Studying psychology abroad

Studying psychology abroad is a great opportunity for you as an international student, as you will get to undertake a degree at a university of your choice, as well as immerse yourself in a new culture with a diverse range of peers.

Graduating from university as an international student will look great on your CV, as it shows that you can adapt to a new environment, which is a highly desirable skill.

What is psychology?

Psychology as an academic subject is the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes, covering topics such as cognition, emotions, development, and social interactions. 

A psychology degree will allow you to explore how individuals think, feel, and act, helping you to understand both normal and abnormal behaviour.

Studying psychology will provide you with a foundation in research methods, statistics, and theoretical frameworks, enabling you to analyse and interpret human behaviour.

In a bachelor’s program, you typically study foundational areas like developmental, cognitive, and social psychology. Advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate, allow you to specialise in areas like clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or counselling.

Studying at master’s or doctoral level requires you to do deeper research, internships, and practical training, preparing you for a diverse career in mental health, academic research, human resources, or organisational consultancy.

A psychology degree is valuable for you if you are interested in understanding human behaviour, improving mental well-being, or pursuing research.

Why study psychology abroad?

Studying psychology abroad as an international student offers you a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective on human behaviour and mental health.

Different countries often have varied approaches to psychological theory, research, and clinical practice, providing you with a more comprehensive and diverse understanding of the field.

Additionally, studying psychology abroad encourages adaptability, cross-cultural communication, and empathy, all of which will be key skills for you when working as a psychologist.

International degrees often offer access to cutting-edge research and diverse clinical experiences, preparing you for a versatile career in a globalised world.

Finally, earning a degree abroad can expand professional networks and open doors to international career opportunities.

What you will study

In a psychology bachelor’s degree, you will cover topics such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and criminal psychology. You have the opportunity to learn research methods, statistics, and ethics, gaining skills in data analysis and experimental design.

At the master’s level, you can delve deeper, often specialising in areas like clinical psychology, counselling, or neuropsychology. You can conduct advanced research, do an internship or supervised clinical training, and may study therapeutic techniques, advanced statistical methods, and psychological assessment.

Master’s programs emphasise applying psychological theories and research to real-world problems, preparing you for a specialised career or doctoral studies.

Psychology specialisations

Psychology degrees offer specialisations that allow you to focus on areas of interest. Common specialisations include:

• Clinical psychology – focuses on the theory and research behind the behaviour and thoughts of different people
• Counselling – understanding how to help people deal with their everyday mental health, including stress and conflicts
• Forensic psychology – looks at how psychology affects criminal behaviour, and how psychological theory can help with criminal investigations
• Developmental psychology – focuses on how people change mentally, cognitively and emotionally throughout their lives
• Sports psychology – studies how psychological factors can influence athletic performance, exercise and physical activity
• Organisational psychology – looks at how psychology can impact the work lives of people, and how to optimise organisations for that purpose.

If you are interested in subjects allied to psychology, you should also consider:

• Counselling and psychotherapy
• Social work
• Criminology
• Sociology
• Health sciences

Career options

(include accreditation needed to practise)

As a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, you can pursue entry-level roles in human resources, social services, marketing, and mental health support. However, to practise as a licensed psychologist, you normally have to undertake further education.

A master’s degree opens doors to roles such as mental health counsellor, school psychologist, and research assistant, though clinical positions often require additional supervision hours (sometimes this is measured in hours, and sometimes in months) and a licence.

To practise as a psychologist, many countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia, require you to have a doctorate degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and pass a licensing exam. The exam is normally administered by an accreditation body.

Accreditation bodies ensure that your qualifications meet professional standards, meaning that you can safely and legally provide services. Around the world these accreditation bodies include:

• British Psychological Society (BPS) – UK
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)
• Professional Association of German Psychologists (Berufsverband Deutscher Psychologinnen und Psychologen – BDP)
• Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
• National Council of the Order of Psychologists (CNOP) – Italy
• New Zealand Psychologists Board

Other countries will have their own form of accreditation, so it is important that you do your research to understand the requirements you need to meet before you can practise as a psychologist.