Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Psychology

Program outline

This program is specifically designed for students to:

• Describe systematic knowledge of influences on psychological functioning, conceptualization across the core areas of the discipline, and how it interrelates.
• Apply problem-solving, critical, analytical, and scientific research skills to resolve complex applications and unpredictable issues in the areas of psychology.
• Perform a range of psychological and/or physiological measurements as demonstrated in the area of psychology.
• Display sensitiveness, and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal factors in social groups and teams, including working co-operatively, and responsibly in making contributions to team objectives.
• Identify a broad range of information, media, and technology applications for psychological research.
• Demonstrate competence in problem-solving and scientific research skills including generating research questions or hypotheses, devise ways of testing these using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrating leadership in social settings, including communicating an understanding of the role of evidence when making critical judgments about psychological issues and arguments.

Degree level 1

Students will be equipped with the theoretical and conceptual framework of psychology as a discipline. In addition, students will also be exposed to the basic understanding of the context within which the mental health industry practices and applies.

Common modules

• Intercultural Communication
• Trends and Visual Thinking
• Principles of Public Relations

Specialized modules

• Introduction to Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Ethics in Psychology
• Historical Perspectives in Psychology
• Social Psychology

Degree level 2

A broader range of skills will be learned, in which students will be able to describe systematic knowledge of influences on psychological functioning, conceptualization across core areas of the discipline, and how it interrelates. They will be able to apply problem-solving, critical, analytical, and scientific research skills to resolve complex application and unpredictable issues in the areas of psychology as well as demonstrate leadership, professionalism, and ethical behaviors in the field. The students will be nurtured to display sensitiveness and react appropriately to contextual and interpersonal factors in social groups and teams, including working co-operatively, and responsibly in making contributions to team objectives.

Common modules

• Social Media
• Managing Creativity & Innovation

Specialized modules

• Psychological Disorders
• Biological Psychology
• Introduction to Research Methods and Qualitative Analysis
• Personality Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology

Internship (16 weeks)

Students will undertake an Internship/Industrial Training for a minimum period of 16 weeks to prepare them for a smooth transition from the classroom to the working environment in various fields relating to psychology.

Degree level 3

Students will make use of their previous studies and industrial experience to extend their familiarity to specialize in a particular area of psychology and to develop good skills in media and technology applications for psychological research. The students will be able to critically analyze and monitor their own learning as well as turn ideas into the action plan.

A final year project requires them to take hands-on different areas in psychology so as to apply all the expertise and skills acquired from both the classroom and internship settings. The successful completion of the final year project is a testament to the student’s ability to combine psychology knowledge, communication skills, critical thinking, and analytical skills to produce a personal achievement portfolio.

Common modules

• Investigations Module
• Project Module

Specialized modules

• Counselling Principles and Philosophy
• Psychological Testing & Measurement
• Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Conceptual Issues and Critical Debates in Psychology

Elective modules (choose 2)

• Health Psychology OR Cyberpsychology
• Educational Psychology OR Human Factors Psychology

MQA compulsory subjects*

• Ethnic Relations (M’sian Students)
• Islamic & Asian Civilisation (M’sian Students)
• Malaysian Studies (Int’l Students)
• Malay Communication Language (Int’l Students)
• Workplace Professional Communication Skills
• Employee & Employment Trends
• Co-Curriculum

(*All students are required to successfully complete these modules as stipulated by the Malaysian Qualification Agency.)

Career options

• Psychology Research Assistant
• Academic Tutor
• Human Resource Executive
• Talent Management Consultant
• Life Coach
• Corporate Training (Soft Skills)
• Conflict Resolution & Mediation Consultant
• NGO Executive / Manager
• Psychology Lab Manager
• Corporate / Career Consultant
• Customer Relationship Manager
• Headhunter
• Educator (Primary / High school / International)
• Market Research Analyst

Advantage of the APU Psychology Program

The BSc in Psychology program is specifically designed to provide a solid understanding of psychology and its concepts in the contemporary environment for students to be able to articulate what they have learned as human scientists. This three-year undergraduate program will provide a clear apprehension of the human mind, behaviors, and different types of personalities. This program is also a dual degree program offered in partnership with De Montfort University (DMU) and is recognized both locally and internationally.

What is distinctive about this program?

The program is designed to prepare students for a career in the psychology and mental health industry. Students learn about how psychology is evolving through an examination of behaviors and different mental health studies, as well as its impact on society in various areas. The course links both theoretical and practical knowledge that is needed for a graduate to operate effectively in diverse settings.