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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Course overview

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes in both humans and other species, and it focuses on individuals, groups, organisations and societies. Cognitive Neuroscience is concerned with the study of the brain and its mechanisms which determine those behaviours and mental processes. This programme is relatively more focused on ideas and research methods in Cognitive Neuroscience than the BSc Psychology programme, and it requires students to choose 40 credits of cognitive neuroscience related modules in their final year of the degree. However, both programmes are largely overlapping and aimed at giving you a good grounding in Psychology. Psychology has a broader application in the wider world with regard to individuals and societies alike, as well as clinical and non-clinical (typical) populations.

 

Psychology ranges enormously, for example how does a child with barely any knowledge of the world grow into a communicating, skilled and knowledgeable adult? It looks to the latest societal trends, for example understanding the role of social media for individuals and society or looking at how vulnerable and/or clinical populations like autistic individuals function in the changing world. Psychology is a rigorous science and our students develop skills and confidence in analytical thinking, statistics and the evaluation of scientific evidence. Our students learn to comprehend, conduct and present scientific research along with learning how to be an effective communicator and proficient scientific writer.

Why choose this course?

The University of Nottingham Malaysia’s Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience degree appeals to students for a number of reasons:

  1. Broader applications to real life allows broader career prospects,
  2. High quality degree accredited by the British Psychological Society,
  3. Unparalleled teaching staff, all lecturers have a PhD and are experts in their respective research domains,
  4. Availability of courses, our Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience degree is not offered by any other university in Malaysia,
  5. Programmes provide knowledge and skills in psychology whilst improving professional and soft skills for future employability.

Modules

Core modules

  • Cognitive Psychology 1
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Biological Psychology
  • Social Psychology 1
  • Practical Methods in Psychology 1
  • Research Methods and Analyses 1

Core modules

  • Cognitive Psychology 2
  • Conceptual and Historical Issues in Psychology
  • Neuroscience and Behaviour
  • Personality and Individual Differences
  • Social Psychology 2
  • Developmental Psychology 2
  • Research Methods and Analysis 2A
  • Research Methods and Analysis 2B
  • Practical Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience 2A
  • Practical Methods in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience 2B

Core Modules

  • Research Project

Optional modules

  • Autism
  • Autobiographical Memory
  • Bilingualism
  • Data Visualization with R
  • Documentary Film and Documentary Practice
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Face Perception & Recognition
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Introduction to Counselling
  • Introduction Clinical Psychology
  • Introduction to Psychological Assessments
  • Neuropsychology A
  • Occupational Health Psychology
  • Psychology and Sustainable Society
  • Scientific Computing with MATLAB
  • Selection and Training in Organisations
  • Tourism and the Environment
  • 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).
Gaokao, China 68%
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.
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):

4 points

IB English B (Standard Level):

5 points

OSSD English (ENG3U/ENG4U) (No fast-track route):

75%

  • 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.

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.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Practical classes
  • Field trips
  • Supervision
  • Lab sessions
  • Computer labs

How you will be assessed

  • Coursework
  • Group coursework
  • Examinations
  • Presentation
  • Research project
  • Poster presentation
  • Practical write-ups
  • Essay
  • Dissertation

Applying

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for undergraduate courses.

How to apply

Fees

ResidencyFees
Malaysian studentsRM52,000 per year
International studentsRM58,000 per year

Where you will learn

Malaysia Campus

Semenyih Campus is 48km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and just 45 minutes’ drive from the famous city centre with its iconic Petronas Twin Towers. On arrival, you are immersed in the green jungle backdrop that Malaysia provides with wildlife, sunshine and campus lake.

The campus is home to our business, education, science and engineering schools, which sit alongside a sports centre, library and student accommodation. The University has everything a modern day student could wish for with the added bonus of being located in central Asia allowing you to travel further afield in your free time.

Public transport is plentiful with free shuttle services operating on some routes. Taxi/Grab services in Malaysia are very reasonable and used widely by the student community.

Careers

Many students initially choose our degree programmes to enter a career in Clinical psychology. However, by understanding the broader applications of psychology throughout their course, a range of careers in public and private sectors present opportunities. Graduates undergo careers as researchers or teachers at primary, secondary and tertiary establishments as well as special education institutions around the world. Many of our Alumni have secured scholarships for PhDs straight after graduating, and have become lecturers and researchers at reputed higher education institutions across the globe. Some Alumni have chosen careers in the clinical and counselling sectors, e.g. Clinical Psychologists. Many graduates from Nottingham take the corporate route with institutions such as Google or the BBC in a range of divisions such as media, human resources, data science, marketing and advertising. While some students join professional positions straight after their degree, others choose to pursue further education (e.g. MSc, PhD) before starting their professional career.

The University has an established Careers Advisory Service (CAS) that provides students with essential resources and guidance for career choices offering many opportunities to develop the skills needed to plan and manage your future. Our Careers Advisory Service will work with you to improve and maximise your employability skills as well as providing essential resources and guidance that will assist you with job/course applications. They will facilitate searches for appropriate work experience placements and connect you to a wide range of prospective employers or training opportunities.

Throughout your degree, the school offers a range of workshops and training programmes to help students explore different career pathways. Sessions are offered by our Alumni to share their experiences regarding working in different professions along with employers to provide career coaching. Workshops and clinics target specific employment related skills such as CV writing and employability skills.

As a psychology graduate, you can expect to find work in fields from education, engineering, forensic science and healthcare through to industry and sport. Our graduates go on to careers with job titles such as researchers, teachers, practitioners and counsellors. Those Psychology graduates choosing to further their career in research can expect opportunities in both the public and private sector working for companies such as Google, Facebook and Oculus. Some less typical yet potential options in the corporate sector include careers in human resources, marketing, media and advertising.

This content was last updated on 17 January 2025. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.