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Psychology Courses in Canada

Study a psychology program at a Canadian university or college

A psychology degree enables students to learn why people behave the way they do and how thoughts and emotions impact our lives. Mental health awareness has been increasing among people, particularly after the pandemic, leading to a high demand for professionals who can support people with mental health problems ranging from depression to serious conditions like schizophrenia. Psychology programs cater to diverse interests within psychology, such as clinical psychology, counselling psychology, forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, and more.

Psychology courses in Canada are renowned for providing high-quality education and diverse opportunities in terms of jobs and careers. Canadian institutions have some of the best psychology courses that can be taken up at various levels and help students gain in-depth knowledge of different branches of psychology. Generally, psychology degrees are taught in two variations- one is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, which focuses on liberal arts and education in the subject, and the other is the Bachelor of Science in the subject that deals with the scientific knowledge about psychology.

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Types of Psychology Degrees

Bachelor’s in Psychology

A Bachelor’s in Psychology is a comprehensive educational program designed to give students a deep understanding of the human mind, thought processing, and overall behaviour. Most of these courses provide a solid foundation in the discipline, covering developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods. Students can choose from elective courses to tailor their degree to their specific interests, whether that’s clinical psychology, neuroscience, industrial-organizational psychology, or other subfields.

At some Canadian universities, students have the option to complete an undergraduate thesis, which enables them to dive deeper into a specific area of psychology and develop strong research skills. Psychology courses in Canada also offer practical experience through internships and practicum opportunities in various settings, such as counselling centers and social service agencies.

Course duration: 4 years
Course fees: CAD 18,000-29,000
Entry requirements: Applicants should have completed high school or an equivalent secondary education with a strong emphasis on mathematics, science, and social sciences. English language proficiency is also required to study the subject.

Master’s in Psychology

Master’s in Psychology in the country allows students to dive deeper into the complexities of human behaviour, cognition, and mental processes. These programs offer specialized coursework in various areas of psychology, allowing students to deepen their knowledge and explore advanced topics such as psychopathology, neuropsychology, or cognitive neuroscience. Most master’s degrees require students to complete a thesis or a substantial research project.

At the master’s level, students can specialize in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, or counselling psychology. Many of these courses also involve internship opportunities, enabling students to gain practical experience in clinical settings or research institutions. Students who want to prepare for careers in academia and research are also given professional development opportunities as part of their training.

Course duration: 2 years
Course fees: CAD 8,000-23,000
Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and have a strong academic record. GRE scores and English language proficiency test scores are also needed.

PhD in Psychology

A PhD in psychology in Canada can be pursued by students who aspire to become expert researchers, scholars, and practitioners. These doctoral degrees allow students to engage in advanced coursework, allowing them to further specialize in their chosen area of psychology.

Duration: 4-6 years
Course fees: CAD 7,000-17,000
Entry requirements: Applicants must hold a master’s degree in psychology or a closely related field and have a strong academic record. Some programs may require GRE scores, and all applicants must provide English language proficiency test scores.

Scholarships

The overall costs for pursuing psychology education can be quite high, but international students can significantly alleviate the financial burden by availing scholarships and financial aid options. While the availability and eligibility criteria for scholarships may vary by university and program, the following are some common types of scholarships and funding options for international psychology students in Canada:

University-specific scholarships: Many Canadian universities offer scholarships specifically for international students pursuing psychology degrees, based on a student’s academic merit, research potential, or a combination of factors.
Government scholarships: The Canadian government offers scholarships and fellowships to international students pursuing graduate-level research in psychology and related fields through organizations such as the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
External scholarships: Numerous external organizations in Canada and internationally offer scholarships to international students studying psychology in Canada. Examples include the Fulbright Program, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program, and the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
Professional Associations: Professional associations like the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) may also provide scholarships, grants, or awards for psychology students pursuing research or graduate studies.
Teaching Assistantships and Research Assistantships: Some psychology graduate students can work as teaching assistants or research assistants, which provides a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable research or teaching experience.

Jobs and Careers

A valuable degree in psychology can open doors to several rewarding career opportunities in Canada. Psychology graduates possess valuable skills in understanding human behaviour, critical thinking, research, and communication, making them well-suited for various roles in different sectors. Here are some common jobs and careers that individuals with a psychology degree can pursue in Canada:

Clinical Psychologist
Counselling Psychologist
School Psychologist
Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist
Forensic Psychologist
Health Psychologist
Counsellor
Rehabilitation Counselor
Mental Health Worker
Applied Behavior Analyst

Salary

Salaries after earning a psychology degree in Canada can vary significantly on various factors such as the job role, location, level of education, years of experience, and specialization. On average, psychologists can earn around CAD 78,000 in Canada. Entry-level positions start at around CAD 57,294, while the most experienced professionals can make up to CAD 126,291 annually.

Where can I study Psychology in Canada?

To learn more about the psychology universities in Canada, find details on the top ranking Psychology programs in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 below:

Study Psychology in Canada

If you want to learn more about studying a psychology program in Canada, arrange a free consultation with SI-Canada today.

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FAQ

What are the educational requirements for studying psychology courses in Canada?

The educational requirements depend on the level of education you are seeking. A high school diploma is needed for undergraduate courses, while a bachelor’s degree is required for postgraduate programs. Additionally, English language proficiency is also needed to gain admission.