Studying psychology in Singapore offers international students the chance to explore a fascinating and diverse field in one of Asia’s most dynamic and progressive countries. Singapore is home to several prestigious institutions that offer world-class psychology programs. Whether you’re interested in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, or organizational behavior, Singapore has something to offer. This blog will guide you through the top universities offering psychology degrees in Singapore, helping you make an informed decision on where to study abroad in Singapore.
Why Study Psychology in Singapore?
Singapore is increasingly becoming a hub for higher education and attracts students from around the world, especially those looking to pursue specialized degrees like psychology. There are several reasons why international students prefer studying psychology in Singapore:
- World-Class Education: Singapore’s universities are ranked among the top in Asia and globally, ensuring high-quality education in the field of psychology.
- Diverse Cultural Environment: Studying in Singapore offers the opportunity to interact with a diverse student population, gaining exposure to different perspectives.
- Strong Industry Connections: Singapore’s universities collaborate closely with industries, providing students with opportunities for internships, research, and professional networking.
- Safe and Modern Infrastructure: Singapore is known for its safety, cleanliness, and modern infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for international students.
Top Universities Offering Psychology Degrees in Singapore
1. National University of Singapore (NUS)
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Singapore and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. NUS offers a comprehensive and robust psychology program that prepares students for a wide range of careers in the field.
Program Overview:
- Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Psychology at NUS offers a deep dive into psychological theories and applications. The program is research-driven and includes opportunities for internships and fieldwork.
- Postgraduate Program: NUS offers a Master of Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.) in Psychology, with specializations in areas such as clinical psychology, health psychology, and organizational psychology.
Key Features:
- Strong emphasis on research
- Internship opportunities in leading organizations
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Collaboration with industry professionals
| Degree Program | Duration | Specializations | Entry Requirements |
| Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) | 3 years | Cognitive psychology, social psychology | Minimum A-levels or equivalent |
| Master of Social Sciences (M.Soc.Sc.) | 1-2 years | Clinical, health, organizational psychology | Bachelor’s degree in psychology |
2. Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is another leading university in Singapore, known for its strong focus on research and innovation. NTU’s psychology program combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for careers in clinical, organizational, and health psychology.
Program Overview:
- Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at NTU provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and their applications in real-world scenarios.
- Postgraduate Program: NTU offers a Master of Science in Applied Psychology, designed for students seeking to apply psychological principles in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and business.
Key Features:
- Research opportunities in behavioral science
- Strong focus on applied psychology
- Collaboration with leading institutions and industries
| Degree Program | Duration | Specializations | Entry Requirements |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 3 years | Clinical, educational psychology | Minimum A-levels or equivalent |
| Master of Science in Applied Psychology | 1-2 years | Applied psychology, mental health | Bachelor’s degree in psychology |
3. Singapore Management University (SMU)
Singapore Management University (SMU) is another great choice for students looking to pursue psychology in Singapore. Known for its focus on social sciences, SMU offers a unique approach to psychology, integrating psychological principles with business, management, and organizational studies.
Program Overview:
- Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Psychology at SMU combines a solid academic foundation in psychology with an emphasis on business applications, making it ideal for students interested in organizational psychology or human resources.
- Postgraduate Program: SMU offers a Master of Science in Psychology, focusing on the application of psychological concepts in business and industry settings.
Key Features:
- Focus on psychology and business integration
- Strong industry ties, particularly in organizational and business psychology
- Opportunities for internships and hands-on experience
| Degree Program | Duration | Specializations | Entry Requirements |
| Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) | 3 years | Organizational, business psychology | Minimum A-levels or equivalent |
| Master of Science in Psychology | 1-2 years | Business, organizational psychology | Bachelor’s degree in psychology |
4. James Cook University Singapore (JCUS)
James Cook University Singapore is a branch of the well-known Australian university. JCUS offers a globally recognized psychology program with an international perspective. The university’s smaller size ensures personalized attention for students, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more intimate learning environment.
Program Overview:
- Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Psychological Science at JCUS is designed to give students a thorough grounding in psychology, including cognitive, behavioral, and clinical psychology.
- Postgraduate Program: JCUS offers a Master of Psychology program that provides advanced training in clinical psychology, preparing students for professional practice.
Key Features:
- Small class sizes for personalized learning
- Focus on both theory and practical experience
- Strong support network for international students
| Degree Program | Duration | Specializations | Entry Requirements |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science | 3 years | Cognitive, behavioral psychology | Minimum high school diploma or equivalent |
| Master of Psychology | 1-2 years | Clinical psychology | Bachelor’s degree in psychology |
5. Yale-NUS College
Yale-NUS College is a collaboration between Yale University and the National University of Singapore. The college offers a unique liberal arts education, and psychology is one of the programs that allows students to explore various aspects of human behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective.
Program Overview:
- Undergraduate Program: The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Yale-NUS provides a holistic education in psychology, with courses designed to challenge students’ understanding of the subject. Students have access to world-class professors and research opportunities.
- Graduate Programs: Yale-NUS College collaborates with NUS for graduate-level psychology studies, allowing students to access advanced research and specialized courses.
Key Features:
- A liberal arts approach to psychology
- Strong research-driven curriculum
- Collaboration with top-tier institutions like Yale University
| Degree Program | Duration | Specializations | Entry Requirements |
| Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 4 years | Cognitive, clinical psychology | Minimum A-levels or equivalent |
| Graduate Programs (NUS) | 1-2 years | Clinical, health, organizational psychology | Bachelor’s degree in psychology |
Admission Requirements to Study Psychology in Singapore
Admission to psychology programs in Singapore is competitive, and each university has specific requirements. Below is a general outline of the typical requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate students:
Undergraduate Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications: Most universities require applicants to have completed high school with relevant subjects such as mathematics, biology, or social sciences.
- English Proficiency: International students are typically required to demonstrate proficiency in English through tests such as IELTS (6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100).
- Entrance Exams: Some universities may require additional entrance exams, such as the SAT or specific university-based assessments.
Postgraduate Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A relevant undergraduate degree in psychology or a closely related field is required for entry into a master’s program.
- Experience: Some programs may require applicants to have relevant work experience or research experience in psychology.
- Research Proposal: For research-based programs, a research proposal may be needed as part of the application.
Scholarships to Study Psychology in Singapore
Studying psychology in Singapore can be expensive, but there are several scholarships available for international students. These scholarships help cover tuition fees and living expenses, easing the financial burden of studying abroad.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefits |
| ASEAN Graduate Scholarship | ASEAN students | Full tuition, living allowance |
| Singapore International Graduate Award | Graduate students | Full funding for research |
| NUS Research Scholarship | NUS students, postgraduate research | Full tuition, stipend, travel grant |
Conclusion
Singapore is home to some of the best universities for studying psychology, offering a wide range of degree programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate. Whether you’re interested in clinical psychology, organizational behavior, or health psychology, the opportunities in Singapore are vast. With world-class education, a diverse cultural environment, and strong employment prospects, studying psychology in Singapore is a rewarding experience that can open doors to a global career.
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