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Study psychology abroad

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Find your perfect psychology programs abroad

Find psychology programs you love that match your needs & aspirations, where you stand a high chance of acceptance.

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Psychology degrees abroad

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and how it influences our behavior. It helps us better understand what makes us tick, and is one of the most popular university subjects to study at home and abroad.

Choosing to study psychology abroad can open up a huge number of opportunities, and there are plenty of great psychology degree programs available all over the world for international students to choose from.

You can study psychology at undergraduate, graduate and doctorate levels, and in most cases you will need to study at graduate level in order to become a qualified psychologist.

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Psychology program structure

Most psychology degrees are made up of lectures, seminars and tutorials. Some programs also offer a year work placement which let you apply the theory you’ve learned in a working environment. This hands-on experience can help you when it comes to choosing your future career and is a good addition to your CV.

Exactly what you study, and the depth of detail will depend on the degree level you are studying.

The course structure and scope of studying psychology abroad will also vary depending on the country and university you’re studying in. However, common themes and modules you’ll see in a psychology program curriculum include:

  • Foundations of psychology

    This will include a focus on the four main areas of psychology

  • Research methods

    These will cover the quantitative and qualitative research methods you’ll need in order to complete your research project.

  • Conceptual and historical issues

    This covers how psychology theory has changed over time and what factors will affect its development in the future.

  • Individual differences

    This looks at why people have different personalities, how we can measure intelligence and how we treat mental disorders. This is often linked to social psychology.

  • Optional modules

    Depending on the university, you can usually choose some of the modules you study so you can specialize in an area you enjoy. These could include things like forensic psychology, neuropsychiatry or addiction.

  • Research project

    Most psychology degrees will include a year-long research project in the final year of your studies. This will make up a significant part of your final assessment.

Types of psychology degrees

Psychology is a broad topic, and a psychology degree will aim to give you an understanding of all the areas of the subject.

However, there are many options and concentrations you can choose from that offer a more focussed curriculum in a specific area. Some common psychology subdisciplines you could study include:

  • Clinical psychology
  • Counseling psychology
  • Experiment psychology
  • Abnormal psychology
  • Criminal psychology
  • Applied psychology
  • Child psychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Educational psychology
  • Forensic psychology
  • Social psychology
  • Sport psychology

It’s worth exploring one of these programs if there’s an area of psychology you’re most interested in. Psychology can often be studied as a joint degree in combination with another subject, like sociology, education, business or mathematics.

Why study psychology abroad

Successfully completing a psychology degree will not only give you great career prospects, but it will also enhance your understanding of the people and world around you. Psychology is the perfect subject for those with an inquisitive mind, and a passion for helping people.

Choosing to study psychology abroad opens you up the opportunity of studying a much wider range of programs, and will give your studies an international perspective that can give you an edge in your future career.

Where to study psychology abroad

An important factor to remember when deciding where to study psychology is where you want to work after graduating. It will be easier to work as a practicing psychologist in the country you are studying in, provided you can get the correct work visa because you will be accredited in that country.

For example, in the UK, your degree will need to be accredited by the BPS (British Psychological Society) to practice. However, you can still work in the UK if your undergraduate and postgraduate education took place abroad, but you will need to contact the BPS and meet certain criteria and potentially do some additional studies.

Consider how long you want to study before you start work. If you want to practice as a psychologist in the US or UK, you’ll need a doctorate, however, in some countries you only need a master’s degree. This means studying and working in these countries would offer a much shorter pathway to your chosen career.

Best countries to study psychology

Europe is regarded as the birthplace of psychology, so many of the best courses are located here.

The UK offers some of the most highly ranked psychology programs in the world, as does the Netherlands. Germany also boasts a number of well respected psychology courses and has the added allure of meaning you’ll be studying in the country where the discipline was born.

The US is at the forefront of modern psychology theory and is home to many of the subject’s top-ranked programs. It’s also a great location if you want to stay and work after graduating, with many psychology related career opportunities available.

Best universities to study psychology

The best university for you to study psychology will offer a program that matches your interests and ambitions and be in a country you want to live in for at least three years.

Take a close look at the program curriculum in detail, and think about what the course offers. Ask yourself questions like:

  • Do I want to study a degree that includes work placement or internship?
  • Do I want a course that offers more practical learning?
  • How long do I want to study?

There are a large number of universities that offer psychology degrees, so take your time to make the right decision. It’s also important to think about what the university offers outside of the classroom.

See all universities offering psychology programs

Psychology study abroad programs

Psychology degrees abroad are offered at several different levels. At undergraduate level you can study a bachelor’s as a BA or BSc. There may be slight differences between the two, for example a BSc may have a stronger focus on scientific study and research, but generally, the curriculums are the same. They usually take three or four years to complete depending on the country you are studying in.

As a graduate, you can study for a master’s as an MA, MS or MSci. An MSci is offered as a four year undergraduate program with an integrated master’s level qualification. Studying a separate master’s after your undergraduate degree will usually take between one and two years.

You can also study for a PhD in psychology, and it’s often necessary to do this if you want to practice as a psychologist. These programs will be largely research based, and can take two or three years to complete.

Psychology undergraduate programs

Bachelor's in psychology

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    Psychology - BA Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    18,580 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 30,092 NZD

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Psychology
  • false

    International Business Administration: Business Psychology - BA SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    42 months
    Annual tuition fee
    10,196 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 9,450 EUR

    Start date
    April, October
    Show program overview about B.A. International Business Administration - Business Psychology (Berlin)
  • false

    Psychology - BSc Campbellsville University, USA

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    25,600 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 25,600 USD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about B.A./B.S. Psychology
  • false

    Psychology with Counselling - BSc (Hons) (with foundation) Bournemouth University, UK

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    20,487 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,250 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about BSc (Hons) Psychology with Counselling (with Foundation Year option)
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    Psychology - BSc Maynooth University, Ireland

    Program type
    Bachelor's
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,566 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,500 EUR

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Bsc Psychology

Associate in psychology

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    Psychology - AA Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    16,523 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 22,415 CAD

    Start date
    May, September, January
    Show program overview about Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - AAS-T Big Bend Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    29,789 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 29,789 USD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about GENERIC AA&S-DTA TRANSFER DEGREE PSYCHOLOGY
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    Human Services: Psychology - AASc Lake Land College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    13,900 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,900 USD

    Start date
    June, August, January
    Show program overview about Human Services: Psychology
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    Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology - ASc Mohawk Valley Community College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    7,743 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 7,743 USD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology
  • false

    Psychology - AA Cuesta College, USA

    Program type
    Associate
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    12,288 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 12,288 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Psychology

Diploma in psychology

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    General Arts and Science: Psychology and Sociology - Dip Lethbridge College, Canada
    • Blended learning

    Program type
    Undergraduate diploma
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    9,885 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,410 CAD

    Start date
    May, September, January
    Show program overview about General Arts and Science: Psychology and Sociology

Certificate in psychology

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    Business Psychology - Cert HE University of Essex, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    8,163 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 6,475 GBP

    Start date
    March, May, July, September, January
    Show program overview about CertHE Business Psychology
  • false

    Human Psychology - Cert Bishop's University, Canada

    Program type
    Undergraduate certificate
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,907 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 27,006 CAD

    Start date
    September, January
    Show program overview about Human Psychology

Pathway in psychology

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    Psychology (International Year One) - UGP University of Essex, UK

    Program type
    Undergraduate pathway
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    27,030 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 21,440 GBP

    Start date
    May, September, January
    Show program overview about Psychology, International Year One

Psychology graduate programs

Master's in psychology

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    Addiction Counseling in Psychology - MCounsPsy Colorado State University, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    32,058 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,058 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Addiction Counseling in Psychology (M.A.C.P.) - Natural Sciences, On-Campus"
  • false

    Experimental Psychology - MSc University of West Alabama, USA

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,494 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,494 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Experimental Psychology
  • false

    Applied Social and Political Psychology - MSc Keele University, UK

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    23,702 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,800 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Applied Social and Political Psychology
  • false

    Applied Social Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology - MA University of Windsor, Canada

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    13,740 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 18,640 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Applied Social Psychology: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • false

    Arts (Thesis): Child and Family Psychology - MA (Thesis) University of Canterbury, New Zealand

    Program type
    Master's
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    19,758 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 32,000 NZD

    Start date
    February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, January
    Show program overview about Arts (Thesis): Child and Family Psychology

Doctorate in psychology

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    Applied Experimental Psychology - PhD Central Michigan University, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    14,040 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,040 USD

    Start date
    August, January
    Show program overview about Applied Experimental Psychology
  • false

    Behaviour Psychology - PhD Abertay University, UK

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    17,335 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 13,750 GBP

    Start date
    June, October, February
    Show program overview about Behaviour Psychology
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    Counseling: School Psychology - EdS Murray State University, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    3 years
    Annual tuition fee
    11,800 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 11,800 USD

    Start date
    April, August, January
    Show program overview about Counseling: School Psychology
  • false

    Counselling Psychology - PhD University of Lethbridge, Canada

    Program type
    Doctorate
    Duration
    4 years
    Annual tuition fee
    10,473 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 14,208 CAD

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Counselling Psychology (PhD)
  • false

    Psychology: School Psychology - EdS/MA Middle Tennessee State University, USA

    Program type
    Doctorate/Master's
    Duration
    2 years
    Annual tuition fee
    26,172 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 26,172 USD

    Start date
    August
    Show program overview about Psychology: School Psychology

Diploma in psychology

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    Counselling Psychology - PGDip Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    23,464 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 38,002 NZD

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Counselling Psychology
  • false

    Occupational Psychology - MSc/PGDip University of the West of England - UWE Bristol, UK

    Program type
    Master's/Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    1 year
    Annual tuition fee
    20,172 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 16,000 GBP

    Start date
    September
    Show program overview about Occupational Psychology
  • false

    Health Psychology - PGDip Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    9 months
    Annual tuition fee
    23,198 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 37,571 NZD

    Start date
    July, February
    Show program overview about Health Psychology
  • false

    Mental Health Psychology - PGDip University of Liverpool, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    20 months
    Annual tuition fee
    13,502 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 10,710 GBP

    Start date
    May, October, January
    Show program overview about Mental Health Psychology PGDip
  • false

    Organisational Psychology - PGDip University of Essex, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate diploma
    Duration
    16 months
    Annual tuition fee
    10,445 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 8,285 GBP

    Start date
    April, July, October, January
    Show program overview about PG Dip Organisational Psychology

Certificate in psychology

  • false

    Psychology - PGCert University of Essex, UK
    • Online
    • Part-time

    Program type
    Postgraduate certificate
    Duration
    8 months
    Annual tuition fee
    5,223 USD

    Fee in university's local currency 4,143 GBP

    Start date
    April, July, October, January
    Show program overview about PG Cert Psychology

Entry requirements to study psychology abroad

The specific entry requirements for each psychology course will depend on the country and university you’re applying to, however there are some requirements you’ll always need to meet:

  • Completion of secondary education in your home country
  • A clear interest in, and passion for, psychology
  • Satisfactory English language proficiency test scores
  • A bachelor’s degree, usually in psychology or a related field, to study at postgraduate level

Check the requirements for your chosen program carefully before you apply, to see what grades you’ll need. The application process will also be unique to the country, university and program you’re applying to, but you can see the general study abroad application requirements here.

Future psychology careers

One of the most attractive things about a degree in psychology is that it opens you up to a huge number of potential new careers - it’s not just for practicing psychologists.

It can give you loads of transferable skills that most employers value, so you’ll have plenty of options after graduation.

Here are some of the most common careers that psychology graduates go into:

  • Psychologist (you can also specialize in a specific area, e.g. clinical, educational, forensic psychology etc.)
  • Counseling
  • Advice work (e.g. careers adviser)
  • Police officer
  • Marketing
  • Human resources
  • Probation officer

Remember that to become a practicing psychologist you will usually need at least a master’s degree, and often a doctorate. However, a bachelor’s degree in psychology is still a valuable asset that many employers look at favorably.