Course overview
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology at the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM) provides a dynamic understanding of human thought, emotion, and behaviour. This three-year, full-time programme equips students with essential skills in research, analysis, and application, fostering a deep comprehension of psychology’s core principles. Ranked 62nd globally for Psychology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024), UNM excels in delivering impactful psychological research and teaching excellence.
In the first two years, students engage in foundational modules such as cognitive psychology, individual differences, and developmental psychology. In the final year, students tailor their learning with specialised optional modules and a capstone research experience, allowing them to investigate topics of their choice in depth.
With a curriculum aligned to international standards, this programme prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including mental health, human resources, education, and research. Students benefit from expert-led teaching, practical workshops, and access to advanced facilities, ensuring they are ready to make a meaningful impact in the rapidly evolving field of psychology.
Why choose this course?
- Quality Assured Education: Earn a degree accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS), ensuring rigorous curriculum standards and excellence in the field.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Build a strong foundation in core areas like cognitive psychology, individual differences, and developmental psychology, with opportunities to explore specialist topics such as neuropsychology, clinical psychology, and forensic psychology.
- Research Excellence: Undertake projects guided by expert academics, developing critical thinking and research skills essential for professional success.
- Versatile Career Pathways: Gain transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, and data analysis, opening doors to careers in mental health, education, human resources, user experience, and more.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Benefit from access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment, including eye-tracking, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and electroencephalogram (EEG) technology.
- Supportive Learning Environment: Experience student-centred learning in a collaborative and encouraging academic setting.
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Cognitive Psychology 1
- Developmental Psychology
- Biological Psychology
- Social Psychology 1
- Practical Methods in Psychology 1
- Research Methods and Analysis 1
Optional modules from other programmes
- Understanding Learners and Learning
- Introduction to Applied Psychology
- People, Work and Organisation
- Culture and Society
- Reading Film and Television
Year 2
Core modules
- Cognitive Psychology 2
- Developmental Psychology 2
- Neuroscience and Behaviour
- Social Psychology 2
- Practical Methods in Psychology 2
- Research Methods and Analysis 2
- Personality and Individual Differences
- Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
Year 3
Core module
- Research Project
Optional modules
- Autism
- Autobiographical Memory
- Bilingualism
- Data Visualisation with R
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Face Perception and Recognition
- Introduction to Clinical Psychology
- Introduction to Forensic Psychology
- Introduction to Psychological Assessments
- Neuropsychology
- Psychology and Sustainable Society
- Scientific Computing with MATLAB
Optional modules from other programmes
- Human Computer Interaction
- Introduction to Counselling
- Occupational Health Psychology
- Selection and Training in Organisations
- Wildlife Behaviour
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
| A Level | BCC in either arts or science subjects, excluding Critical Thinking and General Studies. Psychology A Level is not required. |
| IB Diploma | 24 points overall. |
| STPM | BC+C+, excluding Pengajian Am. |
| UEC | 3 B3s and 2 B4s (excluding Bahasa Malaysia and Chinese Language). |
| Australian Year 12 | ATAR 78, with consideration for relevant subjects. |
| Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) | 75% average across 6 subjects.
Canadian Secondary School Diplomas from other provinces are acceptable and will be assessed based on the University’s requirements. |
| Gaokao (NCEE) and Senior High School Diploma (China) | 68% average in the Gaokao, and a minimum of 70% overall in the Senior High School Diploma, including 80% in Mathematics and at least 70% in one of the science subjects.
Gaokao scores are converted from 750 to a percentage scale. |
| Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE) / Indian School Certificate (CISCE) – Class XII | 75% average from the best 4 subjects, excluding the local language, Environmental Education, general studies subjects, and Physical Education. |
| Advance Placement (AP) | 4, 3, 3 in relevant subjects. |
| Diploma – Local Institutions | Entry to Year 2 is assessed on a case-by-case basis, typically requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or higher, along with good grades in relevant subjects. |
| Foundation – Local Institutions | Acceptance is at the School’s discretion and requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 and good grades in relevant subjects. |
| Nottingham’s Foundation Programme | Successful completion is required with an overall minimum average of 50%. |
In addition to the entry requirements listed above, applicants must have a grade B in Mathematics and at least a credit in a science subject at SPM, GCSE, IGCSE, High School Diploma, or an equivalent qualification. This requirement may be waived if applicants have achieved similar or equivalent grades at a higher level.
This list is not exhaustive, and we accept a wide range of qualifications. Eligibility will be fully determined upon the submission of a completed application.
IELTS (Academic): |
6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element) |
TOEFL (iBT): |
90 (minimum 19 in Writing and Listening, 20 in Reading and 22 in Speaking) |
PTE (Academic): |
71 (with no less than 65 in each element) |
GCE A Level English Language or English Literature: |
Grade C |
GCE AS Level English Language or English Literature: |
Grade C |
SPM: |
CEFR level B2 |
GCSE O-Level: |
Grade C / 4 |
IGCSE (first language): |
Grade C / 4 |
IGCSE (second language): |
Grade B / 6 |
MUET: |
Band 4.5 |
UEC: |
Grade A2 |
IB English A1 or A2 (Standard or Higher Level): |
4 points |
IB English B (Higher Level):Â |
4 points |
IB English B (Standard Level): |
5 points |
OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) (No fast-track route):Â |
75% |
CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X: |
75% overall (confirmation of English as the medium of instruction required) |
- IELTS (Academic), TOEFL iBT, and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted.
- IELTS Academic Online, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
- MUET results are valid for five years from the release date.
- OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants have completed all 30 credits from standard OSSD courses, not through credit exemptions. Fast-track routes are not accepted.
- CBSE/CISCE Class XII or Class X English with the required grades will only be accepted if applicants provide a confirmation letter stating that English was the medium of instruction throughout schooling from Class X to Class XII.
Foundation progression options
The Nottingham’s Foundation Programme is a 1-year pre-university course that prepares students for direct progression to UNM’s undergraduate degrees. It builds a strong academic foundation while enhancing language, critical thinking, and study skills. Students can also explore elective modules tailored to their chosen degree pathway.
