Study Diploma in Psychology in Malaysia

What is a Diploma in Psychology?

A Diploma in Psychology is a pre-university program designed to help you understand human behaviour, thoughts and experiences. 

This comprehensive program covers a range of topics in psychology, including basic theories, practical skills, and research methods, giving you a strong foundation in the field.

You will also explore related subjects to develop essential interpersonal and analytical skills, which are beneficial for your future career in psychology or other fields such as counselling, human resources, or education. 

This diploma provides an excellent opportunity to prepare you for further studies in psychology or to enter the workforce in various roles where understanding human behaviour is essential.
 

What are the entry requirements for this program?

Here are some of the entry requirements you need to meet before pursuing a diploma in psychology in Malaysia:

• SPM: Pass with a minimum of 3 credits including Mathematics and Science
• O-Level: Pass with a minimum of 3 credits including Mathematics and Science
• STPM: Pass with a minimum of grade C (CGPA 2.0) and passed Mathematics and Science at the SPM level
• UEC: Pass with with a minimum of grade B in 3 subjects, including a pass in Mathematics and Science
• English requirements (for international students): Minimum IELTS score of 4.0 or TOEFL of 30 - 31 (or equivalent)
• And other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian government.

What is the tuition fee for this program?

Malaysia is one of the countries that offers affordable psychology programs. However, the average fees for a Diploma in Psychology course in Malaysia may vary according to the institutions.

Usually, the tuition fees range from RM15,000 to RM40,000 (USD 3,188 to USD 8,501).
 

What is the duration of a Diploma in Psychology in Malaysia?

The duration of a Diploma in Psychology program typically between 2 to 2.5 years.

What will you study in this program?

During a Diploma in Psychology program in Malaysia, you will encounter subjects designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field. While specific courses may vary slightly between institutions, the following are common subjects typically included in the curriculum:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Child Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Personality Psychology
• English 
• Industrial Training

However, some colleges in Malaysia, such as UCSI College, offer additional subjects to further improve your interpersonal skills. These subjects include:

• Basic Practices of Marketing
• Business Communication
• Fundamentals of Management

By covering these diverse topics, Diploma in Psychology programs in Malaysia provide you with a solid foundation in psychology and prepare you for further academic pursuits or entry-level positions in fields such as counselling, social work, human resources, and education.

Where can you study for a Diploma in Psychology in Malaysia?

Here are some of the colleges and universities in Malaysia that offer a diploma in psychology:

1. University of Cyberjaya (UoC)

2. Lincoln University College

3. UNITAR International University

4. SEGi College

5. Erican College

6. UCSI College 

What skills do you need to pursue this course?

Studying for a Diploma in Psychology in Malaysia requires you to have good academic skills, personal qualities, and practical abilities to handle the different parts of the field. Here are essential skills that can enhance your experience and success in pursuing a diploma in psychology:

1. Critical thinking

Critical thinking is a necessary skill for students pursuing a diploma in psychology. As a psychology student, you are expected to analyse information, evaluate evidence, and develop logical arguments. This skill helps you navigate through the complexities of psychological theories and research findings.

You will encounter various concepts and research findings that require critical appraisal and interpretation. By honing your critical thinking skills, you can better understand the underlying principles of psychology and make informed decisions in your academic and professional endeavours.

2. Communication skills

In the field of psychology, you need to use communication skills when interacting with clients in therapeutic settings. 

Here, you should use empathetic language to address the issues faced by these clients. Along with communication skills, you should also practice active listening, where you assess their problems and identify the issues they are facing. 

By practicing active listening, you can identify the problems clients are experiencing and offer solutions based on their current situation. This also helps clients feel like their problems are being heard and they can trust you as their counselor or therapist.

3. Empathy and emotional intelligence

This point is closely related to the one mentioned earlier. As a student preparing to study psychology, another important consideration is to develop empathy and emotional intelligence.

In psychology, empathy and emotional intelligence go hand in hand. This means recognizing and managing your own emotions, as well as understanding the feelings of others. 

This field requires you to deal with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, so having strong empathy and emotional intelligence will enable you to provide better support and guidance to your clients.

4. Ethical awareness and professionalism

As a student in psychology, you need to practice ethical awareness and professionalism throughout your studies. Ethical considerations are important in all areas of psychology, from research to keeping client information private and managing boundaries. High ethical standards are crucial for maintaining the profession's integrity and trust.

Practising professionalism is equally important in the field of psychology. It involves conducting yourself in a manner that reflects competence, respect, and accountability. 

5. Cultural competence and diversity awareness

Since psychology is also about the diversity of populations with varying cultural backgrounds, identities, and experiences, as a psychology student, you are expected to understand cultural competence and diversity awareness. 

By developing cultural competence, you'll learn to appreciate and respect these differences, allowing you to interact sensitively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Plus, understanding cultural diversity is also important for conducting ethical and effective research, as it helps you avoid biases and ensures that your findings are applicable to a wide range of people. 

What should you know before learning psychology?

Before you start studying in the field of psychology, there are several key considerations and insights aspiring students should be aware of. Here are some important points to ponder:

1. Understanding the scope of psychology

Before you start studying  psychology, it is important for you to understand the wide scope of the discipline. It covers a range of subfields, each focusing on different aspects of human behaviour and mental processes. 

From clinical psychology, which deals with diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, to developmental psychology, which explores how people grow and change over time, there are many areas to explore.

Learning these diverse areas can help you identify your interests and begin to shape your career aspirations within the field.

2. Self-reflection and personal growth

When considering pursuing your study in psychology, it is crucial to note that the field is not just about learning facts and theories. As you explore more concepts related to human behaviour, cognition, and emotions, you will often find yourself reflecting on your own thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. 

The process of self-reflection is a key aspect of studying psychology and can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. Embracing self-reflection allows you to deepen your understanding of yourself and others.

3. Diverse career pathways 

When you start studying psychology, you might wonder about the types of jobs and work environments that would suit you best. Even though there are many career opportunities in this field, such as mental health services, education, human resources, social services, and research, it's important to gather information about each job opportunity.

You also need to understand your job responsibilities, including your duties to clients, maintaining client and company confidentiality, and more.

Before you graduate from your diploma course, it's a good idea to get information about the field of psychology from your lecturer. Lecturers and universities often have connections with potential employers, which can help you develop the skills that are in demand and increase your chances of finding a job after graduation.

4. Realistic expectations

If you are already interested in studying psychology, you need to have realistic expectations about what lies ahead. While psychology can be fascinating, it also comes with its challenges, for instance, coursework, rigorous academic standards, and practical experiences that require dedication and perseverance.

Moreover, studying psychology also requires careful consideration. During your industrial training, you may find yourself engaged in counselling work. This means you’ll need to be considerate and thoughtful when communicating your views to clients. 

While the field of psychology holds immense potential for growth and learning, it's important to approach it with both enthusiasm and a realistic understanding of the obstacles you may encounter along the way.

By considering these insights and reflections before diving into the study of psychology, you can approach your educational journey with clarity, purpose, and readiness to engage in the fascinating exploration of the human mind and behaviour.