on your certificate. Between them they explain why ten programmes with almost the same title are not the same purchase.

How this list is ordered: Ordered by each university's QS World University Rankings position where it has one, then by research citations recorded by OpenAlex; one programme per university, and universities with neither measure are left out.

When these programmes start
Fall8 35%Spring8 35%September3 13%November2 9%January1 4%March1 4%

Counted from the intake stated on 12 of 16 records. A programme listing more than one intake is counted under each.

1 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 4+0 in collaboration with Southern New Hampshire University, USA

INTI International University

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration4 years
  • StartsFall, Spring
  • Research citations89,203

A psychology degree you study entirely in Malaysia, but the award comes from Southern New Hampshire University in the United States. That is what 4+0 means: four years here, an American certificate at the end.

The course covers cognitive and developmental psychology and the rest of the core subjects.

Jobs graduates go into

  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Community Outreach Coordinator

Full programme details →

2 Bachelor Psychology

International Medical University

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration4 years
  • StartsFall, Spring
  • Research citations338,923

Psychology at International Medical University, a specialist health sciences university. The course covers cognitive, behavioural and developmental psychology, with theory and practice side by side.

Entry asks for secondary education with a good record in science and mathematics, and useful marks in subjects such as biology or social studies. International students need IELTS around 6.5, with no part below 6.0.

Entry requirements, as the university states them

  • Completion of secondary education with a strong focus on sciences and mathematics.
  • Good performance in subjects relevant to psychology, such as social studies or biology.
  • A GPA or equivalent score that meets the program’s standards.
  • An IELTS score generally averaging 6.5 or higher, with no individual band lower than 6.0.
  • A TOEFL score that demonstrates equivalent proficiency.

Full programme details →

3 Bachelor of Science Psychology People Culture

Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration3 years
  • Starts28 September; 24 November
  • Research citations43,519

An honours science degree in psychology at APU, with a specialism in people and culture. It trains you to use research and analysis on workplace and social problems, and teaches psychological measurement.

It starts on 28 September and 24 November. Entry is open through five routes: STPM with two grade C passes, two A-Level passes, five grade Bs at UEC, a foundation programme with CGPA 2.0, or a diploma with CGPA 2.0. All routes need a credit in mathematics and a science.

Entry requirements, as the university states them

  • STPM: 2 Passes in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.0), a Credit in Mathematics and Science/ Chemistry/ Physics/ Biology, and a Pass in English at SPM Level or its equivalent.
  • A-Level: 2 Passes in A-Level in any 2 subjects, a Credit in Mathematics and Science/ Chemistry/ Physics/ Biology, and a Pass in English at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or its equivalent.
  • UEC: 5 Grade B’s in UEC with a Credit in Mathematics and Science/ Chemistry/ Physics/ Biology, and a Pass in English at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or its equivalent.
  • Matriculation/ Foundation: Passed Foundation programme (minimum CGPA of 2.0) with a Credit in Mathematics and Science/ Chemistry/ Physics/ Biology, and a Pass in English at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or its equivalent.
  • Diploma: A Diploma and its equivalent with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and a Credit in Mathematics and Science/Chemistry/Physics/Biology, and a Pass in English at SPM/O-Level/IGCSE or its equivalent.

Full programme details →

4 Bachelor in Psychology

University Tun Abdul Razak

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • StartsMarch, July and November
  • Research citations42,937

An honours psychology degree at University Tun Abdul Razak. You study developmental, abnormal, social and cognitive psychology, with core modules in social science alongside.

Intakes are March, July and November, so there are three starting points each year. Graduates work in human resource development and in healthcare facility administration.

Jobs graduates go into

  • Human Resource Development Personnel
  • Health Care Facility Administrator

Full programme details →

5 Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology

Perdana University

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • DurationFull Time: 3 Years; Part Time: 5 Years
  • StartsJanuary, June, September
  • Research citations34,655

An honours science degree in psychology at Perdana University. Modules include psychology as a science, social psychology, cognitive psychology and biological psychology, with research methods throughout.

You can take it full time in three years or part time in five. Intakes are January, June and September. Entry routes include STPM with grade C in two subjects, a foundation certificate with CGPA 2.00, or an MQF Level 4 diploma. All routes need credits in mathematics and a science.

Entry requirements, as the university states them

  • STPM: A pass in STPM with a minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) in any two subjects.
  • OR Matriculation/Foundation: A Certificate in Matriculation or Foundation with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.
  • OR Diploma: A Diploma (Level 4, MQF) in any field with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.
  • OR Other Qualifications: Other relevant equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government.
  • Additional Requirements: All qualifications must be supported by credits in Mathematics and Biology, Physics, Chemistry, General Science or Applied Science, with a pass in English at SPM level.

Full programme details →

6 Bachelor of Industrial Psychology Hons

Universiti Industri Selangor

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration3 Years
  • Research citations34,578

Industrial psychology at Universiti Industri Selangor. This is psychology applied to the workplace rather than general psychology, built on core psychological principles with research and communication skills on top.

It suits students who want psychology for business rather than for clinical work.

Jobs graduates go into

  • Industrial and Organisational Psychologist
  • Employee Relations Specialist

Full programme details →

7 Bachelor of Psychology with Honours

Open University Malaysia

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration4 years
  • StartsFall, Spring
  • Research citations12,998

An honours psychology degree from Open University Malaysia. The course covers psychological theory and practice across developmental and other main areas of the subject.

It is listed as four years, on campus and full time, with autumn and spring entry. The university is built around flexible study, so it is worth speaking to them about part-time and distance options.

Jobs graduates go into

  • Human Resources Specialist

Full programme details →

8 BSc Psychology with Professional Placement

University of Reading Malaysia

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • DurationStandard duration: 4 years, including 1
  • StartsApril, September
  • Research citations9,810

A psychology degree at the Malaysian campus of the University of Reading, a British university. The study follows British Psychological Society expectations and covers cognition, neuroscience, development, perception and research methods.

Modules include The Person and the Brain, Learning about Learning, and Debates in Mental Health. The standard length is four years and includes a professional placement year. Intakes are April and September.

Also named for this programme

  • Hospitals and mental health services
  • Schools and special needs centres
  • Human resources and talent development
  • Marketing, sales, and consumer insights
  • Market research and consultancy

Full programme details →

9 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

City University Malaysia

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration4 years
  • StartsFall, Spring
  • Research citations8,415

An honours psychology degree at City University Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur. It covers cognitive, developmental, social and clinical psychology, mixing theory with practical skills.

Entry accepts A-Levels, the IB diploma, STPM or equivalent, with relevant school subjects. English requirements are usually IELTS 6.0 or higher, or TOEFL around 550 on paper or 80 on the internet-based test.

Entry requirements, as the university states them

  • Completion of secondary education with relevant subjects (e.g., Psychology, Science, Mathematics)
  • Possession of recognized qualifications (e.g., A-Levels, IB Diploma, STPM, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated proficiency in subjects related to psychology or social sciences may be preferred
  • IELTS: Typically an overall score of 6.0 or higher (with minimum sub-scores may apply)
  • TOEFL: A score of approximately 550 (paper-based) or 80 (internet-based) may be expected

Full programme details →

10 Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

Raffles University

  • DeliveryOn campus
  • Study modeFull time
  • Duration4 years
  • StartsFall, Spring
  • Research citations1,827

An honours psychology degree at Raffles University. It starts with the fundamentals and then moves into applied areas such as human resource management and marketing, so it leans towards business rather than clinical work.

Entry needs a credit in mathematics and in biology, physics, chemistry or general science at SPM level. English can be shown with TOEFL Essentials at 7.5 or Cambridge English and Linguaskill at 154.

Entry requirements, as the university states them

  • (a) Additional Requirement: At least CREDIT in Mathematics AND Biology/ Physics/ Chemistry/ General Science/ Applied Science AND a PASS in English at SPM level
  • TOEFL Essentials (Online): 7.5
  • Cambridge English / Linguaskill: 154

Full programme details →

Questions Malaysian and international applicants ask

How do I check that a programme is accredited?

On the Malaysian Qualifications Register, by programme rather than by institution, and checking whether the accreditation is full or provisional. Accreditation is not recorded in this list. If the degree is awarded by a foreign partner, check both the Malaysian listing and the standing of the awarding university in its own country.

Is a 4+0 degree awarded by a foreign university better than a Malaysian one?

It depends entirely on where you will use it. A foreign award studied in Malaysia can help with postgraduate applications abroad and costs less than studying overseas. A Malaysian award recognised on the national register is the cleaner option for working or continuing study in Malaysia.

Can I become a registered counsellor with a psychology degree?

Not with a general psychology degree. Counselling in Malaysia is a regulated profession with its own statutory board, and registration requires a recognised counselling qualification. If counselling is your goal, look for a counselling programme the board recognises rather than a psychology degree with counselling modules.

What subjects do I need from school?

Across these records the recurring condition is a credit in mathematics and in a science subject — biology, physics, chemistry, general science or applied science — plus a pass in English, with the overall grade requirement set separately for STPM, A-Level, UEC, matriculation, foundation and diploma entrants. The subject credits trip up more applicants than the grades do.

Can I continue to a master's in clinical psychology afterwards?

An honours degree is the normal entry qualification for postgraduate clinical training, which is where clinical psychology is actually taught, and places are limited. Departments look at your research methods and statistics performance and at your final-year project, so treat those as the part of the degree that matters most if this is the plan.