From the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, Princeton University to Harvard University. These universities and colleges are not only among the best psychology schools in the world, but they are also the best in almost all the programs they offer.
Becoming a psychologist is a rewarding career, and you need to study in one of the best universities and colleges in the world if you want to make a good career in psychology. However, if you are on the edge of a career decision and do not have an iota of assurance that psychology is a good option or want nothing but the best education in psychology, This article will guide you and you will discover all you need to know.
Psychology is a study that seeks to understand the imbalance in human behaviour and activities by virtue of emotions. Many prospective students believe that it’s a profession that’s not worth it because you’re not holding a hammer or working with high machinery. In this guide, we brought you a guide based on facts on the best schools in the world to have you trained in psychology.
Most schools in this list are high elite schools but we have also included more to help you. However, know that each school has their own admission requirements and acceptance rate. When you go through this list, follow the link we provided to the university’s website for information on eligibility.
What is Psychology?
You can agree with me that before you clicked on this link you must have known a thing or two about psychology. But on the other hand, if you do not have any meaning attached to that term, this section will enlighten you.
What is Psychology? Simply put, psychology is the science of the mind and behaviour. It refers to the study of the mental or behavioural characteristics of an individual or group in relation to a particular field of knowledge or activity.
This social science course teaches students to learn about emotions, what motivates people and how people interact with each other. Psychology is a professional course with a bright job outlook. That’s why it’s ideal to go to any of the best colleges or Universities for psychology in the world.
Where do I Work as a Psychologist?
A degree in psychology can earn you a favourable spot in many fields.
Most psychology graduates study further to become professional psychologists.
Others can lead to a career in;
- Childcare
- Social work
- Legal profession.
- Health facilities
- Schools
- Government parastatals
15 Best Schools for Psychology in the World
Basically, there are over 700+ Colleges and Universities in the world offering psychology.
This assertion makes it quite a task to consider which is best to go for. Therefore, following the ranking of 568 best universities for psychology degrees made by Times Higher Education, we have come up with a list of 15 best schools for psychology programs in the world.
However, note that many schools come at a cost and have their peculiar requirements for admission.
Below, is a list of the best colleges, schools and universities for psychology in the world.
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#1. University of Cambridge
Location: United Kingdom
A psychology program at the University of Cambridge is an extensive program. Students focus on learning in cognitive, social, developmental and biological psychology. At Cambridge, students conduct laboratory research and work as sophomores. This supplements the theory coursework and seminar learning.
#2. Stanford University
Location: United States
Stanford University’s Psychology program promises to take students through a learning process that involves research and teaching methods that are relevant in the 21st century The good news is that Stanford University offers both psychology undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, graduate psychology programs are more research.
Furthermore, students work in five different research groups such as science, neuroscience, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and social psychology. Also, students carry out research in areas such as addictive behaviours, psychopathology and risk, and stereotyping.
Also Read: Definition Of Motivation In Psychology
#3. Princeton University
Location: United States
Princeton University is one of the best universities for psychology studies in the world. And just so you know how elite a psychology program is at Princeton, Princeton has produced six Distinguished Contributions awards from the American Psychological Association, 1 Nobel prizewinner and three William James Fellow Awards from the Association for Psychological Science.
Besides that, they have openings for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The psychology department shares a close affiliation with the Princeton Neuroscience Institute. Here students research neuroscience and psychological function.
#4. Harvard University
Location: United States
Harvard is an elite school known to be one of the best Universities for pre-med, engineering, and computer science undergraduate programs and many other academic programs. And for the record, psychology is one of the most popular studied courses at Harvard University.
Peculiar to Harvard psychology programs is the opportunity for undergraduates to choose to study in one of three study tracks:
- General track (offers the greatest flexibility)
- Cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology track
- The cognitive science track.
On the other hand, the graduate programme covers four major research themes:
- Cognition, brain, and behaviours
- Developmental psychology
- Social psychology
- Clinical science.
#5. University of California, Berkeley
Location: United States
If you’re going to choose to study psychology at the University of California, keep in mind you will focus on research. The research is in areas such as development, cognition, social-personality and cognitive neuroscience. And yes, psychology programs are open to undergraduates and postgraduate students.
However, keep in mind that the University of California allows you to focus on areas you find most interesting.
#6. UCL
Location: United Kingdom
UCL is an elite university with life-changing research and a progressive approach to academics. According to a report by Wikipedia, the psychology program at UCL is offered by the UCL Division of Psychology and Language Sciences in the Faculty of Brain Sciences. Psychology students study in specific areas such as neuroanatomy, psychopathology, neuroimaging, and developmental psychology.
Little wonder it is listed as one of the best universities
Also Read: Top 10 Marketable Careers in the World in 2024
#7. The University of Chicago
Location: United States
A psychology program at the University of Chicago is an interesting yet extensive program. Students’ focus on learning is gender psychology, family relationships, influences, personality and group social behaviour. At the University of Chicago, students conduct laboratory research during their sophomore year. This supplements theory and seminar learning.
#8. Yale University
Location: United States
Yale University is a private research university known as one of the best universities for psychology in the world. As an Ivy League school, Yale admits only the best students for psychology and other programs. Psychology programs at Yale require students’ full-time participation.
Some of the major focuses of the Yale University psychology programs include cognitive psychology, language, family relationships, personality and group social behaviour.
#9. University of Pennsylvania
Location: United States
The Department of Psychology at Upenn is the oldest of all psychology departments in the whole of North America. Here’s another private Ivy League research-intensive university for a psychology degree: UPenn. Since its inception in 1740, UPenn has fulfilled its long-term goal of creating a school to educate and produce outstanding future generations.
One of the ways to achieve that is the offer of quality education. So, if you choose to get a psychology degree at UPenn, you can be sure of effective training.
#10. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Location: United States
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Extension is one of the top-rated public universities in the United States. Besides its #23 ranking in QS Global World Rankings in 2022, it’s also one of the best schools for psychology in the world. Peculiar to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor is the freedom to choose an online class method or come over to Ann Arbor.
Students who study psychology here carry out in areas such as psychopathology and risk, addictive behaviours and stereotyping.
#11. University of California, Los Angeles
Location: United States
Choosing to study psychology at the University of California Los Angeles will favour graduate students more. Although it’s open to undergraduates and postgraduate students. Its research-oriented curriculum focuses on cognition, social personality, development and cognitive neuroscience.
#12. King’s College London
Location: United Kingdom
The Department of Psychology at King’s College is one of the best colleges to get a degree in the world. Also, it’s easier to learn because of the close ties with other departments such as law, biology, medicine and business. In addition, research work is carried out on psychopathology and risk, addictive behaviours, and stereotyping.
#13. University of British Columbia
Location: Canada
The University of British Columbia is an internationally recognized institution known for excellence in teaching and research. In addition to that, the University of British Columbia has a place in the records for global impact. This school of psychology will favour students who are in the A+ grade.
However, the application is open to Canadian residents and international students.
#14. New York University
Location: United States
Of the five prominent courses studied at NYU, psychology is the 4th. New York University is a reputable school with a maximum of five QS stars. They have an interest in research and innovation. Hence the reason why it’s considered one of the best colleges for psychology making many schools. NYU is a good option to study psychology both for postgraduate and undergraduates.
However, graduate programs focus on cognitive neuroscience, systems neuroscience, perception and cognition.
#15. Northwestern University
Location: United States
Last but not least on our list of best colleges or schools for a psychology degree in the world is Northwestern University.
As students progress in their psychology degree program, they have the opportunity to specialise further.
They can choose to specialize in areas such as cognitive psychology, neurotransmitters, psychopathology or developmental psychology.
Other best schools for psychology programs in the world
Of course, the list above is the top 15 colleges and universities for a psychology degree. Because they are majorly elite schools, many do not make it to the list.
Does that mean you should abandon your dream of being a psychologist?
Absolutely, not.
Here are other more affordable psychology schools in the world;
- Columbia University, United States
- University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
- The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- University of Toronto, Canada
- Cornell University, United States
- Duke University, United States
- Carnegie Mellon University, United States
- University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States
- The University of Melbourne, Australia
- University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign, United States
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Schools for Psychology in 2024
The FAQs will help you better understand this topic and provide more information on some of the points should bear in mind concerning this topic.
What is the best psychology school in the world?
The best psychology school in the world is the University of Cambridge.
It has the No. 1 spot following a series of analyses and considerations.
What Country has the Highest Number of Colleges for Psychology in the World?
Our list of best universities for psychology spans various countries—however, the country with the highest number of top-rated psychology schools is the USA.
Over a quarter of the best universities, that’s about 157 universities and colleges of psychology in the world are in the US. Following that is the UK with 78 universities. Then Australia, Germany and Canada.
What do I study to become a Psychologist?
To become a psychologist, you will have to get a degree in psychology. First, you have to study for a Bachelor in Psychology in any of the best colleges in the world. Up next is a postgraduate degree and then a PhD degree.
Which Country Is Cheapest to Study Psychology?
Although most top-rated psychology schools are in the United States, the cheapest country to get a psychology degree is Norway. Norway’s standard of living is affordable for both residents and international students.
Which Psychologist Earns The Most Money?
Psychology has different specializations, but the best-paying psychology career is in Psychiatry.
On average, psychiatrists earn $245,673, according to the BLS.
Which Psychology Degree Is Best?
Depending on how far you want to go, any psychology degree can be quite beneficial, earning you lots of money. However, a master’s degree in psychology is best. But a PhD is better. Some you can go for include; a Master’s in Clinical Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology, a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, PhD in Psychology, and a PsyD in Psychology.
Is Oxford Good For Psychology?
Yes, Oxford is good for psychology. It is the leading psychology department in the UK.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Psychology Degree?
Psychology programmes for undergraduates take 4 years. A doctorate can be extended to 6 years.
Conclusion
Studying the intricacies of the human experience is the epicentre of psychology. At the end of a psychology program, students will learn about emotions, and how to navigate and apply it in any field of expertise.
Based on our survey we have outlined the best colleges and universities for a psychology program in the world. Up next is to visit the school’s website for clarity and requirements for application.
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